MATCHUPS

The Falcons are the NFL's No. 14 pass offense, averaging 208.5 yards a game. Matt Ryan, the NFL's offensive rookie of the year, is the league's 11th-ranked passer with a rating of 87.7. The Cardinals have the league's No. 22-ranked pass defense.

LAST MEETING

The Falcons lost to the Cardinals, 30-27 in overtime, in their last meeting on Dec. 23, 2007. It was the second game under interim coach Emmitt Thomas after Bobby Petrino bolted for the University of Arkansas. The Falcons scored on their final three possessions of the fourth quarter to take a three-point lead. The Cardinals tied the game with a 29-yard field goal as regulation time expired and won it with a 31-yarder on the first possession of OT.

WELCOME BACK

The Falcons and Cardinals are two of seven teams in the 2008 playoffs that did not qualify last season. The others are Baltimore, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

LOCAL CONNECTION

Cardinals linebacker coach Bill Davis spent three seasons on the Falcons coaching staff. Davis was the linebackers coach under Dan Reeves from 2001-03.

THEY SAID IT

"[Cardinals running back Edgerrin] James looked strong against Seattle, and if the Cardinals hope to succeed against the Falcons, they need a running game that can eat up the clock and help a pass attack be productive. Let's be honest. This playoff game is like a highly publicized combine for James. He wants to do his best for the Cardinals, but if it also means showcasing his skills for other teams, so be it."

--- PAOLA BOIVIN, The Arizona Republic

ODDS ARE

The Falcons are 2 1/2-point favorites in Arizona.

ON THE AIR

Saturday's game will be televised by NBC. Tom Hammond will do the play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth will be the color analyst. Tiki Barber will report from the sidelines.