Big Underdog Arizona Stuns Carolina, 33-13

Each game this round is a rematch, but don't expect similar results

(NEWSER) - All four match-ups for next weekend's NFL playoffs are been-there, done-that this season, but the outcomes aren't necessarily givens, USA Today reports:

• Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco's interceptions helped the Titans as much as Kerry Collin's 80-yard touchdown drive in defeating the Ravens, but Flacco's seen a lot of play since then.

Indy handles the Ravens, and New Orleans routs Arizona

(AP) - The Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints are moving on in the playoffs. Peyton Manning led Indy to a methodical 20-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens and will play the winner of tomorrow's Jets-Chargers game for the AFC title. New Orleans, meanwhile, got big performances from Reggie Bush and Drew Brees and routed Arizona 45-14. The Saints will host the NFC title game for the first time in franchise history, playing the winner of the Cowboys-Vikings matchup. More»

Arizona's Pittsburgh transplants give Cards an edge—if not the edge

(NEWSER) - You can't spell “conflict” without NFL, and this year's Super Bowl contains plenty of opposing loyalties, Sam Farmer writes in the Los Angeles Times. You can’t throw a stone at the Arizona Cardinals’ sideline without hitting a former Pittsburgh resident, player, or coach—and that last category might give Arizona an edge, Rick Gosselin adds in the Dallas Morning News. More»

(AP) - That's not a mirage rising out of the desert, folks: It's the Arizona Cardinals soaring to their first Super Bowl. The once-dysfunctional team capitalized on Larry Fitzgerald's three first-half touchdown receptions today, then coolly marched downfield to Kurt Warner's 8-yard scoring pass to rookie Tim Hightower with 2:53 left. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 today for the NFC championship, the AP reports. More»

Star receiver has rare visual skills and a souped-up onboard computer for analysis

(NEWSER) - More than height, speed, or jumping ability, highly developed eyesight and an extraordinary internal computer make Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald a top-tier NFL receiver, a scientist tells the Wall Street Journal. Fitzgerald’s optometrist grandfather put him through drills to improve his “visual dominance,” enabling him to take a snapshot of the ball in flight despite distractions; Fitzgerald’s “predictive control” helps him meet the ball at the perfect spot for a catch. More»