nfl preview \ Today’s playoff games

January 3, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

ATLANTA (11-5) At ARIZONA (9-7)

Game time: 4:30 p.m. TV: (21) (3) (11) Opening line: Falcons by 2 1/2. Record vs. spread: Atlanta 9-7, Arizona 9-7. Series record: Cardinals lead 14-10. Last meeting: Cardinals 30, Falcons 27 in OT, Dec. 23, 2007. Notebook: Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt worked together on Bill Cowher’s staff in Pittsburgh. Whisenhunt succeeded Mularkey as Steelers offensive coordinator. ... Falcons opponents in NFC South were combined 29-19, compared with 13-35 for Arizona’s NFC West foes. ... Atlanta’s Michael Turner has eight TDs rushing in last three games. ... While Turner gets most of attention, and ranks second in NFL in rushing, teammate Jerious Norwood led NFL with average of 5.6 yards per carry (for those with at least 100 attempts). ... Turner and WR Roddy White gave Atlanta its first 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving duo in a decade. ... Falcons set NFL record by allowing just 49 punt return yards. ... Falcons have outscored opponents 114-52 in first quarter. ... Atlanta K Jason Elam has scored in 252 consecutive regular-season games.

INDIANAPOLIS (12-4) At SAN DIEGO (8-8)

Game time: 8 p.m. TV: (21) (3) (11) Opening line: Pick ’em. Record vs. spread: Indianapolis 7-9, San Diego 7-8-1. Series record: Chargers lead 15-10. Last meeting: Colts 23, Chargers 20, Nov. 23. Notebook: This will be sixth game between teams in five seasons, including second straight year in playoffs. Last year, Chargers upset defending Super Bowl champion Colts 28-24 in divisional round in Indianapolis, with subs filling in after Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson got hurt. ... Colts came away with heart-stopping 23-20 win in San Diego on Nov. 23 when Adam Vinatieri kicked 51-yard field goal as time expired. ... Colts have won nine straight while Manning is the league MVP. Manning has completed 90 of 110 passes in last four games for 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns. Overall in streak, Manning is 209-for-290 for 2,248 yards and 17 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. ... Indy’s and San Diego’s combined 13-game winning streak (9 for Colts, 4 for Chargers), marks longest combined winning string for opposing teams in wild-card round.

Associated Press