This should be a great game to watch as both teams have great offenses and questionable defenses.  Both teams have great storylines as the Eagles got hot after Donovan McNabb got injured and Jeff Garcia took over.  The Saints have re-invigorated a city that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina before last season started. 

The Eagles will lean heavily on the running game with Brian Westbrook against a poor Saints run defense that is allowing 128.9 yards rushing per game this season which ranks #23 in the NFL.  Saints LBs Scott Shanle, Mark Simoneau and Scott Fujita will be under siege all day long as they try to contain Westbrook, both running and when he catches passes.  This is a huge mis-match that the Eagles are sure to exploit, early & often.  Jeff Garcia will attack the Saints safeties with LJ Smith over the middle.  This is another mis-match for the Eagles offense.  Donte’ Stallworth will be motivated to have a good game against the team that jettisoned him before the season started and he still has that big time speed to get deep. 

The Saints will also look to run the football with Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.  The Saints running backs have too much speed for the Eagles linebacking corps to deal with.  The Eagles are scared of Reggie Bush coming out of the backfield on passing plays  against Dhani Jones and rookie Omar Gaither.  Look for the Saints to adjust their passing game to attack Roderick Hood who’s starting in place of Lito Sheppard who dislocated his elbow last week.  The strength of the Saints passing attack is that they will use anyone, including Terrance Copper and Devery Henderson as they will be matched up against the nickel and dime backs of the Eagles.  Rookie Marques Colston could also have a big game.  Drew Brees has to always know where Brian Dawkins is on the field as he’s the big playmaker on the Eagles defense.

If this game comes down to a big kick, the Eagles have a big advantage as the ancient John Carney might not be able to hit the long ones the way that David Akers can.

As well as Sean Payton has coached this is his first playoff game.  Andy Reid is a playoff veteran that has an 8-5 post season record.

I think the home crowd will give the Saints the lift they need to win this high scoring football game by a field goal.  I would not be surprised if the Eagles won this game either as they are pretty hot right now.