Raiders, Bucs look good in rematches of Week 17

Saturday's NFL playoff games are rematches of games played last Sunday. In one of those games (Jets-Raiders), both teams were playing hard, while in the other game (Buccaneers-Eagles) neither team was really trying at all.

Suffice to say, all four teams will be bringing the "A" game this Saturday and the cream should rise to the top.

Jets at Raiders (-4 1/2)

My stronger play is on this night game. The Jets beat the Raiders 24-22 last Sunday to earn a spot in the playoffs in a game they needed more than the Raiders. The Raiders outgained Jets 337-302, and 86 of the Jets' yards came on a rare long TD pass by Vinny Testaverde (40 yards) and a rarer long run by Lamont Jordan (46 yards on his only carry of the day).

The Raiders also made it easier on the Jets, as Brad Daluiso, kicking in place of Sebastian Janikowski, missed a field goal and an extra point (the margin of defeat). Despite all that, the Jets still needed a 53-yard field goal from John Hall to prevail.

On Saturday, if the Raiders can hold Jets RB Curtis Martin to 50 yards like they did last Sunday, they'll be in control. On offense, Tyrone Wheatley can carry the load if Charlie Garner (questionable with a foot injury) is unable to play, setting up big plays from QB Rich Gannon to Tim Brown and Jerry Rice.

Play: Raiders for 22 units.

Buccaneers (+3 1/2) at Eagles

The Buccaneers have long had great talent. The problem has been getting all of it to gel (which is the main reason coach Tony Dungy's job is on the line).

You really can't learn anything from the Eagles' come-from-behind victory Sunday night against a Bucs teams that was yukking it up on the sidelines.

I'm aware that the Bucs have lost all 20 games in franchise history when the temperature is below 40 degrees, and that the 4:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff will probably make that a factor, but I think the Bucs will break the curse.

The Bucs, their final game notwithstanding, closed the season on a roll with routs of the Saints and Ravens. They are peaking at the right time and are capable of another blowout.

More likely, this game will be in the 16-13 or 17-14 range, which would still get the cover even if the Eagles pull it out.

Play: Bucs for 11 units.

Starting bankroll: 1,000 units.

Bankroll through regular season: 810 units.