We have made it to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and if this weekend is anything like the wild-card round, we are in for quite an entertaining couple of days. There were surprises in all four games last week, but now that the wheat has been separated from the chaff and the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds are ready to host the victors from last weekend -- we can finally begin to evaluate who has a chance to make Super Bowl LIV.
All home teams are favorites this weekend, which shouldn't surprise anyone. But there are some interesting six-point teasers which I'll analyze below, as well as reveal the bets you should avoid and some long shots I'm interested in putting money on.
You may also want to get a few other experts' breakdowns. For that, the Pick Six Podcast always turns into a picks show on Fridays. Pete Prisco and R.J. White joined Will Brinson on this episode, which you can listen to below or click here to subscribe for all the episodes:
As for my picks, let's jump in now:
Deshaun Watson orchestrated an incredible comeback against the Buffalo Bills last week, but the Chiefs are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes and Co. have won their last six games, including their last three by double digits. They are going to want to make a statement on Sunday, which is why they will win by double digits. The Houston Texansneeded divine intervention to win at home last week, so I'll take the well-rested Chiefs to advance.
Williams was injured in Week 11 and missed the following three games. He came back and rushed for 65 yards on 16 rushes in Week 16, and then 124 yards and two touchdowns on 12 rushes against the Los Angeles Chargers in the regular-season finale. Head coach Andy Reid clearly has made him an important part of this offense, and if the Chiefs get up early, they are going to rely on him a good amount down the stretch. Devin Singletary rushed for 58 yards on 13 carries last week against the Texans, and defenders had a hard time bringing him down. I think Williams can rush for more than 55 yards.
The Tennessee Titans scored an impressive 20-13 victory over the New England Patriots last Saturday, but Tannehill certainly did not impress in his first postseason start. He completed just 8 of 15 passes for 72 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Titans wanted to run the Patriots to death with Derrick Henry, and they are going to try to do it again against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend. Tannehill will pass for at least 100 yards this week, but not 220 yards.
Many people seem to believe the Seahawks are going to beat the Green Bay Packers straight up just because Matt LaFleur's team failed to register any impressive wins this season. Still, the defense led the Packers to a 13-3 record, and Aaron Rodgers played well enough to secure a first-round bye. On the flip side, the Seahawks barely defeated a Philadelphia Eagles team with Josh McCown under center. I have the Packers winning this game by more than a field goal.
The point total of 44 for Vikings-49ers is the lowest of any game this weekend. The Vikings needed overtime to score more than 20 points against the New Orleans Saints last weekend, and Jimmy Garoppolo will make his first postseason start on Saturday. This Minnesota defense was absolutely outstanding in the wild-card round, and while I have the 49ers winning this matchup -- I don't think it's going to be anything close to a shootout.
It was impressive what the Titans did last weekend on the road against the Patriots, but they don't have much of a chance to beat the Ravens on Saturday. The Ravens haven't lost since late September and they have won their past three games by double digits. They are going to want to make a statement in front of their home fans this postseason.
Jackson has rushed for two touchdowns only once this season, but it could happen on Saturday. If the Ravens get up early, they will try to run down the clock, and Jackson is arguably their best option on the ground. I think he will rush for at least one touchdown, and who knows, Josh Allen caught a touchdown last week -- maybe Jackson will catch one off a trick play this week.
The Eagles played the Seahawks tough last week, but Russell Wilson should have scored more than just 17 points in Philly. The Packers defense is pretty relentless, and he will spend most of Sunday dodging Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith. It wouldn't be surprising if the Seahawks are the lowest scoring team this weekend.
There's a saying in Tennessee that all Firkser does is catch touchdowns. Obviously it's somewhat of a joke since he only caught two touchdown passes this season, but there's also some truth to the matter. The backup tight end actually led all Titans receivers with 23 yards on two receptions last week, and caught Tannehill's only touchdown pass. Firkser is a red zone threat, and if the Titans plan on moving the ball slowly and methodically down the field using Henry, that means Firkser is going to have a shot on third-and-goal.
Ranking the moneyline value is always tough and completely subjective. Spread aside, I think the 49ers are going to beat the Vikings in San Francisco. Stefon Diggs has been sick all week and Adam Thielen received stitches in his ankle on Wednesday. The Ravens should beat the Titans and I put the Vikings at No. 4 since they shocked us last week. Maybe those people in Minneapolis are up to something. In the wild-card round I was convinced the Bills and Titans would win, so they were high in my mind when ranking the moneyline value. This week, I don't have an underdog that I'm absolutely in love with.
It's possible that the Chiefs could blow the Texans out, but if you're nervous about the nine-point spread, take the teaser. We've already discussed that I like the 49ers, but I don't think they will blow the Vikings out -- which is why Minnesota is at No. 3 at +13.
