NFL playoff capsules

AFC Championship

Jets (11-7) at Colts (15-2)

When: 2 p.m. Sunday

The line: Colts by 71/2

Last meeting: Four weeks ago, the Jets won 29-15 at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. But the Colts, holding a slim lead, rested many starters, including QB Peyton Manning. The Jets outrushed the Colts 202-64 in that game, led by 105 yards from ex-Bear Thomas Jones.

Matchup to watch: The obvious matchup is Jets shut-down CB Darrelle Revis against Colts WR Reggie Wayne. But also keep an eye on Jets SS Jim Leonhard, who will be matched up against TE Dallas Clark (100 catches, 1,106 yards, 10 TDs). Revis may help at times, but Leonhard figures to be primarily responsible for containing Clark.

By the numbers: Colts QB Peyton Manning is 8-8 in postseason play. ... It's been two months (eight games) since the Jets' defense allowed more than 15 points. ... Jets are 7-3 on the road, both straight up and against the spread. ... Colts are 8-1 at home. ... The Jets' offense is No. 1 in rushing yards but No. 31 in passing yards. ... The Colts' offense is No. 2 in passing yards and No. 32 in rushing yards. ... The Colts' last 5 playoff losses have all been to teams that play 3-4 defenses, which the Jets play.

Pick: COLTS 24, Jets 13.

Why: The Colts' unappreciated defense showed last week it could handle an excellent running team when it held the Ravens to 87 yards on the ground, and it will be difficult for Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez to match points with Manning.

NFC Championship

Vikings (13-4) at Saints (14-3)

When: 5:40 p.m. Sunday.

The line: Saints by 31/2.

Last meeting: Vikings won 30-27 on Oct. 6, 2008 at the Louisiana Super Dome. The Saints outgained the Vikings 375-270 in yards but turned the ball over four times, while the Vikings played mistake free.

Matchup to watch: Saints FS Darren Sharper, who tied for the NFL lead with 9 interceptions, vs. Packers QB Brett Favre, who has thrown just 7 interceptions in 555 passing attempts, including the playoffs. Sharper and Favre were teammates in Green Bay for eight years (1997-2004). Sharper, who has returned 11 of his 63 career interceptions for touchdowns, played four seasons with the Vikings (2005-08).

By the numbers: Saints QB Drew Brees led the NFL with a 109.6 passer rating. ... Favre's passer rating was 107.2, second best in the NFL. ... Vikings scored 27 points or more in 14 of 17 games. ... Vikings haven't allowed any team to rush for more than 129 yards all season, and they allow just 3.6 yards per carry. ... Saints RB Reggie Bush had the best game of his pro career last week with 217 all-purpose yards, including a 46-yard run and an 83-yard punt return, both for touchdowns. ... Vikings DE Ray Edwards had 3 sacks last week but had to leave the game with a knee injury and will not be at full strength. Edwards missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, as did DT Kevin Williams.

Pick: Saints 31, Vikings 24.

Why: The winner could be whoever has the ball last, but the Saints are a bit healthier, and they're at home.

Last week

Straight up: 1-3

Vs. the spread: 0-4

Season total

Straight up: 176-88

Vs. the spread: 132-128-4

Best bet: 9-7-1