Houston Texans (+3.5) over Kansas City Chiefs – First playoff game of the year and it’s a matchup between Alex Smith and Brian Hoyer. Who’s excited? The Chiefs finished the year on a 10 game win streak and are the hottest team in football. Unfortunately, they’ve lost six straight games in the postseason. Sounds like a low scoring game that will come down to a late field goal. Also, Andy Reid is due for a time management blunder to blow the game. Texans 22-20.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) over Cincinnati Bengals – The Steelers might be one of the best six seeds in recent memory. I honestly think the Bengals are better off with A.J. McCarron instead of Andy Dalton. Dalton hasn’t been ruled out yet, but I’d be surprised if he played. The Steelers defense is a little shaky and will let up points, but when your offense scores 28+ points a game then there’s no need to worry. Ben Roethlisberger is 10-2 in Cincinnati for his career. Steelers 31-25.
Green Bay Packers (-1) over Washington Redskins – It’s hard to believe that Kirk Cousins is playing better than Aaron Rodgers right now. I’m convinced that the Packers tanked against the Vikings because they’d rather play Washington than Minnesota. As bad as the Packers have played, I can’t see them losing against a Redskin team that really hasn’t played anyone. A stat that sticks out: Washington hasn’t won against a team over .500 ALL YEAR. Aaron Rodgers likes that. Packers 27-23.
Minnesota Vikings (+6) over Seattle Seahawks – If the current weather forecasts hold true, the Seahawks’ wild-card playoff game Sunday at Minnesota is almost certain to set a record as the coldest in team history, and rank among the coldest in NFL history. The Seahawks dominated the Vikings in the regular season matchup, and I think the Vikes have a good chance to make this a close game. I just don’t believe in Teddy Bridgewater and the Seahawks are going to stack the box to stop Peterson. Seahawks 24-20.
SIDE NOTE:
Since 1980, home underdogs are 21-14 straight up and 21-12-2 against the spread in the playoffs. All home teams are underdogs this week.
Last week: 7-9
Regular Season ATS: 132-120-4
Playoffs ATS: 0-0
Teaser Pick of the Week Overall: 8-9
Teaser Pick of the Week (6 Points): Seattle Seahawks PK
Pittsburgh Steelers +3.5
Big Ben has 16 passing touchdowns at home, but only five on the road. He’s also thrown for just one touchdown and four picks against Cincy this season. If there’s any hope for the Bengals, that’s it.
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