Divisional Playoff Preview: Jets @ Chargers

New York Jets @ San Diego (Sun. 4:40, CBS)
The Jets proved their critics wrong by convincingly beating Cincinnati in the Wild-Card round. San Diego has been the hottest team in football and will try to continue their three month unbeaten run against the Jets at home.
The Jets need their run game to succeed to have a chance today. Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene had over 160 yards combined in last week's game in Cincinnati and need to keep that same pace against the Chargers. If the run games fails, Mark Sanchez will have to have the game of his life. Sanchez was far from impressive in the regular season and only attempted fifteen passes last week. Much like the Ravens, if the run game stalls, the quarterback will not be able to carry the team to victory.
If the run game does fail, the defense could keep the Jets in the game. The number one shutdown corner in the league is on the Jets' roster in Darrelle Revis. They also boast a group of linebackers that can stop the Chargers' offense. David Harris, Bart Scott, and Bryan Thomas need to step up in every part of the game today to give the Jets a chance.
For San Diego, Philip Rivers has been the most effective quarterback in the league during the Chargers' unbeaten run and should not disappoint today. Like Favre, Rivers has a plethera of options to throw to including Darren Sproles, Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd. Not to mention LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield and San Diego should have no problem attacking the Jets defense. Tomlinson has looked better in every game this season and with the playoff stage upon him, LT should give the offense balance.
On defense, the front seven need to shut down the Jets' running game. Led by leading tackler, Stephen Cooper the front seven is dominant and should have no problem handling the run game. If Jones and Greene do get past the front seven, the secondary is one of the most aggresive in the league. Eric Weddle is not afraid to hit anyone, while Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie get in on the action as well. To defend the weak pass attack the Jets offer, Jammer and Cromartie need to have average games to shut down the receivers. With the added protection down the field provided by Weddle at safety, there is no way the Chargers can lose this game.
5 Players to Watch for the Jets
QB Mark Sanchez
RB Thomas Jones
RB Shonn Greene
LB David Harris
CB Darrelle Revis
5 Players to Watch for the Chargers
TE Antonio Gates
QB Philip Rivers
K Nate Kaeding
S Eric Weddle
DT Luis Castillo
Key Matchup: Vincent Jackson vs. Revis
Prediciton: Chargers