NFL Championship Round

Both these games are pretty difficult to predict...but I’m looking forward to them both. The Ideal matchup here is Packers vs Patriots but truthfully, any combination of the 4 below teams would be amazing – can’t wait for the Super Bowl. 

PACKERS +4.5 over FALCONS

Nelson is back for the Pack. They are riding a high after last week’s crazy win against the Cowboys. And Aaron Rodgers looks hungry for his 2nd ring. Both these teams have lackluster defence so it should be a shootout, but I see Green Bay coming out on top. They’re relatively healthy and are facing a relatively playoff untested Falcons squad…I just can’t bet against Green Bay. 

PATRIOTS -4.5 over STEELERS

“I’m drunk, I’m stupid, I’m a Pats fan.” Those were the words of a drunk, stupid Pats fan who pulled the fire alarm at 3 in the morning at the hotel the Steelers were staying at, the morning of their game. The Steelers were lucky to get past KC and looked pretty terrible. Tom Brady looked rather human himself in last week’s game as well. So the question really is, who is going to rebound? Who is hungrier? The Steelers have more weapons, but the Patriots have Brady and Belichick. It ultimately comes down to the best running back and wide receiver in the game vs the best quarterback and coach in the game. And with that comparison, I will go with the coach and QB. Patriots are winning this game and then the super bowl – mark it down.

NFL Divisional Round

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Ok, last week was a little too easy… I expect this week should be tougher. No way Vegas will let us keep taking their money. But that won’t stop us from trying.

FALCONS -4.0 over SEAHAWKS

This should be an interesting battle: Offence vs Defence. The Falcons averaged 33.8 points per game during the regular season, while the Hawks allowed an average of 18.3. This is usually where I say, Defence beats Offence, or the playoffs are different than the regular season. But I am not going to bet against Matt Ryan right now… I think this is his breakout postseason.

PATRIOTS -15.0 over TEXANS

So it’s obvious the Pats are going to win here…just question is just by how much. The Texans have only beaten the Patriots once in their history and have never won a game in Foxborough. It’s a lot of points and I’m not feeling overly confident but Belichick never backs down – I think the Pats should run the table. 

COWBOYS -4.5 over PACKERS

The Packers have scored 30 or more points in each of their past 5 games…but they are without Jordy Nelson for this one. The Cowboys have too many weapons and I can’t wait to see their rookies step up in the playoffs. This will be a great game. 

STEELERS -1.5 over CHIEFS

The Steelers have won 8 straight games and also destroyed the Chiefs 43-14 back in week 4. I think this line is very generous and the Steelers should do pretty well against KC, despite their defence being one of the best in the league. Look for Antonio to rake it in. 

NFL Wild Card Round

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This is it – the playoffs are finally here! I am beyond excited – let’s kick things off right away…

TEXANS -3.5 over RAIDERS

The Texans finished the season with the second best passing defence in the league, allowing 201.6 yards per game. Throw in the fact that Derek Carr, who was playing like an MVP Candidate all year for Oakland, is out… the Raiders don’t stand a chance unfortunately. 

SEAHAKWS -8.0 over LIONS

The Lions have lost 8 straight playoff games and have never beaten the Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Simply put, the Hawks have been in this position so many times over the last few years and the Lions are doomed to be an abysmal franchise. Matt Stafford can’t carry them any further than he already has.

STEELERS -10.5 over DOLPHINS

This one is a mismatch. The Steelers have won 7 straight games in a row and are 6-2 at home. The trend should continue after this game.

PACKERS -5.5 over GIANTS

The Giants have allowed 10 points or fewer in 3 of their last 4 games…so one would think I would be leaning New York…but Aaron Rodgers just dials it up to a new level in the playoffs. Other than Brady there’s no one I trust more. I gotta lean with the pack.

Kat's Corner: Week 17

RAVENS +1.0 over BENGALS

The Bengals don’t really have much to play for in this final week, and with several injuries hampering them I still don’t think they can win this game – despite being the home team.

TITANS -3.0 over TEXANS

Marcus Mariota left last week’s game with a broken fibula, but people don’t seem to remember how poorly he was playing up until that point. Since the Titans bye week, Mariota has looked like a different, more timid player – relying on his Running Backs 35+ times a game. They’ll continue the same approach, and I’ll take Demarco Murray vs Houston any day. 

