All in all last week I ended up at 3-1 with my picks againts the spread. Only Indianapolis disappointed me and probably eveyone else. In looking at the 4 games this weekend, it is really hard to pick a winner in 3 of the 4 games. I like the road teams to keep these games close. Here’s a glimpse of my thoughts.
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BAL @ TEN (Titans are 3 pt favorites)
Everyone has focused on the possible repeat Wildcard performance run to the Superbowl that the Giants had last year. They keep mentioning the Eagles in that same sentence. However, I think the Ravens are acting the part much better than the Eagles. They have a high hurdle this weekend. If you are a gambling person, I would definitely take the under in 3 of these 4 games this weekend, with this being one of them. I don’t see either team getting much done on the scoreboard. I like the fact that the Titans have had a week off. I believe their ability to play error free football and their defense keeps them slightly ahead in this game. Therefore I’m predicting an end to the Raven run.
Titans 17 - Ravens 13
ARI @ CAR (Panthers are 10 pt favorites)
Arizona proved they belonged in the playoffs with a solid win last week over the Falcons. I like the fact that the Panthers have the ability to run the ball at will and still can throw it over the top to veterans Smith and Muhammed when it’s called for. Of course, the Cardinals will have their weapons too. I don’t think Carolina can shut down Arizona (munis Boldin) enough to blow them out. I think the Cards keep it close but run out of steam in the end.
Panthers 30 - Cardinals 24
PHI @ NYG (Giants are 4 pt favorites)
Here we go. The NFC East showdown is in front of us. I have no issue telling you I pull for the Eagles and I bleed green. I’m not sure the Eagles can knock off the champ in the champ’s house. The Eagles have a tendency to make too many mistakes in the red zone and in the kicking game at the wrong time. You can do that against average teams and come back to win but against a solid team like the Giants it will catch up with you. The weather will favor the Giants but I don’t think they blow out the Eagles. They slide by with a late FG and a defensive stop.
Giants 20 - Eagles 17
SD @ PIT (Steelers are 6 pt favorites)
Unlikely as it sounds, the Chargers are in the divisional round and they return to the scene of the NFL’s only 11-10 game in history. I respect the fact that the Bolts stopped Peyton enough to squeek by them in OT. However, I think playing in the safety of your own house versus the cold weather of Heinz field is a 10 point swing. As much as Big Ben scares me everytime he drops back to pass, I think he will get enough of his running game to be dangerous. Again, I like the underdog Chargers to keep this close by utilizing the ultimate weapon Sproles. In the end they don’t have enough.
Steelers 24 - Chargers 20
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