The first round of the NFL playoffs is usually my favorite sports weekend. It’s the time we find out which teams are just happy to be there – and which are real Super Bowl contenders ready to move on to the two top conference seeds. However, this year’s match-ups find me scratching my head regarding the NFL playoff structure.

First, I question how a team tied for the third best record in the NFL, and a better record than four teams in the playoffs, doesn’t make the 12-team cut.  The 11-5 Patriots are sitting home while we’re forced to watch the likes of San Diego (8-8), Arizona (9-7), Philadelphia (9-6-1), and Minnesota (10-6).  Secondly, how do the Chargers at 8-8 get home field advantage over the 12-4 Colts, or the 9-7 Cardinals get to host the 11-5 Falcons?

The NFL’s four divisions per conference is the first problem. It rewards teams in weak divisions and hinders the quality of depth in stronger divisions. By doing so, it lessens the importance of the regular season. This year is a prime example with two pathetic teams from the NFC and AFC west divisions in the tournament.

However, even if you’re happy with the qualification structure, teams in the playoffs should be seeded by record. Allowing San Diego to host Indy is crazy. The Colts are tied for the second best record in the league. That should be worth something.

This weekend I look for all the visiting teams to move on to the next round, with Minnesota the only home team with a shot at a W. However, it probably won’t matter, as the two top seeds in each conference should end up playing for a Super Bowl berth.

My San Diego friends have experienced a whirlwind of emotions the past year. It began with the Chargers’ playoff loss to the Patriots last season. After that demoralizing game, fans called for coach Marty Schottenheimer’s head. Soon, thereafter, ownership disposed of Schottenheimer. Then, earlier this season, the Chargers proceeded to loose a few games, and fans sarcastically chanted Marty! Marty! Marty! at Qualcomm Stadium. Today they’re saying, Marty who?

While most NFL experts were anticipating the next Pats-Colts round, the Chargers put a damper on things. And while I can hear the cheering in southern California and see the smiles throughout New England, is a Patriots–Chargers game really what America wanted to see? I’m sure it’s not what CBS wanted – nor the millions of Patriots’ haters. Hell, I’ve already heard a friend of mine saying, “The Patriots just got a ‘free ride’ to another Super Bowl.”

Since they blew-out the Chargers, 38-14, earlier this season, I don’t expect the Patriots to falter this week on the road to perfection. However, I do expect a good game … for a half. Then it’s on to Glendale, Arizona for a chance to become the NFL’s greatest team ever.

By the way, there is another side of the playoff bracket. The Giants will have an uphill battle facing media-favorite Brett Favre and his Packers. New York’s win against Dallas wasn’t a big surprise for me, as I picked that one. But, I also picked the Seahawks, so Vegas isn’t calling me to help set any odds this week. However, no matter who wins in the “junior bracket” does anyone really think the NFC has a shot at a championship? Maybe – but, San Diego will have to come up with an even bigger upset this week for NFC fans to have hope.

So, to all my Chargers friends – congratulations and enjoy this week’s build-up to a game that could resemble the AFL Championship game played January 5, 1964 at San Diego’s Balboa Stadium, which was won by the Chargers in a blow-out against the (then) Boston Patriots 51-10. However, the victor will also be playing home this time – at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium. And after the loss – please, no whining like last year. Also, don’t be calling for Norv Turner’s head. The Patriots are simply the better team.