View original post here:
- OnlineGambling.com > #1 Online Gambling Sites Guide 2016 [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- Gambling Problem Hotline - 800 Gambler [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- Online Gambling Sites & Games Guide | Gambling.com [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2016]
- World Casino Directory - Casino Guide and Gambling Forums [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- South Florida Events & Restaurants - southflorida.com [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Online Casino & Online Poker Room - 888.com [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling - helpguide.org [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- The History of Gambling - Complete Gambling History Timeline [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Welcome to The Alderney Gambling Control Commission [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Gambling Law US - State Gambling Laws United States [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction: Ten Ways to Stop Forever | Healdove [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2016]
- GambleAware: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2016]
- New York Casinos & Gambling in New York [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2016]
- Virginia Casinos & Gambling in Virginia - World Casino ... [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2016]
- William Hill Casino Club - Up To 150 Casino Bonus [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2016]
- gambling | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2016]
- Texas Casinos & Gambling in Texas - Texas Casino Directory [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2016]
- Problem gambling - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2016]
- Casino Gambling Web | Best Online Gambling News and Casinos ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Gambling | Wex Legal Dictionary / Encyclopedia | LII / Legal ... [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2016]
- Gambling Addiction Treatment Center, Rehab - Non Gambler [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2016]
- New Jersey Casinos & Gambling in New Jersey [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2016]
- Gambling | Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Remote Gambling Association (RGA) [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2016]
- Gambling - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2016]
- Hard Rock Casino proposal announced for Meadowlands [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2016]
- Trusted Online Gambling Sites Since 1996 - Online.Gambling.org [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2017]
- One of the biggest gambling days of the year: Super Bowl Sunday brings big temptation for gambling addicts - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Famous YouTube FIFA gamer fined for gambling offences - Goal.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Gambling Stock Roundup: Macau Sales Rise Again in January, Nevada Records a Drop in December - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Carryout owner facing gambling house charges - Lima Ohio [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Crackdown on illegal gambling in the Philippines now underway - GamingTodaySlotsToday [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Problem Gambling Researchers Know Issue All Too Well - KNPR [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Military should screen for gambling disorder, GAO says - Virginian-Pilot [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Gambling with people's autonomy - Spiked [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- YouTuber admits Fifa gambling offences - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Older gamblers face worse odds for addiction - Times Herald-Record [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Bill introduced to lower age for legal gambling in Nevada - Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dangers of sports gambling - Daily Sundial [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Military Should Screen for Gambling Problems, says Government Report - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Gambling inquiry: Pokies no different than going to the movies, hospitality group says - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- GAO report recommends military members be screened for ... - wtkr.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- How to Handle Gambling Wins and Losses This Tax Season - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- FIFA gaming YouTuber faces huge fine after pleading guilty to gambling charges - Digital Trends [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- The Newest Challenge in Gambling: Finding Growth - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Federal oversight agency wants the military to screen for gambling addiction - Military Times [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Gambling and plastic politics - San Diego Reader [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Is gambling 'good for Gearhart'? - Daily Astorian [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Super Bowl Betting Tally Helps Make the Case for Legalized Sports Gambling - TheStreet.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Idaho House panel introduces bill limiting Indian gambling - Virginian-Pilot [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- MLB commissioner admits the league is rethinking its stance on gambling - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- YouTubers fined for running illegal FIFA 17 gambling site - Ars Technica [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Proposal to lower legal gambling age gets cold reception from gaming industry - News3LV [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- South Australia's gambling tax highlights the regulatory mess of online betting - The Conversation AU [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- MLB Commish Opens Door to Legalized Gambling: 'We Are Reexamining Our Stance' - Mediaite [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Kenyan youth splashing cash on looks, gambling Geopoll study - Nairobi News (satire) (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- No truth to alleged link between missing Spencerport teen, illegal gambling - 13WHAM-TV [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Gamblers caught in Hat Yai open-air casino bust - Bangkok Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Idaho House Panel Introduces Bill Limiting Indian Gambling | Boise ... - Boise State Public Radio [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Duterte orders war on illegal gambling - Philippine Star [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- OUR VIEW: Transparency needed in gambling operations - Pacific Daily News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Rob Manfred may change MLB's stance on gambling - SB Nation [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Kenya: Gambling in Kenya Gets Out of Hand - AllAfrica.com [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The world's biggest gamblers - The Economist (blog) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Gambling Responsibly - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Do you have a mobile gambling/gaming problem? - KMTV [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Worldwide Gambling Win Totaled $385 Billion in 2016, Australia Biggest Loser - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- New York State transformation into the gambling big leagues nearly ... - The Daily Freeman [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Palace: Duterte won't hesitate to remove officials protecting gambling lords - Philippine Star [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- UFC 208 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Vote down gambling - The Augusta Chronicle [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Casino gambling in Texas: Probably not this session, says lawmaker - LubbockOnline.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Calendar urges gamblers to cut their losses l Dayton, Ohio - Dayton Daily News [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- AFL: Geelong's Harry Taylor questions 'worrying' effects of gambling advertising on children - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Football's gambling problem: You better, you better, you bet - Football365.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- States are gambling with law enforcement safety | TheHill - The Hill (blog) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Scary graph shows how Australians are the biggest losers - NEWS.com.au [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Last holdout Lakewood to vote on repealing video gambling ban - Northwest Herald [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]