BUCS -5.0 over PANTHERS

Even without Doug Martin, I trust Tampa’s defence more than I trust Carolina’s. Not too mention the fact that the Panthers only threw up 16 points in what was supposed to be a shootout at home against the Falcons. 

COLTS -4.5 over JAGS

This pick is more challenging then it looks, as it’s a divisional game in the last week of the season – with the Jaguars coming off a win. I still think the Colts have more talent and will come through with a victory with the home crowd behind them. 

PATRIOTS -9.5 over DOLPHINS

Anytime I can get the Patriots under double digits against almost anyone, I’m going to go with them. 

VIKINGS -5.5 over BEARS

Both of these teams have strongly underperformed this year, which should set up for a disappointing meeting as well. It’s a coin flip, and I’ll usually defer to the home team.

BILLS -3.5 over JETS

The Bills will be playing for a new coach…and a new/old quarterback. I like them to bounce back this week, especially against a horrible Jets team.

EAGLES -3.5 over COWBOYS

There’s no reason for the Cowboys to try in this game, or for their regulars to play. With that very little motivation, plus the fact the Eagles are a decent team at home (5-2), I’ll take Philly in this one.

STEELERS -6.0 over BROWNS

This is a very generous spread for the Browns – despite the fact that they’re coming off their first win of the season. The Steelers should destroy them.

FALCONS -7.0 over SAINTS

With Julio back in the lineup it’s hard for me to not pick the Falcons – especially against a poor defence like New Orleans. 

REDSKINS -7.0 over GIANTS

Kirk Cousins puts up huge numbers week after week, and I don’t see that stopping this week. The Redskins have some weapons that should not be ignored.

CARDINALS -6.0 over RAMS

The Rams are 1-6 at home and can’t buy a win. Cards should get the easy win here.

BRONCOS -1.5 over RAIDERS

I’d probably swing the other way if Derek Carr was playing but unfortunately it looks like his season is done. Denver defence can be mean at home and that’s ultimately the deciding factor for me. 

CHIEFS -6.0 over CHARGERS

The Chargers lost against the Browns… they don’t deserve my pick…ever.

SEAHAWKS -9.5 over 49ERS

Doug Baldwin looks like he’s trending upwards again, and the 49ers are garbage anyway. There’s a lot of points on the table here but I like Seattle to cover the spread.

PACKERS -3.5 over LIONS

Jordy Nelson has been a beast of late, I like the Packers to take this despite being 3-4 on the road this season. 

Kat's Corner: Week 16

BILLS -4.0 over DOLPHINS

The Bills need to win out in order to have a chance at making the playoffs so you would think that a desperate team at home has this game on lockdown.

JETS +16.5 over PATRIOTS

I know the Jets are awful and the Patriots are….well, the Patriots. But wow, 16.5 is a lot of points… 

TITANS -5.5 over JAGUARS

The run-happy titans should have no problem against the weak secondary of Jacksonville. Tennessee has a lot of weapons and should be primed to take this game, despite being on the road.

PACKERS -7.0 over VIKINGS

A divisional game that used to mean something, but the Vikings have plummeted in the 2nd half of the season, looking like a hopeless squad. Meanwhile the Packers are trending upwards, making for an easy win. 

CHARGERS -7.0 over BROWNS

The Browns are still winless, and I just can’t bet on them until they show me otherwise.

RAIDERS -3.5 over COLTS

I definitely do not trust the Colts defence on the road – particularly against an explosive offensive like the Raiders.

SAINTS -3.0 over BUCS

The Bucs last defeated the Saints not long ago on December 11th, so New Orleans will be looking for revenge. 

RAMS -4.5 over 49ers

Both of these teams are just horrible so I’ll flip a coin and go with the Home team with the slightly better record.

CARDINALS +8.0 over SEAHAWKS

I just don’t trust Seattle enough to give them over a touchdown in points. David Johnson is somehow quietly having an MVP season and no one is talking about him. He should put an end to that in this game. 

TEXANS -2.0 over BENGALS

The Texans are 6-1 at home this season, and with the late breaking news of AJ Green getting shut down for the season, I don’t like Cincy’s chances. I rank the Bengals as my number 1 bust this season.

