Peterson should carry Vikings

Opinions on the NFL playoffs were more or less split down the middle all week, as the wagering lines barely moved at Las Vegas sports books. The games are generating good two-way action.

But one game -- and the one that could be the best of the weekend -- has had a slight line differential. The first game of today's doubleheader features a public team that's on a roll and a polarizing individual in Brett Favre. Here's a breakdown of the matchups:

• Dallas at Minnesota (-3): The line has pinballed on and off the key number of 3 throughout the week. Sharp money surfaced under the total, which has dropped to 46.

The Cowboys deserve all the credit in the world for soldiering through a brutal December schedule to win the NFC East. They carried that momentum into the playoffs and dominated the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend.

The Dallas defense has been dominant. Offensively, the Cowboys have found a beautiful balance of run and pass, with confident quarterback Tony Romo directing his team with precision.

The Vikings are intriguing. Unlike several teams, they had something to play for in the final week of the regular season and dismantled a New York Giants team that had long since run for the bus. Starting the season 10-1, Minnesota finished 12-4.

There was the three-week soap opera with Favre and coach Brad Childress that wouldn't go away. That wasn't the reason for the Vikings' December swoon. This team has lost its identity.

Minnesota is most effective when Adrian Peterson touches the ball 25 times. When he's pounding out yardage and breaking the occasional big run, Favre gets the desired matchups in the passing game. Peterson has not recorded a 100-yard rushing game in the past seven games. That's unthinkable.

On Nov. 15 against lowly Detroit, Peterson rushed for 133 yards. In subsequent losses to Arizona and Carolina, he carried the ball only 13 and 12 times. Get the picture?

Sure, Favre's amazing for an old guy, but if the Vikings are going to make a run, Peterson, not No. 4, is their meal ticket.

The Metrodome will be raucous, to say the least, and that could make life difficult for the Cowboys. If Minnesota's monster defensive tackles, Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, plug up the middle to contain running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones, the Vikings' relentless defensive end, Jared Allen, will wreak havoc on Romo.

I'm anticipating the Vikings will approach this game with a modicum of common sense and pound the football on the ground. On that premise, I'm inclined to lay 21/2 points (the best number available at Station Casinos) and side with Minnesota.

• New York Jets at San Diego (-7): The Jets took plenty of grief because they ran into Indianapolis and Cincinnati in the final two weeks of the season, with both opponents caring little about the outcome.

New York coach Rex Ryan has instilled confidence in the Jets, who stuck their toe in the playoff pool and made the most of the opportunity last week. Were the Jets that good, or were the Bengals phony? The acid test comes today.

Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez was efficient in his playoff debut, going 12 of 15 for 182 yards and one touchdown. He probably will be called on to do more today. Sanchez used a controlled passing attack against Cincinnati, but he will have to stretch the field against the Chargers.

San Diego seemed destined for failure in September, stumbling to a 2-3 start, as division rival Denver started 6-0. No problem. The Chargers won out, recording an 11-game winning streak.

Philip Rivers has been spectacular, and his tall, talented receiving targets give opponents fits. They will face a severe challenge against the Jets' top-ranked defense that has been able to shut down marquee receivers, limiting opponents to 153 yards passing per game.

Specifically, cornerback Darrelle Revis has put the clamps on the opponents' best wideout, which in this case in Vincent Jackson.

Early last week, San Diego was a 9-point favorite at some books. That ship has sailed. The Jets were attractive with the big spot, but not so much now on a key number.

Hence, I've focused on the total and will count on the Jets defense to force the Chargers into a field-goal game. Sanchez didn't turn the ball over last week, but that may change. The main concern is that turnovers could lead to a short field and the game could open up.

The Jets can run the ball with authority, and their goal will be to shorten the game. The play is under 421/2.

Brian Blessing, project manager for Las Vegas Sports Consultants, can be reached at bblessing@lvsc.com. Listen to the LVSC oddsmakers on "Sportsbook Radio" weekdays at 3 p.m. on ESPN Radio (1100 AM) and Sirius 98.