Patriots resume quest for perfection

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The unbeaten New England Patriots continue their quest for perfection this weekend as the top-seeded teams join the NFL playoffs.

The Patriots, second-ranked Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers return after first-round byes for the divisional round of playoffs that will determine match-ups for the following week's conference championships.

Quarterback Tom Brady, who set an NFL mark with 50 touchdown passes in the league's highest scoring team ever, will try and lead the Patriots to their 17th win of the season when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars (12-5) on Saturday.

The other AFC playoff tilt pits defending Super Bowl champion Colts (13-3) and quarterback Peyton Manning against visiting San Diego Chargers (12-5) on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who took advantage of the bye to vacation at a Mexico resort with actress Jessica Simpson, said he needed a holiday escape before getting ready to face division rival New York Giants.

"Part of the reason I got away last weekend was just because I don't feel sometimes that I get to be on my own when I am in certain places," Romo told reporters.

"It was nice to go there and just rent a house and just sit around and ... not have to worry about answering my phone or worry about tickets, or radio shows or TV things, and just the normal everyday things."

Dallas (13-3) beat the Giants (11-6) twice during the regular season, blowing open close games in the second half.

Romo's favorite deep threat receiver, Terrell Owens, is questionable for Sunday's game because of an ankle sprain.

New York, whose confidence was boosted in a valiant 38-35 loss to the Patriots in their regular season finale, pin their hopes on their league-best pass-rushers and the improved play of quarterback Eli Manning.

Saturday's NFC showdown has Brett Favre, the nine-times Pro Bowl quarterback who this season set the NFL record for career TD passes, steering the Packers (13-3) attack against former Green Bay coach Mike Holmgren and his Seattle Seahawks (11-6).

Favre won his Super Bowl ring under the guidance of Holmgren but the rocket-armed quarterback will be focused on taking advantage of home field conditions with cold and snow forecast for the game at Lambeau Field.

Seattle, led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, eliminated the visiting Washington Redskins in the first round but are only 3-5 on the road this season.

Indianapolis are looking for revenge against the Chargers, who beat them in San Diego in November intercepting Manning six times. San Diego also gave the Colts their first loss after a 13-0 start in 2005 with a win in Indianapolis.

San Diego may rely more heavily than usual on running back LaDainian Tomlinson, with the availability of tight end Antonio Gates in doubt because of a dislocated toe.

The pass-happy Patriots, who averaged 34 points a game at home this season, and run-loving Jaguars will vie for control of the pigskin.

Jacksonville, featuring veteran running back Fred Taylor, ranked third in the NFL in average time of possession, one spot behind New England.

(Editing by Justin Palmer)