Archive for the ‘NFL Picks’ Category
NFL Betting Preview Betus.com betting line – Pittsburgh -6.5, 46.5 O/U Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. The most anticipated sporting event of the year will kick off at approximately 6:20 Sunday night live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Highlighting the spectacular event is the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals and the AFC Champs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arizona has been the underdog throughout the post season, but despite the long odds they have battled their way to earn their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. On the other side of the field, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in seek of their 6th Super Bowl victory that would become the most in NFL history. Pittsburgh has the early edge in terms of the betting lines with the majority of sports books holding the Steelers as a touchdown favorite over the Cardinals. Arizona will have the luxury of being an underdog once again as they seek to surprise the world one final time. The Pittsburgh Steelers were the favorites throughout the AFC all year due to the downfall of the New England Patriots. The Steelers entered the playoffs as favorites to win the AFC and they have lived up to the expectations. The Pittsburgh defense has been the dominating factor that has led to the Steelers success this season. The Pittsburgh defense has held teams to 14 points per game and only 237 yards of total offense which both ranks 1st in the NFL. The Steelers secondary also sports the top ranked pass defense in the league allowing 157 yards per game meaning Pittsburgh ranks 1st in three of the 4 major defensive categories while ranking 2nd in the other in rush defense. However, the Steelers secondary will be under one of the biggest test they faced all season from a strong air assault led by Kurt Warner and the Arizona offense. Pittsburgh offensively has not received the credit they have deserved during the playoffs. Despite the defense leading all season, the Steelers offense has found a way to score over the last two games posted 28 points on average. The Steelers will likely need to find a way to continue to post some touchdowns as many expect the Arizona to have some success, but the question is how much success? Arizona came into the playoffs as a huge underdog for winning the weak NFC West. The Cardinals were not expected by many to make it out of the first playoff game against Atlanta much less make a surge and get to the Super Bowl. Despite conquering all odds, Arizona still has one game left to prove why nobody should count them out. Veteran QB Kurt Warner has been very impressive throughout the Cardinals run. Warner’s leadership ability may have been equally impressive with his talented throwing arm as well. After all Warner is a Super Bowl MVP who led the St. Louis Rams to their first ever Lombardi Trophy and he will be trying to do the same this Sunday with the Cardinals. However the most impressive man on the field for the Cardinals has been Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald broke NFL all-time great Jerry Rice’s playoff receiving yards records as he has racked up 419 yards already with one game to go. Fitzgerald also caught 3 touchdowns in the first half of the NFC Championship (also a record) and has 5 total TDs over the playoff stint. WR Anquan Boldin has also been a big factor for the Cardinals this season despite being very quite during the post season. However, do not be surprised if Boldin gets the ball thrown his way a good bit as the Cardinals will try to utilize all their weapons to overcome the stout Pittsburgh defense. Pick – I’m going with the Veteran QB that has been here before to find a way to win not to mention getting 6.5 extra points. Arizona +6.5
Arizona Cardinals (12-7) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-4)
Super Bowl, Sunday Feb. 1, 6:15PM Eastern
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, nfl, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl
NFC Championship Preview Sunday, January 18th, 3:00PM EasternÂ
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6-1) at Arizona Cardinals (11-7)
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Philadelphia -3.5, 47 O/UÂ
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The NFC Championship will host two unlikely opponents when the number 6 seeded Philadelphia Eagles travel to Phoenix to take on the number 5 seeded Arizona Cardinals. The game marks the first home playoff game for the Cardinals since 1947 and will give them the opportunity to earn their first ever Super Bowl trip. The game marks a re-match from week 13 when the Eagles trampled the Cardinals 48-20. In that game, running back Michael Westbrook ran wild against Arizona tying a team record 4 touchdowns. Westbrook and the Eagles will look for a repeat performance, but the Arizona Cardinals are playing much better at this point in the season.Â
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Arizona is led by veteran QB Kurt Warner. Warner averaged the 2nd most yardage through the air this season with 292 yards per game of passing. Leading the receiving core that will get a lot of balls thrown their way is star playmakers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Boldin missed last week with a pulled hamstring and indicates he will play this Sunday in the NFC Title Game. Fitzgerald has a big game against the Panthers catching 8 balls for 166 yards and a score. These two receivers will be a crucial part of the Arizona offense as they attempt to break down the Eagles secondary. Boldin and Fitzgerald have combined for 23 touchdowns this season and they will be looking to add a few more this weekend.Â
