The NFL playoffs are reaching a climax with only the final four remaining.

The Saints will battle the Bears on Soldier Field in the NFC and a classic rivalry will be renewed in the AFC. Peyton has beaten the Pats during the regular season, but will he get the playoff monkey off of his back?

Sunday, January 21, 2007

New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears – Soldier Field (Grass)

*The weatherman is forecasting clouds with a possibility of snow come game time.

Line: Bears -2½ (Opening: Bears -3)

Over/Under: 43 (Opening: 44)

2006/07 Records: New Orleans 11-6 (10-7 ATS), Chicago 14-3 (10-7 ATS)

Game Time: 3:00 p.m. EST

Key Injuries

New Orleans: The Saints’ injury list is small and they could have the services of WR Joe Horn for the NFC title game. The Sporting News is reporting that the cellphone aficionado took part in practice on Wednesday—albeit on a limited basis. He’s officially listed as questionable, but that is subject to change.

S Omar Stoutmire (hip) and TE Mark Campbell (knee) are in the same position (questionable).

Chicago: The Bears have a short injury list too. DE Adewale Ogunleye won’t join DT Tommie Harris on the injured list. He will play through a quadriceps injury and is listed as probable. The Bears will welcome his pass rushing skills against the Saints.

Don’t expect WR Mark Bradley to see any action. He has an ankle injury and is officially listed as questionable.

Key Everyedge Trends

New Orleans has a record of 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. the Bears.

The Saints have a record of 7-1 ATS in their road games this season.

New Orleans is 0-1 ATS in their only road playoff game in the last decade (a loss in Minnesota in 2000).

The Saints are 8-2 ATS as an underdog this season.

New Orleans is 6-0 ATS in road games against conference opponents this season.

The Saints are 44-19 ATS in road games after one or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.

New Orleans is 8-1 ATS when they gain 350 to 400 total yards over the last three seasons.

Chicago is 2-5 ATS in their last six games, including 0-4 ATS in their last four starts.

The Bears are 10-6 ATS in their last 16 home games, although they are 1-4 ATS in their most recent five home starts.

The Bears are 0-3 ATS in their last three playoffs games (their only three playoff games over the last 10 years) and all three were home games.

The Bears are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 home starts, but they are only 1-4 ATS in the most recent five.

WinnerOnline Opinion: There’s something about New Orleans this season. They’ve been winning, getting breaks and stand on the verge of a trip to Miami.

Rex Grossman played well last week against the Seahawks, but you just don’t know which Grossman will show up, Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde.

New Orleans is 4-1 ATS on grass away from the Superdome, so look for the Bayou Mojo to continue with an outright win by the Saints. (Continued)

NFC Championship, AFC Championship