Last week was truly a wild card round, as all four underdogs covered the spread and three of them won outright to advance to this week’s Conference semi-finals. The two upsets that occurred, being the most pronounced were Saturday’s visitors Colorado and New York. Based on recent level of play, both were given a chance to cover the pointspread, but win outright on the road, that was about as likely as Christie Brinkley’s husband cheating on her for an 18-year girl. We know how this is turned out. (FREE FoxSheet on one of Saturday’s matchups)

Colorado at San Jose

Four weeks ago, Colorado (7-10, 6-11 ATS) was just another sickly American Conference club, seeking to find any consistency, let alone wins. One month later, they are one game away from playing for the right to be conference representative in Arena Bowl. After misfiring most the season, QB John Dutton and his receivers finally got in-sync and the Crush offense has averaged 58.4 points a game the last three weeks. Dutton’s ability to read defenses has always been a strength and now is getting needed pass protection to help dissect opponents. Colorado comes into this contest just 4-12 ATS off one or more consecutive Unders over the last two seasons and is heading into the lions, or in this case, the SaberCats den.

Talk about finding your rhythm at the right time, the defending Arena Bowl champions, San Jose (11-5, 8-7-1 ATS) have done just that. After starting the season 3-4, a disconcerting loss at Orlando, in which San Jose scored a season low 35 points, was the wake-up call this team needed. Since then, the SaberCats have reeled off six straight wins (4-1-1 ATS) and have typical swagger back. Sportsbook.com has San Jose as 11-point favorites with total of 113 and they are dominating 11-1 ATS in home games where the total is greater than or equal to 110 over the last two seasons, winning by almost 20 points a game.

San Jose has the league’s most versatile pass rush and will look to set the tone early. The Sabercats are 15-5 ATS off a home win and have won the last six meetings between these two teams, with 5-1 ATS record. ESPN has the afternoon coverage at 3 Eastern.

New York at Philadelphia

Later on the world wide leader, divisional rivals will meet for a third time to decide who will be one half of the National Conference title game participants. New York (9-8, 10-6-1 ATS) pulled an absolute shocker in winning at Dallas 77-63, as a touchdown underdog. The Dragons came out breathing fire behind AFL vet Aaron Garcia and the Desperados backed down, as is their custom now in the postseason. New York is cocky, arrogant and not above a few shenanigans. The Dragons have been drilled twice by Philadelphia, by scores of 29 and 21 points. That won’t stop New York from talking and they are 7-1 ATS with same season revenge.

Philadelphia (13-3, 9-7 ATS) has been the best team in Arena Football, really only slipping when the injury big bit its hardest. The Soul made one of the all-time great front office moves in signing QB Matt D’Orazio to back-up oft injured Tony Graziani and it paid off splendidly as D’Orazio ended up being the league’s top-rated best passer. Philadelphia should have received the message of how treacherous New York can be as last week proved, however Philly is just 7-19 ATS versus defensive teams allowing 6.25 or more yards a play after the midpoint of the season.

These squads have never met in the playoffs and Philadelphia is seven-point selection, with total of 109.5. New York is just 2-10 ATS after allowing 63 points in last dozen contests.

Kickoff will be just after 7 Eastern on ESPN.

StatFox Power Line – San Jose by 10, Philadelphia by 11

StatFox Edge – San Jose and New York cover

Season Record – 42-24-3 ATS (63.6 percent) 2-2 in Playoffs