Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Divisional playoff matchups have a familiar feel

Sal DeFilippo

Friday, Jan. 2, 1998 | 1:24 a.m.

When you flip on the TV sets this weekend to watch the NFL divisional playoffs, don't be surprised if you feel like you've seen these games before.

New England and Pittsburgh kick off the road to the NFL's final four today. Three weeks ago, these teams played in a memorable finish as Pittsburgh rallied to tie the game on a touchdown and two-point conversion in the final minute and won the game in overtime, 24-21.

On Dec. 7, Jerry Rice-less San Francisco defeated Brad Johnson-less Minnesota, 28-17. At the time, the Vikings were reeling and the 49ers were closing in on home-field advantage in the NFC. Today, elimination is at stake, though the Vikings are coming off a remarkable rally against the Giants.

On Sunday, the matchups are doubly familiar -- intradivisional rivalries meet for the third time this season when Tampa Bay plays at Green Bay and Denver plays at Kansas City.

The Packers have held the Buccaneers at bay in the earlier meetings, winning 21-16 at home and 17-6 at Tampa Bay.

The Broncos bucked the Chiefs 19-3 in the season opener in Denver and were a cool 11-2 heading into the rematch at Arrowhead Stadium. Pete Stoyanovich nailed a 54-yard field goal on the game's final play to give Kansas City a 24-22 win. The result: This week's game is on Kansas City's home turf.

But technically, thanks to the turn of the calendar, those game were all last year. Old hat. Ancient history. A long, long time ago on a gridiron far, far away.

Yeah, right. Think Drew Bledsoe has forgotten the errant screen pass with two minutes left that Steelers defensive end Kevin Henry picked off and returned deep into New England territory to set up the tying touchdown? Wonder if Trent Dilfer has trouble recalling how Gabe Wilkins jumped over a Tampa Bay lineman during his long interception return for a touchdown that eventually proved to be the deciding score when the teams met in Green Bay?

Last week, Dennis Green snapped a string of five consecutive playoff failures with a remarkable comeback to top the Giants at the Meadowlands. But Minnesota likely hasn't forgotten the way it was manhandled by the powerful 49ers.

But those memories of recent weeks pale in comparison to one particular matchup. Two veterans put the gloves on one more time this weekend -- Denver's John Elway and Kansas City's Marty Schottenheimer.

I know Schottenheimer doesn't suit up and play against Elway, but there have been instances where I'm certain the Chiefs' coach would have loved to lay a hit on the Broncos' quarterback. Elway has delivered two big playoff knockouts at Marty's expense, both when Schottenheimer was the helm of the Cleveland Browns.

The first came in 1987 and is known as "The Drive." Elway led Denver on a 98-yard march late in the fourth quarter to force overtime en route to a 23-20 win in the AFC Championship game.

The following year came "The Fumble," when he Browns were headed for victory until Earnest Byner fumbled the ball away inches from the goal line and a game-winning touchdown.

Those postseason heartaches were the foundation for Schottenheimer's weak playoff record of 5-10, which includes three straight losses.

Don't be surprised if Schottenheimer sends everyone at ol' number 7 this week.

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

NEW ENGLAND +7 at Pittsburgh, under 41 1/2 -- Sure, the Patriots spanked the Steelers 28-3 in Foxboro during last year's postseason romp. But this year's Patriots squad isn't running on all cylinders. For example, in last year's game, Curtis Martin ran for 166 yards. This year, he's injured and may not play at all. Last year, Bledsoe threw a 53-yard bomb to Terry Glenn on the game's first play, beating Rod Woodson's coverage. This year, Glenn is hobbled and Woodson is in San Francisco. And Kordell Stewart is mature. That will be the deciding factor.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 21, New England 17.

MINNESOTA +14 at San Francisco, over 42 1/2 -- The Vikings' funeral won't be a quick service -- Cris Carter and Jake Reed match up well against aging Woodson and Marquez Pope, who has been injured for much of the year. But for whatever accidents the other defensive backs cause, rubbernecker Merton Hanks will keep the 49ers on the road to the NFC title game.

Prediction: San Francisco 31, Minnesota 18.

TAMPA BAY +14 at Green Bay, under 37 1/2 -- It's hard to beat a team three times in one season. But it's harder to beat Green Bay at Lambeau Field once. Still, Tampa Bay finishes a proud season with a determined effort.

Prediction: Green Bay 19, Tampa Bay 10.

DENVER + 1 1/2 at Kansas City, over 41 -- There's another interesting element to this game aside from the Elway-Schottenheimer rivalry. The result of this game will tell Neil Smith whether his offseason move from Kansas City to Denver will mean playoff advancement, or watching another Super Bowl on television. My guess is he won't need a remote.

Prediction: Denver 31, Kansas City 14.