The playoffs are here and the match-ups and spreads in these Wild Card games are interesting to say to the least. I will give a pick on either the side or the total or maybe even both in the playoff games this weekend. The NFL playoffs will follow the same format as I used in the bowl games I will only give you my best bets. Below are my picks for this weekend.

 

 

My first best bet is on the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at home giving the Detroit Lions 10½ points. I know this is a big line especially for the playoffs but the Saints are playing in another dimension and once they get up by 2 touchdowns they will take control of this game on both sides of the ball. This is Detroit’s first playoff game since 1999 and they did it with a rookie quarterback and a wide receiver nicknamed Megatron. Detroit will have more opportunities in the future but the present belongs to the Saints and Drew Brees and a cast of all-pro receivers. I think the downfall in this game for Detroit is when they do get down by double digits that they will start to lose their cool and with that will come penalties that will only make matters worse. The Saints are a perfect 8-0 ATS at home this year and this streak will continue with a convincing win over the Detroit Lions. Lay the 10½ points the Saints will take no prisoners. I also have a best bet on the OVER 58½ in this game as the over for the Saints is 6-1-1 ATS the last 8 playoffs games at home and I think Detroit will score a few touchdowns to help push this game over the total. BTW this is the highest over/under line ever in the playoffs.

 

Next, best bet this weekend goes to the PITTSBURGH STEELERS on the road giving the Denver Broncos 9 points. I’m sorry to say the Tebow magic has faded as teams have had more and more film to look at and analyze Tebow’s quarterback tendencies. This is probably why the Steelers are favored by 9 points on the road in the playoffs. It also helps to have a quarterback in Big Ben and wide receivers like Mike Wallace and Hines Ward on your side as well as a defense that is ranked 8th in rush defense and number 1 against the pass, this does not bode well for Mr. Tebow and the Broncos.  I just don’t see how Denver will be able to score in this game as the Steelers defense will cut off McGahee, which will force Tebow to throw and most likely will result in at least one pick 6. Once the Broncos get behind the crowd will turn on them and that will mark the beginning of the end of the season for the Broncos. On a side note I would like to applaud Mike Tomlin on his decision not to play Ryan Clark who almost lost his life the last time they played in high altitudes, to me it was absolutely the right thing to do. Lay the 9 points the Steelers will win by double digits.

 

My last best bet this weekend is on the OVER 47 in the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants game. Both these teams have excellent quarterbacks (I find it hard to say “elite” when you have Brees, Rodgers and Brady in the NFL) a decent running game and excellent wide receivers. Both these teams score in the mid 20’s and also give up in the mid 20’s and with everything on the line I expect both these teams to leave it all on the field. The weather in East Rutherford this Sunday will be perfect for football as the temperature will be in the mid 40’s, partly sunny with no rain and very little wind. You couldn’t ask for better weather to throw the ball in Giants Stadium. I look for both these teams to score enough points to put this game over early in the 4th quarter.

 

 

 

As always remember to bet with your head and not over it.       :)

 

I will be back next week with the next round of playoff picks.

 

Don’t forget to read below this write-up for the rest of my bowl picks.

 

 

 

Be Sociable, Share!