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Philadelphia has come out of nowhere to not only make the playoffs, but to be playing in the NFC Championship. The Eagles have won 6 of their last 7 games and both sides of the ball seem to be playing very well. The Philadelphia defense has been solid all season long. The Eagles defense ranks 3rd overall in the league holding opponents to 18 points and 274 yards of total offense for the season. The Eagles defense was playing well when Philadelphia was struggling. However, the emergence of the Philadelphia offense has the Eagles flying to new heights. During their impressive 7 game stretch, Philadelphia has averaged nearly 30 points per game. QB Donovan McNabb is playing the best he has all season and Michael Westbrook presents the big play capability. Keep an eye on these two guys because the Philadelphia offense may have to make some big plays if the Arizona offense keeps up their stellar play.Â
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What to watch…Â
The Philadelphia ground game will be extremely crucial in this game. Westbrook ran for 110 yards in the last meeting and keep the Arizona offense off the field. In that game, the Eagles controlled the time of possession 39:33 to 20:27. The Cardinals must stand strong against the Philadelphia running game and allow the potent offense the opportunity to score points.Â
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Betting Trends…Â
Philadelphia has reached the under total in 4 of their last 6 games and on an impressive run against the books with a mark of 12-4 ATS. Arizona is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games at home and have reached the over total in 4 of their last 5 games.Â
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Pick - Defenses are playing well and lots of times defenses take control early in big games. Consider the under 47.
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, football, NFC Championship Preview, nfl, Philadelphia Eagles, sports
AFC Championship PreviewÂ
Baltimore Ravens (13-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (13-4)Â
Sunday, 6:30PM EasternÂ
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Pittsburgh -6, 33.5 O/UÂ
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in clash of titans type game to determine the AFC Championship. The game highlights an early season pair of re-matches that were very exciting football games. The first meeting was an overtime thriller that Pittsburgh edged out by a field goal in late September. In week 13, Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger led a game winning scoring drive with 43 seconds on the clock to steal a victory away from the Ravens 13-9. However, Baltimore has yet to lose a game since that meeting winning 4 straight and they will look to get a little revenge this time around and earn the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.Â
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Baltimore has really improved in the late part of the season. The Ravens have won their last 7 of 8 games with their only defeat coming from the Steelers. The game appears to certainly be another defensive grudge match featuring the two best defensive units in the NFL. The Ravens have played exceptional on the defensive side of the ball holding teams to slightly over 10 points per game in their last 7 games. Baltimore has also been playing well on the offensive side of the ball. The Ravens offense has come on strong behind rookie QB Joe Flacco. Flacco threw a ton of interceptions through the first part of the year, but has not thrown a single pick in 5 games. Flacco is beginning to throw the ball with confidence and as result the Ravens offense is becoming more effective. The Ravens ground game has also been solid behind Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. Both running backs will get a number of carries this Sunday and the team that established the ground game the best will likely win this game.Â
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Pittsburgh has the best defense in the NFL. The Steelers potent defense ranks 1st in 3 of 4 major defensive categories and 2nd in the other. Pittsburgh only allowed 202 total yards from Baltimore in their last meeting and they will try to do the same this Sunday. In the last meeting, WR Hines Ward had a big performance from the wide receiver position. Ward caught 107 reception yards in that game and has played very well in the final month of the season. If the Steelers get in a bind and are forced to throw the football, expect Ward to get some opportunities to make a big play. This game will likely be won in the trenches considering these defenses are extremely talented. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have without a doubt the best two defenses in the NFL and it will be interesting to see which offense can make some plays and get the job done.Â
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What to watch for…Â
