NFL Divisional Playoff Pick Review
Review
Divisional games are characterized by decisive victories. Theres a reason the #1 and #2 seeds got home field and a bye week, they were better teams during the regular season.
"Were" is the operative word, past tense. When the playoffs start, the score and your record is 0-0, what you did before means nothing other than home field and a bye week.
This week we have some hot "stretch" teams looking for revenge or vindication on the road. This is why I am flying in the face of history by taking three road dogs.
We like New England +3, despite their 2-4 non divisional conference record. The Patriots are a money team with playoff experience. You cannot ignore the return of injured players which gave a late season defensive and rushing game surge.
We like Pittsburgh +9.5 due to a large spread and the Colts playoff history. A hot Steeler finish forged with solid defense and a resurgent rushing attack spurred by QB Rothlisbergers healthy return cannot be ignored.
We like Washington +9, its a large spread. Compound this with the Redskins 11-2 conference record, stout rushing defense and ball control offense. Add suspicion of Seattle's level of competition during the regular season and the Squaks could have their hands full.
To review our divisional picks we took one home favorite Chicago -3, and three road dogs New England +3, Pittsburgh +9.5 and Washington +9. And yes, the three road dogs could all get blown out by superior teams at home who are on top of their game.
This is why, if we had to bet only one, we really like Da Bears defense playing at home and only having to cover 3. Carolina has little recourse if Chicago can pass the ball or of going to the passing game and WR Steve Smith, if their offensive tackles have problems and the running game is shutdown.
Divisional games are characterized by decisive victories. Theres a reason the #1 and #2 seeds got home field and a bye week, they were better teams during the regular season.
"Were" is the operative word, past tense. When the playoffs start, the score and your record is 0-0, what you did before means nothing other than home field and a bye week.
This week we have some hot "stretch" teams looking for revenge or vindication on the road. This is why I am flying in the face of history by taking three road dogs.
We like New England +3, despite their 2-4 non divisional conference record. The Patriots are a money team with playoff experience. You cannot ignore the return of injured players which gave a late season defensive and rushing game surge.
We like Pittsburgh +9.5 due to a large spread and the Colts playoff history. A hot Steeler finish forged with solid defense and a resurgent rushing attack spurred by QB Rothlisbergers healthy return cannot be ignored.
We like Washington +9, its a large spread. Compound this with the Redskins 11-2 conference record, stout rushing defense and ball control offense. Add suspicion of Seattle's level of competition during the regular season and the Squaks could have their hands full.
To review our divisional picks we took one home favorite Chicago -3, and three road dogs New England +3, Pittsburgh +9.5 and Washington +9. And yes, the three road dogs could all get blown out by superior teams at home who are on top of their game.
This is why, if we had to bet only one, we really like Da Bears defense playing at home and only having to cover 3. Carolina has little recourse if Chicago can pass the ball or of going to the passing game and WR Steve Smith, if their offensive tackles have problems and the running game is shutdown.
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