Coming off a 4-2 week, things get a little dicey this weekend in the NFL playoffs. It's the time of year where we finally get to find out who is for real, and who will get a little bit longer off-season.
The picks this week:
1. Atlanta +3 over NY Giants
I'm not 100% sure Atlanta will win the game (seems foolish to bet against Eli Manning this time of year), but I think they'll keep it extremely close. Show me a team that has a better 1-2 punch at WR then Atlanta does with Julio Jones and Roddy White (not even mentioning Tony Gonzalez at TE), and I'll gladly debate you. Atlanta can run the ball with Turner, and have suddenly built up a reputation for having a nasty OL. NY had to win last week to get in, and I just think Atlanta is the better team here.
2. Pitt -8.5 over Denver
An 8.5 point spread in a playoff game? Someone doesn't really deserve to be here, as is the case with Denver. As a Chiefs fan, Janikowski's FG to beat KC in overtime week 16 hurts even more now, as it should have been the Chiefs in this spot. The Denver defense isn't what it was a few weeks ago pre-Von Miller injury, and Tebow's magic has burnt out. In the playoffs, Troy Polamalu is THE MAN, and he's been coming on as of late. It's an easy pick...it could be out of hand early.
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| Brees is good...really good |
3. New Orleans -10.5 over Detroit
If you thought the last spread was a lot, check this one out. Difference? Drew Brees. Sorry Lions fans, but I see the Saints nudged right up against the Packers as the best team in the NFL. They can score pretty much at will, and I'm looking forward to the Super Bowl before the Super Bowl when the Pack and Saints finally meet.
4. Cincy +3.5 over Houston
The battle of two banged up teams. The good news for Cincy is Andy Dalton is back from his bout with the flu, and Texas still has some question marks. Arian Foster is good, and so is Andre Johnson. Problem is, the QB situation at Houston is still a bit sticky. Happy for Cincy...until they have to play the Patriots next week.
5. LSU +1.5 over Alabama
For the record, I hate the fact this is a re-match. I can't stand it. This game is the perfect example of why college football is broken. Not because of the BCS...that debate is for another day. Rather because LSU has been bet back to being an underdog. THEY'VE ALREADY PLAYED you idiots. LSU has beaten Alabama, Arkansas, and all other ranked comers. They've proven they're the best team in college football over and over again, yet still get no love compared to Alabama. Bama just seems to be one of those "anointed" teams that gets way more respect than they should some years. On Monday night, Les Miles and the Tigers will prove once and for all, they are the top dog in 2011-12.
6. Drake over UNI - no line
I'll just take the Dogs straight up in this one, as I couldn't find a Vegas line yet. Drake is perfect on the season at home, and 0-for eternity on the road. The game is in the Knapp Center, and Drake has the talent to win this game. They need to play the game at their pace, instead of letting the Panthers control the tempo. Drake has outstanding players, and have the talent to contend with most teams in the MVC. They're just one or two pieces away from breaking out. Watch the game closely on Saturday night, and you'll be able to see what's missing. Guaranteed.
Enjoy your weekend - and always remember, the more you bet, the more you win.
