Wildcard Plays

[RTL]

Foreskins +2'

Pressure is on Tampa Bay. The Bucs won their division, they're at home, they're favored, and they're starting inexperienced players at QB and RB (Simms, Williams). The Skins come into this game riding a five game winning streak. Their confidence level must be extremely high. Washington is seeking revenge for a loss earlier in the season at Tampa Bay. Gibbs owns a 16-5 career record in the playoffs. He will have his team prepared. Defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, just received a three year contract extension. He will be eager to prove that he's worth every penny Snyder invested in him. Williams will devise a blitzing scheme that will force Simms to make quick decisions. Two good defenses in this matchup, Washington has the ability to do more on offense than Tampa Bay.

RTL

 

[RTL]

Bungholes +3

The most popular question of the week has been, "How is Cincy going to stop the Steelers' running game?" Very simple, the Bengals are going to jump out to a big early lead, and the Steelers will have no choice but to abandon the running game. I see it unfolding something like this:

Bengals receive the opening kickoff. Palmer connects with CJ or Housh for a TD against Pittsburgh's overrated defense. The Steelers' DB's are weak!

7-0 Bengals

The Steelers try to establish the run early on their first possession, but the Bengals are up to the challenge and Pittsburgh goes three and out. Cincy's defense is going to be jacked up in front of the home faithful who probably thought they would never see a playoff game again. Don't forget, the players have been hearing all week long in the media how they're going to struggle against Pittsburgh's rushing attack. They will make a statement early on.

After receiving the punt, Palmer goes to work again on Pittsburgh's defense. This time he gets Rudi Johnson involved. CJ and Housh will move the chains with possession receptions, and before you know it, Rudi is scampering into the end zone which sends the crowd into a frenzy!

Bengals 14-0

The Steelers are shellshocked, and they never recover from this early wake up call.

Bengals 38
Steelers 24

RTL

 

[RTL]

G-Men -2'

This will be Manning's first playoff game, but he won't decide the outcome. Tiki Barber will win this game for the Giants like he's done all season long. Barber was already having a monster year, and then he found out yesterday that Shaun Alexander won the MVP. Do you think he might be a little motivated on Sunday? Coughlin isn't stupid! He will put the ball in the hands of his best player. Sure, Manning will throw the ball in passing situations, and Barber's presence will make it that much easier on young Eli. The running game sets up the passing game. Also, I'm sure Plaxico is a little perturbed that Steve Smith has been receiving all of the attention this week. Burress is a top ten receiver himself, and he will make a big statement on Sunday! One final question, who would you rather have setting the tempo for your offense, DeShaun Foster or Tiki Barber? Enough said!

RTL

 

[RTL]

Patsies ML -350

Do I really need to do a writeup on this game? Okay, I'll keep it consistent. Here's all you need to know. The Jaguars' big three on offense are Leftwich, Taylor and Smith. Compare those three with Brady, Dillon and Branch. I like Leftwich, but he's no Tom Brady, never will be. Is Fragile Taylor even playing? I'll never forget the time I saw him drop the ball during a playoff game because he was hurt on the play. "Ouch, that really hurt, you boys can have this!" Jimmy Smith is a great receiver, despite his age, but that doesn't matter if Leftwich is lying on his back. Byron will be facing a variety of blitz schemes on a tender ankle. Not good! Didn't Jacksonville lose to the Rams?

RTL

 

[RTL]

Since 1992, the Steelers are 4-13 ATS as a road favorite of 3 or less.

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[RTL]

Last 3 seasons after 2 or more consecutive wins:

Bucs 1-7
Skins 5-1

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[RTL]

Since 1992 the Giants are 68-36 SU as a favorite.

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[RTL]

Since 1992 the Panthers are 38-64 SU as a dog.

RTL

 

[thom24ad]

Right with you on the Bungles and Paties...two good defenses Wash and TB = under play for me
Good Luck!

 

[gjn23]

Since 1992 the Panthers are 38-64 SU as a dog.

RTL

were they even in existence in 1992????

in the last three years the panthers are like 15-3 ats as a road dog.....that stat seems a bit more relevant

 

[RTL]

gjn23,

No, the Panthers didn't exist in 1992. This trend is relevant because in the playoffs, winners cover. The Panthers have been labeled underdogs 102 times during their existence. They have only won 38 of those games straight up. Point being, they have done extremely well against the spread as a dog, but they have been terrible straight up. With a current line of 2.5 in tomorrow's game, the winner will also cover. Good luck!

RTL

 

[RTL]

At my book, the Skins/Bucs line is now down to 1.5! Looks like they're begging for late action on the Bucs. Washington is definitely the play in this game.

Last 3 years on the road when total is between 35.5 and 38:

Skins 7-0

RTL

 

[RTL]

January games since 1992:

Skins 7-1
Bucs 6-5

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[RTL]

Skins 7-3 ATS last 10 meetings.

RTL

 

[RTL]

Tampa Bay's defense has allowed at least 118 rushing yards in 3 of its last 4 home games. Maybe the Bucs' defense isn't as good as some people think.

RTL

 

[RTL]

I follow a guy who has won 70% of his NFL plays this season. Yes, all of his plays are documented! Here are his picks this weekend:

Tampa Bay -2.5
Jacksonville +8
New York -2.5
Cincy +3

In my opinion, he is wrong about Tampa Bay. Therefore, I expect him to cash on the other three.

RTL

 

[RTL]

2-0

Off to a good start. Can't wait for tomorrow's games!

RTL

 

[thom24ad]

2-0

Off to a good start. Can't wait for tomorrow's games!

RTL

2-0 as well RTL...nice day today!...on the Bungles also!...most likely playing a ML too!