HANK GOLDBERG'S PICKS JAN 23

[THE HITMAN]

Hank kept up the hot streak he has been on as he went 3-1 last weekend to bring his playoff totals to 6-2.
He noted that the reason he switched off of St. Louis and on Atlanta last week was that he took a closer look at Atlanta's special teams and decided to flip. (Note: Atl. special teams did have a good game.)
This weekend, he is looking to take Atlanta if he can find them at +6 or more.....so I guess that is the early lean there. I have no idea what the play might be if the line goes to 4 or so, as earlier in the week, he had some good things to say about Phil. I know he isn't a big Vick fan and doesn't think he can lead the team to victory thru passing, especially late in the game.
He is non-committal about the AFC so far. Keep in mind he has Pitt at 25-1 to go all the way, so his thoughts on this game may be jaded a bit (either a reinforcing play on Pitt or a hedge on NE). He concedes that Pitt is statistically better in alot of categories, but NE ,with best coaching in the league, is a scary thing.
More later if I get it. Will post ESPN picks on Sunday.

 

[AnkAnk]

Thanks Hitman. Good luck this weekend!

 

[THE HITMAN]

The last time an NFC home team was a dog of 3 or more in the Championship game was 1981 when SF was a 3 pt dog to Dallas. The last time in the AFC was 1977 when Denver got 3 vs Oakland.
There have been several at +1 or +2.5.

There is no trend in recent past Championship games when it comes to faves or dogs.....it is 11-11.

PHIL/ATL
Hank gives the nod to Phil on Sunday. Their defense is playing good, especially Trotter & Kearse & 2 pro bowl safeties. They should stop Atl from making long gains on the ground (They only had 44 yds through the air last week. Phil defenders should be able to cover Atl recievers one on one, freeing up a defender or two to defend against Vick & cutback runs. Key components are Westbrook (because he gives you so much, rushing & recieving) & Vick. Atl has a sub par 3rd down conversion percentage at 36%. Phil is a good tackling team. However, if the line goes to 6 or 6+ he has large second thoughts.

 

[THE HITMAN]

NE / PITT
Hank's choice in this contest is Pitt + 3 & he hopes that they don't fall behind early. They have outstated NE, especially on special teams, noting that Pitt is 5th in net punting average & NE is 29th there and 28th in kick return coverage. And, of course, they are at home, getting points.

 

[THE HITMAN]

As expected, Hank's ESPN choices are:

PHIL 23-13

PITT 17-16

He threw in a few props, I don't know if he really loves these, or what, as he has never been a public prop player as they are usually a high vig item, as are teasers which he doesn't play. Perhaps ESPN made him go with a few, I am not sure. Anyway:

BETTIS over 68.5 yards rushing

DILLON under 103.5 rushing

TIGER WOODS score vs Vick rushing yards

ROTHLESBERGER completions vs Shaq -5.5 (I am not sure if it is Shaq's points or rebounds, perhaps someone who was listening can post the correct play.

GL, NOT MUCH TIME LEFT, SO HIT A COUPLE OF BIG ONES TODAY............THE HITMAN

 

[AnkAnk]

Thanks for all of your work Hitman throughout the year. I appreciate it. Good luck to you today - hit em hard!

 

[THE HITMAN]

You're welcome Ank. Glad it is of benefit.