The ground game will likely tell the story in this battle. Do not expect there to be a large amount of passes as both teams will rely a good bit on their defense. The team that can move the ball on the ground and win the field position will likely win the game. Both offenses have shown effective running games at one point or another this season. Look for these dominant defenses to stand strong, but watch to see which team controls the ball through the running game.Â
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Pick - Ravens get the job done this time, the points are extra. Baltimore +6
Tags: AFC Championship Preview, Baltimore Ravens, football, nfl, Pittsburgh Steelers, sports
NFL Playoff PreviewÂ
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6-1) at New York Giants (12-4)Â
Sunday, 1:00PM EasternÂ
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Bookmaker.com betting line - New York -4, 40 O/UÂ
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Two NFC East rivals are scheduled to battle for the 3rd time this season when the Philadelphia Eagles travel to take on the New York Giants. Both earlier match-ups were decided by less than a touchdown with each time scoring a victory once. However, this game will be much bigger than the previous two battles considering the winner this time will move on to play in the NFC Championship. The Giants were the class of the NFC all season, but face the challenge to hold off a dangerously hot Philadelphia team who has really come on strong in the late part of the year.Â
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New York struggled through the month of December losing 3 of their last 4 games. The Giants offense has really lost their early season form and has struggled to produce points in recent weeks. The Giants own the 3rd best scoring offense in the NFL at 26 points per game. However, New York only averaged 18 points in their final 4 games and it is imperative they get the offense back to top form. The Giants have two running backs that have eclipsed the 1,000 yard barrier on the season in Derrick Ward and Brandon Jacobs. The Giants strong running game will battle a strong defensive front from the Philadelphia Eagles this season. The Giants running game will need to come up big considering the passing game has been missing in action the latter part of the season. QB Eli Manning highest game total is 191 yards of passing in his last 4 games. The Giants need Manning to be more effective this weekend in a huge rivalry game.Â
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Philadelphia has played as well as anyone in the NFC the 2nd half of the season. The Eagles defense has simply been outstanding in recent weeks. The Philadelphia defense has held teams to a staggering 10.8 points per game in their last 5 outings against some really quality teams. QB Donovan McNabb has got the offense rolling again overcoming some mid-season turmoil that had the offense under the microscope. McNabb threw for 300 yards last week against the Vikings in the Wildcard Playoff Game and he will need another big performance this Sunday. Also running back Michael Westbrook will be a player to keep an eye on for the Eagles. Westbrook has big play capability and could be a difference maker this weekend.Â
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What to watch for…Â
The Giants offense against the Philadelphia defense will be fun to watch. The Eagles defense has to be prepared to stop the run and most-likely will do so especially early in the game. The Giants will need Eli Manning and the struggling passing attack to add some key support. The Giants passing game will be the deciding factor in an anticipated defensive battle.Â
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Pick - NY Giants
Tags: Divisional Playoffs, football, New York Giants, nfl, Philadelphia Eagles, sports
NFL Betting Preview San Diego Chargers (9-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) Sunday, 4:30PM Eastern Â
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Pittsburgh -6, 38 O/U
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host an unlikely opponent in the San Diego Chargers this Sunday to determine who plays in the AFC Title game. The Chargers became the first team win a division by trailing 3 games with 3 weeks to go when they overtook the Broncos to clinch the final Wildcard spot in week 17. San Diego backed up their late season surge last week with a convincing victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers look to shock the world again this weekend when bring their strong offense to battle with the best defense the NFL has seen in many years. Â
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Pittsburgh finished one game behind the Titans in terms of the best record in the AFC this season with a mark of 12-4. The Steelers closed out the season strong and look to be the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, we all know how crazy the playoffs are and it is a long time before we can stir up the Super Bowl talk. The Steelers won 6 of their last 7 games to close out the season including an 11-10 low scoring affair over the Chargers. The Pittsburgh defense will look to keep this game considerably low again when they unleash the NFL’s best defense against a strong Chargers offense. The Steelers defense amazingly ranks 1st in 3 of the 4 major defensive categories and 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. The Steelers defense is among the best to take the field in a long time holding teams to 13.9 points and a mind blowing 239 total yards on the season. This defensive unit will try and shut down the San Diego offense for the 2nd time this season this Sunday.Â
