After a 4-0 performance during the NFL Wild Card Weekend I figured I would give it another shot during the Divisional Round. I thought the lines were much easier last week, but that is expected as the competition has now stepped it up a notch. This weekend is the best weekend of the NFL season. Enjoy and here are the picks.
New Orleans Saints -3.5 @ San Francisco 49ers
One of the simple rules in NFL gambling is lean towards home dogs, which the 49ers are. In this situation I can't bring myself to do it. I know the San Fran defense is fantastic, but I refuse to bet on a team that has Alex Smith as their starting quarterback in a playoff game. I'm taking the Saints even with them giving the points.
Denver Broncos +13.5 @ New England Patriots
At first look this looks like an easy bet with the Patriots. They destroyed Denver late in the season and have Tom Brady going up against Tim Tebow. BUT (yes capitals were needed), there are eerie similarities to last years playoff loss to the New York Jets. The Patriots are heavy favorites, they beat up on them late in the season, no one gave the opponent a chance to win, and they have a huge advantage at the quarterback position. The Jets were able to get to Tom Brady and flustered him all day. The Denver Broncos have a similar ability with the talent they have on the defensive side of the ball. I still think the Pats win, but I'm taking the points and the Broncos.
Houston Texans +7.5 @ Baltimore Ravens
This one is simple for me and it's summed up in two words - Joe Flacco. Despite the fact the Ravens are 4-3 in playoff games Flacco has started, saying his play has been less than stellar is being kind. In seven games Flacco has completed 53% of his passes for 1050 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. His QB rating is a stellar 61%. Let's take away the Kansas City Chiefs game last year in which Flacco actually played well in against an overmatched Chiefs team who got to the playoffs because of a pathetic schedule. In the other six games he has completed 48% of his passes for 785 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions. I would figure out the QB rating, but I have no idea. I'm on the Texans with the points.
New York Giants +7.5 @ Green Bay Packers
The Giants played the Packers great in the regular season and I don't see any reason they can't again even though it is in Green Bay this time. Eli Manning has had an MVP type season, but hasn't received the same attention as Aaron Rodgers. I still think the Packers win, but I think it is by less than a touchdown. I got the Giants with the points.