Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) at Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
3:30 p.m. Saturday, WMAQ-Ch. 5
How they made it: Chiefs clinched sixth seed by beating Jacksonville before Denver lost to San Francisco, eliminating the Broncos. Earlier, losses by Cincinnati and Tennessee paved the way for the Chiefs.
Last meeting: Chiefs and Colts haven’t played since 2004, when Chiefs won 45-35 in Kansas City.
History vs. Bears: Chiefs haven’t played Bears since 2003, when Chiefs won 31-3 in Kansas City. Colts beat Bears 41-10 in last meeting in 2004.
Why Chiefs can win: Surprise sixth seeds enter playoffs on emotional high after death of beloved owner and AFL founder Lamar Hunt. Coach Herm Edwards will remind his team that last year’s AFC sixth seed, the Pittsburgh Steelers, won it all.
Difference-makers: Larry Johnson is best AFC running back this side of Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson, and Colts have league’s worst rushing defense. Trent Green has returned at quarterback after nasty concussion in opener.
Whom they’d play next: Chiefs would go to San Diego to play AFC West rival Chargers.
Why Colts can win: Peyton Manning will have to score a lot, and since Colts have shown no interest in stopping the run, look for shootout.
Difference-makers: Manning and receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are Pro Bowl players. Rookie running back Joseph Addai is a 1,000-yard rusher. But they’ve had no difference-makers on defense.
Whom they’d play next: Colts would travel to Baltimore.
Pierson’s pick: Chiefs 38-34.
New York Jets (10-6) at New England Patriots (12-4)
Noon Sunday, WBBM-Ch. 2
How they made it: Jets clinched spot by beating Oakland. Patriots won fourth straight AFC East title.
Last meeting: Jets and Patriots split AFC East series. Patriots won 24-17 on Sept. 17 at Meadowlands, and Jets won 17-14 on Nov. 12 in Foxboro, Mass.
History vs. Bears: Bears beat Jets 10-0 on road Nov. 19. Patriots beat Bears 17-13 on Nov. 26 in New England.
Why Jets can win: First-year coach Eric Mangini, former Patriots defensive coordinator, convinced his team it could win in New England and has won six of eight since. Nobody knows better than Mangini what it takes to stop Tom Brady.
Difference-makers: Rookie running back Leon Washington can turn Chad Pennington’s short passes into big gains.
Whom they’d play next: Jets would go to San Diego to play Chargers unless Chiefs beat Colts. Then Jets would go to Baltimore to play Ravens.
Why Patriots can win: They have improved as season has progressed, winning six of final seven since losing to Jets. It will be hard for anybody to beat Bill Belichick twice in Foxboro in one year.
Difference-makers: Playoffs have belonged to Brady in three of his five years as starter. This is when defensive stars Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Rodney Harrison also stand out.
Whom they’d play next: Patriots would go to San Diego to play Chargers unless Chiefs beat Colts. Then Patriots would go to Baltimore to play Ravens.
Pierson’s pick: Patriots 24-14.