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San Diego came out of nowhere to end the season and all of a sudden they are playing extremely well. However, they will face a big task in overcoming the Pittsburgh defense. QB Phillip Rivers has been outstanding this season throwing for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns. Rivers leads a San Diego team that is 2nd in scoring offense averaging a stout 27.4 points per game. Chargers running back and superstar LaDainian Tomlinson has been battling a tendon injury in his groin and his status heading into this week is unclear. However, speedster Darren Sproles took over the job well last week with an amazing 320 all-purpose yards. Sproles single handedly defeated the Colts and will again attempt to be a big factor this weekend. This game will be a classic offense vs. defense showdown and it will be interesting to see which side of the ball prevails.Â
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What to watch for…Â
Darren Sproles will be the spotlight to watch. The Chargers will have a very tough time moving the ball against the Steelers defense. However, a great way to beat good defenses is to make big plays. Sproles gives San Diego that opportunity with his elusive speed and I would keep an eye on the little guy to see if he is as effective as a week ago in Indianapolis.Â
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Pick - Under 38
Tags: Divisional Playoffs, football, nfl, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, sports
NFL Betting Preview San Diego Chargers (9-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) Sunday, 4:30PM Eastern Â
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Pittsburgh -6, 38 O/U
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host an unlikely opponent in the San Diego Chargers this Sunday to determine who plays in the AFC Title game. The Chargers became the first team win a division by trailing 3 games with 3 weeks to go when they overtook the Broncos to clinch the final Wildcard spot in week 17. San Diego backed up their late season surge last week with a convincing victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers look to shock the world again this weekend when bring their strong offense to battle with the best defense the NFL has seen in many years. Â
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Pittsburgh finished one game behind the Titans in terms of the best record in the AFC this season with a mark of 12-4. The Steelers closed out the season strong and look to be the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, we all know how crazy the playoffs are and it is a long time before we can stir up the Super Bowl talk. The Steelers won 6 of their last 7 games to close out the season including an 11-10 low scoring affair over the Chargers. The Pittsburgh defense will look to keep this game considerably low again when they unleash the NFL’s best defense against a strong Chargers offense. The Steelers defense amazingly ranks 1st in 3 of the 4 major defensive categories and 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. The Steelers defense is among the best to take the field in a long time holding teams to 13.9 points and a mind blowing 239 total yards on the season. This defensive unit will try and shut down the San Diego offense for the 2nd time this season this Sunday.Â
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San Diego came out of nowhere to end the season and all of a sudden they are playing extremely well. However, they will face a big task in overcoming the Pittsburgh defense. QB Phillip Rivers has been outstanding this season throwing for over 4,000 yards and 34 touchdowns. Rivers leads a San Diego team that is 2nd in scoring offense averaging a stout 27.4 points per game. Chargers running back and superstar LaDainian Tomlinson has been battling a tendon injury in his groin and his status heading into this week is unclear. However, speedster Darren Sproles took over the job well last week with an amazing 320 all-purpose yards. Sproles single handedly defeated the Colts and will again attempt to be a big factor this weekend. This game will be a classic offense vs. defense showdown and it will be interesting to see which side of the ball prevails.Â
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What to watch for…Â
Darren Sproles will be the spotlight to watch. The Chargers will have a very tough time moving the ball against the Steelers defense. However, a great way to beat good defenses is to make big plays. Sproles gives San Diego that opportunity with his elusive speed and I would keep an eye on the little guy to see if he is as effective as a week ago in Indianapolis.Â
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Pick - Under 38
Tags: Divisional Playoffs, football, nfl, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, sports
NFL Playoff PreviewÂ
Arizona Cardinals (10-7) at Carolina Panthers (12-4)Â
Saturday, 8:15PM EasternÂ
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Carolina -10, 48.5 O/UÂ
