NFL Playoffs

NFC

CAROLINA (13-5)

at PHILADELPHIA (13-4)

When: Sunday, 3:45 p.m.,

Channel 11

Line: Eagles by 4.

Injuries: CAROLINA -- questionable: RB Stephen Davis (quadriceps). PHILADELPHIA -- probable: RB Correll Buckhalter (knee), DE Jerome McDougle (arm), CB Troy Vincent (hip), DE Brandon Whiting (knee).

Story line: The Eagles are making their third consecutive appearance in the NFC championship game but are still looking for their first trip to the Super Bowl in that span. During the regular season, the Eagles defeated the Panthers, 25-16, with Carolina kicker John Kasay missing three field goals. Carolina won at St. Louis in double overtime last week.

Key matchups: Carolina’s offensive line vs. Philadelphia’s defensive line: The winner of this battle figures to win the game. Carolina’s Jake Delhomme vs. Philadelphia’s Brian Dawkins: Delhomme has proved to be a crafty playoff quarterback, but he’ll be tested by Dawkins, arguably the best safety in the game. Philadelphia’s James Thrash and Todd Pinkston vs. Carolina’s cornerbacks: If the Eagles’ wide receivers don’t work hard on their routes, they will not get open against the Panthers’ underrated secondary.

When the Panthers have the ball: Carolina may be better off if Davis does not play than if he is in the lineup at less than 100%. Former UCLA running back DeShaun Foster has proved that he can carry the load and has improved with each game over the second half of the season. Fullback Brad Hoover is an effective blocker and a solid receiver and runner. Delhomme does a good job of getting the ball to Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad, the best starting wide receiver duo left in the playoffs.

When the Eagles have the ball: Quarterback Donovan McNabb stepped up with several key plays in Philadelphia’s come-from-behind, overtime victory over Green Bay last week. McNabb kept drives alive with his scrambles and clutch passing. Pinkston had the best playoff game of his career against the Packers. Despite being without the injured Brian Westbrook, the Eagle running game still gained key yards with Duce Staley and Buckhalter splitting time carrying the ball. Staley needs to be used more because of his effectiveness in the open field.

*--* HOW THEY MATCH UP Car. Phila. Pts. scored 20.3 (15) 23.4 (11) Pts. allowed 19.0 (10) 17.9 (7) Pass off. 190.4 (18) 188.8 (20) Rush off. 130.9 (7) 125.9 (9) Total off. 321.3 (16) 314.7 (18) Pass def. 187.7 (9) 202.2 (16) Rush def. 107.6 (11) 129.4 (22) Total def. 295.3 (16) 331.6 (20) Turnovers 31 (20) 22 (5) Note: Regular-season rank in parentheses

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Bottom line: The Panthers will try to keep pressure on McNabb on every snap, which will open up opportunities for other players. It will be up to Staley & Co. to make enough plays to keep the ball from Carolina and score points. Expect the Eagles to do just enough to win.