Players To Watch
By Shawn McFarland

AFC

New England has won two of the last three Super Bowls with an almost obsolete running game. Now they have Corey Dillon. He's missed one game so far this season. The Patriots lost that game, 34-20, to Pittsburgh. The outcome may be different if these two teams meet again in, let's say, the AFC Championship Game.

How do you stop this guy? Possess the ball for 40 minutes, that's one way. Another is to make them move up and down the field in 7 and 10 yard increments. Frustrating to watch, maybe, but it's about the only way to slow the guy down. His smarts, accuracy, and acumen are the best the league has seen in years.

In just his third season in the NFL, Ed Reed has become the cornerstone of the Ravens' defense. Yes, the same Ravens' D with Ray Lewis in the middle. Reed is the main man in Baltimore now, combining superior run defense with big-play ability. If his team can get him there, look for Reed to step up in pressure situations this postseason.

NFC

For the past three postseasons, the Eagles' game plan for the NFC Championship has been to keep it close and hope McNabb does something spectacular to win. They finally got him help in the form of Terrell Owens and everyone saw the result. But T.O . is shelved for the playoffs. All of a sudden the Eagles are same team as last year. And it's on Donovan's shoulders. Again.

Moss missed some time in the middle of the season and the Vikings stumbled. He came back and made an immediate impact, scoring a touchdown in a big win over Jacksonville. Moss has the ability to score on every play, no matter how many people are guarding him. The Vikes' postseason chances may well rest in Moss's hands.

No one expected Atlanta to be one of the NFC's best teams, especially with Vick running a West Coast offense for the first time. Many argue that Vick's style of play will get him injured or lead to an early playoff exit. But running around and making people miss is Vick's game. And don't question the man's throwing ability. Vick has one of the strongest arms in the NFL.