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NFC Division Playoff action will kick off primetime Saturday night when the Carolina Panthers host the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals captured a big home victory last week over the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 and look to keep the momentum going. Carolina closed out the season as strong as any in the NFC winning 8 of their last 10 games and they will try to prove they are the team to beat in the NFC. The game features the biggest spread differential of any playoff game this weekend with the Panthers coming in as heavy 10 point favorites. The Cardinals overcame many expectations last week with and will look to do the same again this Saturday.Â
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Carolina sports a premier running attack lead by two great tailbacks DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart. The two backs combined to be the most effective duo in the NFL for over 2,300 yards and strong 28 touchdowns on the ground this season. The Carolina running game ranks 3rd in the NFL averaging 152 yards per contest. The Panthers will try to establish this running game this weekend and keep a dangerous Arizona offense off the field. The Panthers have scored 25 points on average this season and they will need to put up some points against the high power offense of Arizona. WR Steve Smith is the most valuable Panther on the offensive side of the ball and has the big play capability. Smith has racked up 1,421 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns despite missing the first two games this season. Carolina will look for their playmakers to take control in what many consider to be a fairly high scoring affair.Â
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Arizona posted some of the best offensive numbers in the NFL during the first half of the season. Veteran QB Kurt Warner leads one of the best passing attacks in the NFL averaging a crazy 292 yards per game through the air. The Arizona offense also sports the 3rd best scoring offense in the league with 27 points per contest. The Arizona offense will have to be very effective this weekend considering the defense has struggled all season. The Cardinals scoring defense is among the worse in the NFL allowing 26 points per game. However, Kurt Warner will try to led the high power offense into the promise land and earn a right to battle for the NFC Title. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are big wide receivers that are difficult for any team to defend. Both stars have over a 1,000 yards receiving and combine for 23 scores on the year. Keep an eye on these electrifying playmakers as they will try to make some things happen for the Arizona offense.Â
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What to watch for…Â
The Carolina running game will be interesting to watch and will provide some big counter affects. If the Panthers run the ball well, it will keep Arizona off the field and play into their advantage. However if Carolina can not establish a ground attack, then it forces the Panthers into a passing war with one of the best air assaults in the NFL. Carolina needs to be effective on offense and keep the time of possession in their favor. Â
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Pick - Panthers defense holds on to win, but Arizona keeps it within 10. Arizona +10
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Divisional Playoffs, football, nfl, sports
NFL Playoff Preview Â
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)Â
Sunday, 1:00PM EasternÂ
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Baltimore -3, 37.5 O/UÂ
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A pair of AFC teams with identical regular season records square off Sunday in the first round of the NFL Playoffs. Miami clinched the AFC East with their win over the Jets last week while the Ravens clinched the final wildcard spot with a victory over the Jaguars. The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Florida to battle with the Miami Dolphins for the second time this season. Earlier this season, the Ravens beat the Dolphins in Miami by a final score of 27-13. However, since that lost the Miami Dolphins stormed back to win 4 straight games and 9 of their last 10 becoming one of the hottest AFC teams at seasons end. The Dolphins look to extract a little revenge this time around when they host the Ravens this Sunday.Â
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Miami has been the biggest turn-around team perhaps in NFL history. The Dolphins won only one single game a year ago barely escaping a winless season. This year things are very different as Miami has been striving in their last 10 games and are poised to make a run in the postseason. Dolphins QB Chad Pennington has played a major role in the success this season. Pennington has completed 67% of his passes this season which places him as the most efficient passer in the NFL this season. Pennington has also racked up 3,653 yards this season along with 19 touchdowns. The Dolphins have become a very effective offensive force and they will need another big performance against a stout Baltimore defense. Miami has played solid defense as well down the stretch contributing to their great run. The Dolphins are only allowing 14 points per game in their last 5 match-ups. Both sides of the ball will have to play stellar this Sunday in a colossal first round battle.Â
