Divisional Round

[Smitty]

the first game of the weekend is my best play, but i will provide fade opportunities on all 4 games.

baltimore (-3.5) 3 units. do i really think baltimore is that good? god, no. this is almost purely an anti-indy play. the indy defense is flat-out terrible. i don't consider last week's game as any indication of a turn-around. baltimore will drive the ball down indy's throat. indy seems to really be having problems scoring in the red zone. that won't get better today against baltimore (famous last words). baltimore should grind out a solid win.

philadelphia (+5) 2 units. i've said all along that philly is better without mcnabb. this team is on a roll. new orleans stumbled into the playoffs, losing 2 of their last 3 games (both at home), and the one win was against the giants.

 

[Smitty]

Sunday

Sunday

did anybody tell the ravens that the colts can't stop the run? 'cause they sure threw the ball a lot. almost 60% of their plays. incredible. i honestly believe at least 90% of coaches in the nfl are incompetent. wonder how the game would have turned out if mcnair didn't throw that INT at the goal line. anyways, the rumor i'm hearing is that, if the pats win today, they're going to sign ty law. they're the patriots; the league will let them get away with it.

chicago (-9) 2 units. obviously the bears offense is awful. no guarantee they'll even score 9 points. but seattle was terrible this year and i have to believe chicago's defense will step up today. if grossman keeps it under 3 INT's, the bears should be in good shape.

new england (+4.5) 1 unit. very tough call in this game. if it wasn't a playoff game, and i didn't feel like i owed a good fade opportunity to my loyal readers, i wouldn't even play it. new england is not nearly as good as they were a few years ago. but i have to go against a rookie qb making his first playoff start. rivers, after a great start to the season, really cooled off late in the year. this guy is not able to beat you in the playoffs at this stage of his career. he'll make enough mistakes to keep new england in the game. and don't forget the coaching edge... belichick against shottenheimer? gotta take the points.

 

[Morris]

GL with Chi. Have them also.