NFC

Tampa Bay (9-7) at Philadelphia (11-5)

1:30 p.m. Saturday, Channel 7

The line: Philadelphia by 3.

Injuries: TB--DT James Cannida (abdominal strain), DE Marcus Jones (shoulder). PHI--DT Paul Grasmanis (knee), WR James Thrash (ankle/rib).

Story line: Tampa Bay has made the playoffs four times in five seasons, but that might not be enough to save Coach Tony Dungy’s job. The Buccaneers haven’t won a road playoff game, and breaking that streak will be tough in Philadelphia. Tampa Bay is 0-20 when the kickoff temperature is below 40 degrees.

Key matchups: Buccaneer defensive end Simeon Rice vs. tackle Tra Thomas: After a sluggish start, Rice had eight sacks in the last six games. Thomas has size and speed to match Rice’s agility. Keyshawn Johnson vs. cornerback Troy Vincent: Both are physical, both are going to the Pro Bowl. Derrick Brooks vs. Duce Staley: Brooks will be stalking Staley from sideline to sideline.

When the Buccaneers have the ball: When Eagle defensive tackle Hollis Thomas went down with a freak foot injury two weeks ago, it further weakened an already shaky run defense. Tampa Bay will pound Mike Alstott up the middle behind rookie fullback Jameel Cook. Brad Johnson can beat the blitz with a conservative game plan that keeps him under 30 pass attempts. By using three-step drops with short routes to his three primary receivers, Johnson can avoid turnovers and find holes in the Eagle defense.

When the Eagles have the ball: ,James Thrash, the Eagles’ main deep threat, likely will be shadowed by the cornerback duo of Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly. So Donovan McNabb must make the most of his other options, including running. By throwing underneath to Chad Lewis and Freddie Mitchell, McNabb will draw John Lynch away from stacking up on the running game.