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Baltimore QB Joe Flacco has had a good year in his rookie campaign. The youngster has thrown for 2,971 yards this season with 14 touchdowns. Flacco has been picked off 12 times this year and the rookie will try to limit his mistakes despite not having any postseason experience. The Baltimore running game has been solid this season behind the legs of running back Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee. The two backs have combined for 1500 yards of rushing this season along with 17 touchdowns. The big factor in this game will not be the Baltimore offense, but rather the play of the defense. The Ravens have the 2nd best defense in the NFL behind the lucrative Pittsburgh defense. The Ravens rank in the top 3 in all 4 major defensive categories. Baltimore will wreak havoc on the Miami offense Sunday and they will try to shut down the Dolphins and continue their late season surge.Â
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What to watch for…Â
Turnovers are the category that many people do not preview, but it could be a big factor in Sunday’s game. Both teams have been subject to turnover problems at one point or another this season. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has been really suspect to interception problems and can not afford to give the ball away to the Dolphins. Also, the running game was a big factor in the first match between these two opponents. Willis McGahee led the Ravens to a +100 yard performance while Miami leading rushing had only a mere 27 yards on the ground. Keep an eye on the ground attack.Â
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Pick - Baltimore defense got it done earlier this season and I believe they will again. Take Baltimore -3.
Tags: Baltimore Ravens, football, Miami Dolphins, nfl, sports
NFL Playoff PreviewÂ
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)Â
Sunday, 4:30PM EasternÂ
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Bookmaker.com betting line - Philadelphia -3, 42 O/UÂ
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The Philadelphia Eagles won 4 of their last 5 games to surge into the playoffs capping off the season with a huge 44-6 blowout over the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles captured the final wildcard spot in the NFC and travel to the Metrodome to battle the Vikings. Minnesota captured a big win over the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants in week 17 to seal the NFC North. The Vikings have also played well towards the end of the year winning 5 of their last 6 games down the stretch. Minnesota and Philadelphia are both playing their best football at this point in the season and this game has the makings for a classic battle.Â
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Philadelphia has been striving ever since QB Donovan Mcnabb was pulled out of the game against the Baltimore Ravens. Since, Mcnabb has had a chip on his shoulder with something to prove leading the Eagles to an offensive breakout averaging 30 points in their last 5 games. The Eagles defense has also responded fabulously to the emerging offense. The Eagles defense has not allowed an opponent to score more than 14 points in their last 4 games. That is big accomplishments considering those games were from high power offenses like New York and Dallas. The Eagles have allowed an incredible 8.25 points per game in their last month of football. A big statistic heading into this game to consider is the play of the Philadelphia rush defense. The Eagles will take on one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL and the league’s leading rusher Adrian Peterson. However, Philadelphia sports the 4th best rush defense in the NFL only allowing 92 yards per game this season. The Eagles defense will have to stand strong again this Sunday to maintain the Minnesota ground game.Â
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Minnesota has had an emergence on offense as well late in the season. The Vikings averaged 22 points per game this season and nearly 27 points in their last 6 games. Minnesota has found success through the big performances behind running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson is the NFL’s leading rushing racking up 1,760 yards this season. Peterson has also added 10 touchdowns this season becoming one of the best looking backs in the NFL despite this only being his 2nd season. Minnesota will need their defense to play a supporting cast this Sunday to slow down the Eagles balanced offense. Minnesota has been very strong against the run this season allowing an NFL best 77 yards per game. However, Minnesota has been subject to give up some big plays through the air on defense. The Vikings must not give up any big plays from Eagles QB Donovan McNabb this Sunday and control the ground for a chance to continue on in the playoffs.Â
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What to watch for…Â
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The Vikings ground game vs. the Eagles passing game will be the difference maker. I expect both these offensive sides to have success, but one will break through likely deciding who wins this game. Philadelphia opened a lot of eyes with their blowout over the Cowboys last week and the betting lines are favoring them in this game. The Eagles will get the chance to prove they are a team to be reckoned with when they get the Vikings in the Wildcard Round.Â
