Jacobs might give Giants edge

If there's a scenario that best suits New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, it's probably the one he's running into today.

In the cold and wind, with division rivals meeting in a playoff game, anything other than a physical defensive battle would be a surprise. It's also an ideal test for the 264-pound Jacobs.

The Giants, the top seed in the NFC, are 4-point favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles. The total is 38.

Vegas Insider handicapper Mark Franco is siding with the defending Super Bowl champions to cover, saying, "I think the Giants will set the tone for this game early by pounding the ball with Jacobs, and that will be the key."

The temperature at kickoff is expected to be about 32 degrees with wind gusts reaching 25 mph, conditions that could challenge quarterbacks Eli Manning of the Giants and Donovan McNabb of the Eagles.

The road team won each of the regular-season meetings, and both games were decided on the ground.

New York running backs Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 217 yards rushing in a 36-31 win in Week 10.

In the Week 14 rematch, Philadelphia won 20-14 as running back Brian Westbrook accounted for 203 total yards and two touchdowns.

Westbrook was held to 26 yards rushing in the Eagles' loss, but Franco said pressuring McNabb should be the main priority for the Giants' defense.

"What the Giants failed to do in both meetings was to sack McNabb," Franco said. "New York averaged 3.8 sacks per game from Weeks 1 to 9 but dropped to 1.9 sacks per game from Weeks 10 to 17.

"I see New York winning by a touchdown, with Jacobs and the Giants' defense making the difference."

In today's AFC matchup in Pittsburgh, Franco prefers the Steelers as 6-point favorites over the San Diego Chargers.

During the Chargers' five-game winning streak, quarterback Philip Rivers has passed for 11 touchdowns with two interceptions. But now he must deal with Pittsburgh's No. 1-ranked defense.

Both teams have injury concerns. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is coming back from a concussion he suffered in the regular-season finale against Cleveland, and Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is doubtful because of a detached tendon in his groin.

"The San Diego offense will struggle against the Steelers' aggressive defense," Franco said, "and the cold weather also could be a problem for Rivers.

"The key for Pittsburgh will be the play of Roethlisberger. If he avoids turning the ball over and taking sacks, the Steelers should get a double-digit win on their home field."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.