First Look

WASHINGTON at TAMPA BAY

Saturday, 1:15 p.m.

Ch. 11

* How they got here: Washington defeated Detroit, 27-13, in a first-round game. Tampa Bay won the Central Division and received a first-round bye.

* 1999 meetings: Did not play. The teams last met in 1998, with Washington winning, 20-16.

* About Washington: The Redskin defense looked like the perfect complement to Washington’s Stephen Davis-led offense in the win over the Lions.

* About Tampa Bay: Veteran left tackle Paul Gruber broke his tibia in a season-ending 20-6 win over Chicago and will miss the playoffs. “It’s not a situation where you’re going to bring in a Pro Bowl player and stick him in there, and we understand that,” Coach Tony Dungy said.

***

MINNESOTA at ST. LOUIS

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

Ch. 11

* How they got here: Minnesota defeated Dallas, 27-10, in a first-round game. St. Louis won the West Division and received a first-round bye.

* 1999 meetings: Did not play. The teams last met in 1998, with Minnesota winning, 38-31.

* About Minnesota: This is the most anticipated game of the season and here’s why: the NFC’s No. 3 offense (Vikings) plays the NFC’s No. 1 offense (St. Louis). Or as Randy Moss put it: “They’re supposed to be the best. We think we’re the best.”

* About St. Louis: Quarterback Kurt Warner and running back Marshall Faulk finished 1-2 in the league’s MVP voting. What else is there to say?