Guess what people? This Sunday marked the last week of the regular NFL season. With that the playoffs are now finalized and the predictions can begin! On the AFC side we have an intriguing matchup in the Chiefs vs. Ravens game and a rematch of last year’s AFC championship game in the Jets vs. Colts game. Here’s my breakdown and predictions for the two games:

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

Colts Offense vs. Jets Defense

In a way I could have written the same post in this section without finding out if the Colts were playing the Ravens or the Jets. Because Rex Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets, both teams play a similar style of defense. The personnel might be different but the schemes are the same. That’s good news if you’re a Colts fan because Manning has been able to pick apart these defenses with inhuman precision in the past. Despite this it’s still going to be an intriguing matchup and there are still a few questions whose answers will likely decide the game. Will Manning still be able to operate with so many weapons missing? We know he can beat teams like the Jaguars, Raiders, and Titans but can he keep in form against a defense like the Jets with so many key people missing? Will Rex Ryan change things on defense? Let’s face it unless you constantly mix things up against the Colts, Manning will find the mismatches and burn your defense. The answers to these questions will decide the game but for now I’m giving the advantage to the Colts.

Jets Offense vs. Colts Defense

This is a tough matchup to predict, especially because the winner of this matchup will most likely win the game. For all the talk about Mark Sanchez and the Jets passing game, their running game is where their real strength lies and so it comes down to the same factor that the Colts Defense always seems to face: If the Colts stop the run they’ll likely win the game, if they don’t they won’t. Simple as that. That’s not to say that the Jets passing game is not dangerous, it’s just that they’re ranked 22nd in the league while the Colts are ranked 13th in pass defense. Most of this is because of the pressure that ProBowlers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis bring on the outside that forces opposing quarterbacks into hurrying their throws and making mistakes. If they can rattle Mark Sanchez the Colts should be able to effectively shut down the Jets’ inconsistent passing attack. With a matchup this close, I’ll call it a tie. Either team could pull this one out. I am saying that whoever wins this matchup wins the game.

My Prediction: I say the Colts win this in a nailbiter. Final score: 27-24

Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Baltimore Offense vs. Kansas City Defense

Does anyone know a player on the Kansas City Defense? I honestly had to go look at their roster before breaking down this matchup! This matchup is more a matter of both teams making sure they play solid consistent ball. The Chiefs feature a solid but average defense, they’re ranked 14th in the NFL. The Ravens offense on the other hand is ranked 22nd. They have a good running game led by Ray Rice, but their passing game has been a disappointment. Don’t count them out though, they can still make a big play in the air. In this matchup I give the advantage to the Ravens, but just slightly. While they statistically have a worse offense than the Chiefs’ defense, I think their experience in the playoffs will allow them to win this matchup.

Kansas City Offense vs. Baltimore Defense

This matchup is the one that everyone will want to see. The Chiefs have the #1 rushing attack in the league, led by Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles. Their passing game is their big weakness, they have one of the worst passing games in the league. However, like the Ravens, you can’t count these guys out. They still have Pro Bowl receiver Dwayne Bowe in addition to receiver Chris Chambers and the inconsistent yet capable Matt Cassel. Facing this offense will be a defense that needs no introduction, the Baltimore Ravens usually have one of, if not the, best defenses in the league. With four Pro Bowlers, including Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed, the Ravens defense is always a tough matchup. Surprisingly they matchup with the Chiefs in an alarming fashion: Their defense is the 5th best run defense while being one of the worst pass defenses in the league. This matchup will be close and will be interesting to watch. I think that despite the Chiefs excellent offense, the Ravens D will end up winning this matchup.

My Prediction: This is a hard prediction for me but I think the Ravens end up winning this game. Final Score: 21-17