Last week in the wild card round, all 4 home teams won by double digits and covered the spread. A closer look also shows that all 4 winning teams had a rushing yard edge and 3 of the 4 winning teams won the turnover battle (Seattle and Detroit didn't have any turnovers). So logically thinking, the team that can run the ball better and avoid the turnovers should win and cover the games. The trouble is....in my opinion, it's tough to predict turnovers, but a little easier to handicap who has the rushing advantage.
Saturday 1/14
SEATTLE +5 Double Play L
Some say this isn't the same Seahawk team from past years, that may be true but also remains to be seen. If last week is any indication, I would say Seattle is right where they need to be. Did you know that Seattle didn't allow Detroit to run one play in the redzone? They also ran the ball for 177 yards. Again, some will dismiss that as....they were playing a banged up, not very good Lions team. That may also be true, but it's still very impressive!
It's hard to go against Matt Ryan after the year he's had, but I'm counting on Seattle's defense to do enough to keep them in the game. My key to this game is Russell Wilson. If he "pisses down his leg" Seattle has no chance. If he plays a decent game, this game will be tight and if he plays a great game Seattle will win. I think Wilson will play good enough that this game will at the very least be tight, with Seattle having a legitimate chance to win. I'm taking the generous points. SEATTLE +5 Double Play.
NEW ENGLAND -15 Double Play W
Frankly, I will be shocked if this game is even close! The QB difference is alarming! Brady and that offense is simply amazing. Since his return (after missing the first 4 games), the Pats are averaging 30 points per game. Brady has thrown 28 TD's vs only 2 INT's!! That is astounding! As for Houston's QB and offense, I just don't see them having much success in this game. NE shut them out 27-0 earlier in the year....and that was w/o Brady! Since losing at Seattle in early November, the Patriot's have won 7 straight games, covering 6 of 7 (only loss by 2 points) and in those 7 games they are only giving up an average of 12 points per game. New England just doesn't turn the ball over either, as they are +12 in turnover margin (Houston is -4). The coaching edge is also a mismatch in favor of New England. Some would argue that Houston has the number 1 defense in the NFL and 15 points is a gang of points to be giving in an NFL game....two very valid points! But in my opinion, New England's defense is just as good and although I would never lay 15 points in a regular season NFL game, this is the playoffs and I see New England winning this game rather easily. I'm taking NEW ENGLAND -15.
Good luck!!
Saturday 1/14
SEATTLE +5 Double Play L
Some say this isn't the same Seahawk team from past years, that may be true but also remains to be seen. If last week is any indication, I would say Seattle is right where they need to be. Did you know that Seattle didn't allow Detroit to run one play in the redzone? They also ran the ball for 177 yards. Again, some will dismiss that as....they were playing a banged up, not very good Lions team. That may also be true, but it's still very impressive!
It's hard to go against Matt Ryan after the year he's had, but I'm counting on Seattle's defense to do enough to keep them in the game. My key to this game is Russell Wilson. If he "pisses down his leg" Seattle has no chance. If he plays a decent game, this game will be tight and if he plays a great game Seattle will win. I think Wilson will play good enough that this game will at the very least be tight, with Seattle having a legitimate chance to win. I'm taking the generous points. SEATTLE +5 Double Play.
NEW ENGLAND -15 Double Play W
Frankly, I will be shocked if this game is even close! The QB difference is alarming! Brady and that offense is simply amazing. Since his return (after missing the first 4 games), the Pats are averaging 30 points per game. Brady has thrown 28 TD's vs only 2 INT's!! That is astounding! As for Houston's QB and offense, I just don't see them having much success in this game. NE shut them out 27-0 earlier in the year....and that was w/o Brady! Since losing at Seattle in early November, the Patriot's have won 7 straight games, covering 6 of 7 (only loss by 2 points) and in those 7 games they are only giving up an average of 12 points per game. New England just doesn't turn the ball over either, as they are +12 in turnover margin (Houston is -4). The coaching edge is also a mismatch in favor of New England. Some would argue that Houston has the number 1 defense in the NFL and 15 points is a gang of points to be giving in an NFL game....two very valid points! But in my opinion, New England's defense is just as good and although I would never lay 15 points in a regular season NFL game, this is the playoffs and I see New England winning this game rather easily. I'm taking NEW ENGLAND -15.
Good luck!!
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