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Betting Trends…Â
The Vikings have lost 3 of their last 4 games ATS and are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games at home. Minnesota has reached the under total in 3 of their last 4 games as well. Philadelphia on the other hand is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and a strong 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games on the road. The total has also gone on the under in 4 of the Eagles’ last 5 games.Â
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The last time these two teams met was all the way back in the 2004 season when the Eagles defeated the Vikings twice, once in the regular season and once in the 2nd round of the playoffs.Â
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Pick - Eagles are poised to make a deep run and I think they will be around longer than one week. Take Philadelphia -3
Tags: football, Minnesota Vikings, nfl, Philadelphia Eagles, sports
NFL Playoff PreviewÂ
Atlanta Falcons at Arizona CardinalsÂ
Saturday, 4:30PM EasternÂ
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Bookmaker.com betting line – Atlanta Falcons -2, 51.5 O/UÂ
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The Arizona Cardinals get the luxury of hosting the first game of the 2009 Playoffs when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Arizona captured the #4 seed with a final record of 9-7 benefiting from a poor NFC West. Atlanta finished at a mark of 11-5, but that was only good enough for a wildcard spot considering they finished 2nd in their division behind the Carolina Panthers. These two teams have been on different paths towards the end of the season and it will be interesting to see if they stay in those directions. The Cardinals are losers of 4 of their last 6 games to close out the season and have really struggled on both sides of the ball down the stretch. Atlanta has been headed in the right direction winning 3 straight and 5 of their last 6. Will the Falcons continue their strong stretch or will the Cardinals bounce back and return to early season form?Â
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Arizona started the year with one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. Veteran QB Kurt Warner has led the Arizona offense to 365 yards per game ranking as the 4th best overall offense in the league. The passing attack has been superb averaging 292 yards per game which ranks 2nd best in the NFL. However, in recent weeks the high power offense has not been playing up to par. Arizona had averaged nearly 30 points per game up until their last 3 weeks of the season. During that bad stretch of games to end the season, the Cardinals have only averaged 18 points per game. Arizona will look for Kurt Warner and company to get back to offensive dominance and try to put up some big number this Saturday. The Cardinals are 1-5 against NFC South teams in their last 6 attempts, but will try to give Arizona their first playoff victory since 1999.Â
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Atlanta has really played well closing out the season behind the play of rookie QB Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner. Ryan has played like a stealthy veteran behind center this season throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns. Turner leads a powerful ground attack that has the Falcons ranked as the #2 best rush offense in the NFL. On the season, Turner has racked up an amazing 1,699 yards which also 2nd most in the NFL behind Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson. The Falcons will look to establish the running game and keep the Cardinals offense off the field. If the Falcons can control the ground game, then Arizona could have a hard time finding rhythm. The Atlanta offense will line up with a defensive that has really struggled this season. The Cardinals have allowed 26 points per game this season and Atlanta hopes to be able to post some touchdowns on the scoreboard.Â
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What to watch for…Â
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The Arizona offense will be fun to watch. They are a pass happy bunch and keep an eye on how their receivers stack up against the Atlanta secondary. On the other side of the ball, Michael Turner could be a big difference in the ball game. There should be some points scored in this ball game, but which team will be able to come up big defensively will be the question.Â
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Betting Trends…Â
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Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games. The Falcons have been pretty even on the over/under total this season reaching the under side in 9 of their 16 games. The Falcons are also 2-0 ATS against the Cardinals in their last two meetings. Arizona is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games while reaching the over total in 5 of those last 6 games. However, the Cardinals have been solid at home this season with a 6-3 ATS mark in Phoenix.Â
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Pick – Atlanta stays hot against the struggling Cardinals.
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, football, nfc wild card, nfl, sports
