NFL Playoffs

GREEN BAY (11-6)

at PHILADELPHIA (12-4)

When: Sunday, 1:45 p.m., Channel 11.

Line: Eagles by 5 1/2.

Story line: The Eagles worked hard to get home-field advantage in the playoffs, and now they face the Packers, who have won five in succession under quarterback Brett Favre’s leadership. For Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb to take the next step, this is a game he must win.

Key matchups: Green Bay’s Ahman Green vs. Philadelphia’s run defense: The Packers’ offense counts on Green, and he’ll be running against the Eagles, who have a history of giving up big chunks of yards on the ground. Green Bay’s Marques Anderson vs. Philadelphia’s Chad Lewis: The Packers’ strong safety will often be matched up against Lewis, a favorite tight end target for McNabb; Philadelphia’s Hank Fraley vs. Green Bay’s Grady Jackson: Fraley centers the Eagles’ offensive line, and if he can block the Packers’ run-stopping nose guard, Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter will have success running the ball.

When the Packers have the ball: Favre has exploited secondaries with 10 touchdown passes in his last four games, but the veteran quarterback still throws interceptions from time to time. Expect the Packers to get the ball to Green as much as possible, either on running plays or short passes. Since late November, Javon Walker has emerged as Favre’s favorite target, with five touchdown receptions over his last seven games. Tight ends Bubba Franks and Wesley Walls are also effective receivers, especially near the end zone.

Injuries: GREEN BAY -- doubtful: LB Marcus Wilson (calf); questionable: DT Gilbert Brown (knee), DE Chukie Nwokorie (wrist); probable: QB Brett Favre (thumb), OT Chad Clifton (illness), WR Javon Walker (shoulder). PHILADELPHIA -- probable: CB Troy Vincent (foot).

HOW THEY MATCH UP

*--* G.B. CATEGORY Phila. 27.6 (4) Points 23.4 (11) 19.2 (11) Points allowed 17.9 (7) 202.5 (16) Passing offense 188.8 (20) 159.9 (3) Rushing offense 125.9 (9) 362.4 (4) Total offense 314.7 (18) 212.5 (23) Passing defense 202.2 (16) 106.3 (10) Rushing defense 129.4 (22) 318.8 (17) Total defense 331.7 (20) 32 (21) Turnovers 22 (5)

*--*

Note: League rank in parentheses

Bottom line: This game will be won by the team that runs the ball the best, and although the Eagles will be without injured Brian Westbrook, their offensive line should be able to open enough holes to pull out a victory.