In the AFC Championship Game, the upstart New York Jets were able to contain the 2009 NFL MVP, albeit for one quarter. The league’s number one defense actually sacked Manning on consecutive offensive plays over two series and at one point in the second quarter, the Jets led 17-6. Answering a Jay Feeley field goal, Manning sliced through Gang Green’s secondary to cut into the deficit at the half to four points.

While Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez (17 for 30, 257 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception) played extremely well, the offense could not get going and went scoreless in the second half. At the same time, the Colts controlled the pace and Manning had his way. He threw for 377 yards and three scores to three different receivers in Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon and Dallas Clark en route to the 30-17 victory.

The Superdome hosted the NFC Championship Game and what was expected to be a close shootout between two offensive juggernauts in the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings did not disappoint. Brett Favre came out slinging as expected, as did Drew Brees. At half time, the score was even at 14 and although they had four turnovers, the Vikes were very much in the game and actually were in position to win the game in the waning seconds. But a penalty for too many men in the huddle set them back five yards, setting up a third down. Instead of calling a conservative run to set up a long field goal attempt, Minnesota elected to throw.

Favre rolled to his right out of the pocket and threw into double coverage across his body. On cue, the ball was picked off and we were headed into the extra stanza. For all the great things that Favre (28 for 46, 310 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions) has done in 19 NFL seasons, he has a tendency to make a terrible decision at the worst time. It happened in the playoffs before, against the Giants and Eagles.

The Saints won the coin toss and went on a drive that seemed to go on forever due to three booth reviews. Garrett Hartley nailed a 40-yard field goal and there was happiness in the bayou.

Super Bowl XLIV will be an interesting affair, one that will pit an old dog that has been there/done that in Manning and a bunch of wide-eyed Saints. Expect a lot of offense in this one, so take the over.

Week 8:

THE ELITE:

#1  NEW ORLEANS [7-0]: The Saints latest win over Atlanta was their only one by single digits.

#2  INDIANAPOLIS [7-0]: Peyton has been terrific. The Colts have won 16 straight going back to last year.

#3  MINNESOTA [7-1]: Favre had 7 TD’s in a of sweep Green Bay, as the Vikes pull away in the NFC North.

#4  PITTSBURGH [5-2]: The Steelers rested last week with a 4-game win streak. Denver and Cincy are next.

#5  DENVER [6-1]: After a 6-0 start, the Broncos came crashing back to reality with a 30-7 loss in Baltimore.

#6  NEW ENGLAND [5-2]: four big games coming up, vs. Miami, at Indy, vs. the Jets, and at New Orleans.

SECOND-TIER CONTENDERS:

#7  DALLAS [5-2]: The Cowboys looked rather ordinary the first five weeks, but suddenly very sharp the past two.

#8  PHILADELPHIA [5-2]: The Eagles put the beatdown on the Giants. They’ll get their shot against Dallas next.

#9  CINCINNATI [5-2]: The Bengals enjoyed a bye after crushing Chicago, but Baltimore and Pittsburgh are up next.

#10  NY GIANTS [5-3]: The Giants are suddenly reeling having done a 180 in three bad losses after a 5-0 start.

#11  HOUSTON [5-3]: After a slow start, Houston is starting show why they were a trendy pre-season playoff pick.

#12  BALTIMORE [4-3]: The Ravens won three, then lost three, but then crushed previously undefeated Denver.

#13  ATLANTA [4-3]: Four wins against mediocre competition, but three losses against top teams.

#14  GREEN BAY [4-3]: Favre and his new teammates have hurt the Pack. The wild-card could be their only option.

MIRED IN MEDIOCRITY:

#15  SAN DIEGO [4-3] : The Chargers were up and down, but have won two straight to climb over .500.

#16  ARIZONA [4-3]: The Cardinals have been inconsistent, sometimes looking great, other times, underachieving.

#17  NY JETS [4-4]: The Jets started 3-0 but have gone 1-4 since, finding seemingly a new way to lose each week.

#18  CHICAGO [4-3]: Other than beating up on SEA, DET and CLE, the Bears have gone 1-3 against better teams.

#19  CAROLINA [3-4]: The Panthers have turned it around, going 3-1 after an 0-3 start. 

#20  SAN FRANCISCO [3-4]: The Niners are the opposite. After a 3-1 start, they’re reeling with three straight losses.

#21  MIAMI [3-4]: The Dolphins might ask the NFL to play the Jets more. They’re 2-0 against them, 1-4 otherwise.

#22  JACKSONVILLE [3-4]: Depending on the week, the Jags have surprised and played well, or just not shown up.

#23  BUFFALO [3-5]: T.O. is starting to get frustrated with an offense which can’t score. Anyone need a WR?

LOOKING TOWARD THE 2010 DRAFT:

#24  SEATTLE [2-5]: As in every year, Seattle has been okay at home, and simply non-competitive on the road.

#25  WASHINGTON [2-5]: The Skins have yet to score over 17 points, and wins are by 5 total pts against STL and TB.

#26  OAKLAND [2-6]: Somehow, they the Raiders beat the Eagles, but they’re still bad and the offense is atrocious.

#27  TENNESSEE [1-6]: The Titans get a win, payback for their 20-point loss earlier, in Jacksonville.

#28  KANSAS CITY [1-6]: With Jacksonville and Oakland coming up, the Chiefs have two good chances for a road win.

#29  ST.LOUS [1-7] : It was against the lowly Lions, but it still counts, and the Rams finally get a win.

#30  CLEVELAND [1-7]: The GM fired, fans organizing a protest. Things are just a complete mess in Cleveland now.

#31  DETROIT [1-6]: How bad are the Lions right now? They’re 10-point under dogs going to 2-5 Seattle.

#32  TAMPA BAY [0-7]: The rest of the schedule is fairly tough. The Bucs don’t have a lot of chances left for a ‘W.’