Patriots open title defense against Titans
Jan 7 (Reuters) - The New England Patriots begin their quest for a third Super Bowl title in four seasons on Saturday when they meet the Tennessee Titans in the NFL playoffs. Champions in the 2014 and 2016 seasons, the Patriots (13-3) are aiming for a sixth Super Bowl title, all with the now 40-year-old Tom Brady at quarterback. They will be big favorites in the American Football Conference (AFC) divisional round having won their last six meetings with the Titans, including a 2015 game. Tennessee (10-7), who have not won in New England since 1993, advanced to Saturday's game with a 22-21 wildcard victory over the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs. The top team in the National Football Conference, the Philadelphia Eagles, host the Atlanta Falcons (11-6) on Saturday.
Atlanta, who blew a 25-point lead in an overtime loss to New England in last year's Super Bowl, scored a 26-13 wildcard victory over the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams.
The Eagles, who won the NFC East with a 13-3 record but are missing injured quarterback Carson Wentz, hold an 18-14-1 all-time mark against the Falcons, with the last win coming in 2016.
Divisional round games continue on Sunday with the AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3), who like the Patriots and Eagles had a first-round bye, hosting AFC South winner Jacksonville Jaguars (11-6).
NFC North winner Minnesota Vikings (13-3) face NFC South champion New Orleans Saints (12-5).
Jacksonville, who beat the Buffalo Bills 10-3 to set up a meeting with the Steelers, enjoy a surprising 13-11 all-time record over Pittsburgh, including a 30-9 victory in October.
New Orleans held off the Carolina Panthers for the third time this season on Sunday, winning 31-26.
The Vikings are 21-11 all-time against the Saints including a 29-19 regular season victory in September
Next weekend's divisional winners will meet on Jan. 21 for Conference titles with the victors playing for the Super Bowl on Feb. 4 in Minneapolis.
The schedule:
Saturday, January 13
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles in NFC divisional round game (2135 GMT/4:35 PM ET)
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots in AFC divisional round game (0115 GMT/8:15 PM ET)
Sunday, January 14
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC divisional round game (1805 GMT/1:05 PM ET)
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings in NFC divisional round game (2140 GMT/4:40 PM ET) (Reporting by Gene Cherry in Wilson, North Carolina; Editing by Peter Rutherford; )
