Sunday's early game features a pair of teams in the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins that posted 11-5 records in 2008 following poor showings the previous year. And both are rather hot entering the postseason, which is key since momentum can be such a big ally this time of year (ask the 2007 New York Giants about that). But who has the advantage in this contest? The rookie quarterback with the intimidating defense? Or the veteran QB with the not-so-intimidating defense?

Calling the Dolphins' 2007 season poor is probably being too kind. Actually, there's no probably about it. Miami put together one of the most pathetic seasons in NFL history, winning just one game. Ironically, that win came against these same Ravens. In his first season with the Dolphins, however, executive vice president Bill Parcells, along with new head coach Tony Sparano, pulled off a minor miracle. Sparking that miracle was quarterback Chad Pennington, who was acquired during the offseason and rewarded the Dolphins with the second-best passer rating in the league and a Comeback Player of the Year performance.

But now Pennington and the Dolphins face the unenviable task of hosting the Ravens, who feature the league's second-best defense, fueled by the intense Ray Lewis at inside linebacker and ball hawk Ed Reed at safety. The two teams met back in October, and while Pennington had a solid game, the Dolphins rushing attack was shut down and their newly-unveiled Wildcat formation didn't fool anyone. The Ravens ended up winning that contest 27-13.

Look for the Ravens to again shut down the Dolphins running game and force Pennington to put the ball in the air, hoping to force Miami into some uncharacteristic turnovers. If they do, the Ravens win this game going away. But if Pennington plays like he did in the first contest, he should keep his squad in the hunt.

The intensity, obviously, is going to be turned up on both sides of the ball this week. And when it comes to the Ravens defense, added intensity often turns them into a smothering force. I believe that is what is going to happen this weekend. The Dolphins offense is going to find itself facing a ton of pressure with few options to turn to. And regardless of how the Ravens offense plays, their defense will not let this club lose.

The Dolphins had a fantastic season -- the greatest single-season turnaround in NFL history -- and have a lot to be proud of. But they're simply out-manned this week, in my view, and probably will not advance to round two. Unless, of course, Parcells and Sparano can produce another small miracle.

Prediction: Baltimore 27, Miami 6