STEELERS -6.0 over RAVENS

The 3 B’s are healthy and buzzing right now and could very well be the best QB-RB-WR combo in the game. And that is why I’m rolling with Steeltown. 

CHIEFS -3.0 over BRONCOS

The Chiefs should roll over Denver in order to keep their AFC West Title hopes alive. Tyreek Hill has blossomed into the most exciting player in the game and needs to be utilized more. If KC follows that plan, they should win easily. 

COWBOYS -6.5 over LIONS

The Cowboys have come out and said they are playing this game to win so it doesn’t sound like any of the regulars will get any rest. Which means the Cowboys should slaughter the lions without much trouble.

Kat's Corner: Week 15

RAMS +14.5 over SEAHAWKS

These Thursday Nighters have been nightmares to match, or “poop fests” as Richard Sherman put it so eloquently. The Seahawks will be bouncing back in a big way as they normally do, but Wilson is struggling pretty hard and I think the Rams will bounce back and play some inspired football with a new Head Coach. LA’s getting the loss, but I think they got the spread covered.

DOLPHINS -2.5 over JETS

Despite being at home this week, the Jets have gotten obliterated in their last 2 games and I don’t see them turning it around against the Dolphins – despite them playing without their starting QB.

PACKERS -5.5 over BEARS

This line should be way higher, but someone, somewhere must have some faith in Matt Barkley. Packers have won 3 straight and are playing like the team we all thought they would be at the beginning of the season. 

TEXANS -6.0 over JAGUARS

I don’t trust the Texans but I REALLY don’t trust the Jaguars. Add the fact that the Jags are on the road and there is your 6 point spread.

BILLS -10.0 over BROWNS

Although some have predicted otherwise, I don’t see this being a trap game. I think both Rex Ryan and Tyrod Taylor know this game could ultimately decide their future with the Bills and they will be pulling out all the stops in this one.

RAVENS -5.5 over EAGLES

Eagles have been pretty garbage on the road (1-6) and their defensive prowess has slowly dissipated. Look for Joe Flacco to have a big game in this tilt.

CHIEFS -5.5 over TITANS

Mariota threw for just 88 yards last week… that is worrisome. This is a big game for both teams and KC’s defence just might be the difference. I’m not liking this matchup for the Titans at all.

GIANTS -4.0 over LIONS

As evidenced by my picks this week, I’m liking home teams to dominate in week 15. The same can be said for the Giants against a banged up Matt Stafford and Theo Riddick – who may not even play. 

COLTS +4.5 over VIKINGS

Tough road battle for the Colts but I think they rebound from last week. 

STEELERS -3.0 over BENGALS

Bell is coming off a historic game and I don’t see him slowing down – this game may be a shootout so take the over, but I like Pittsburgh to come out on top.

SAINTS -2.5 over CARDINALS

I think I say this every week when picking the Saints; I just can’t pick against Drew Brees.

FALCONS -13.5 over 49ERS

This is a crazy spread and yet I am still taking the Falcons. That’s how highly I think of the 49ers. If Julio is playing then it’s a no brainer and the spread may even increase.

PATRIOTS -3.0 over BRONCOS

A solid rivalry but I don’t see the Broncos putting up enough offence to match New England’s, even without Rob Gronkowski. 

RAIDERS -3.0 over CHARGERS

Derek Carr will rebound and prove to everyone that one bad game was just an aberration. Amari Cooper has to be better as well, and should be.

COWBOYS -7.0 over BUCS

Cowboys will be eager for redemption after last week’s loss. Watch for Zeke to explode as he almost always does.

REDSKINS -6.5 over PANTHERS

Carolina actually has some decent defence, but I am adamant in my stance that Washington is the most underrated team in the league. 

Kat's Corner: Week 14

STEELERS -1.5 over BILLS

I have no idea why this spread is so low and why the Bills are so overvalued. The Steelers have won 3 straight games and are generally a much better team than the Bills. Vegas is giving way too much love for the home team in this one.

PANTHERS -1.0 over CHARGERS

The Panthers are winding down a forgettable season but still have some dangerous weapons – I think Greg Olsen is due for an explosion at home.

BENGALS -4.5 over BROWNS

This is another head scratcher… Even without Aj Green the Bengals are still a much superior team and should have no problem covering this spread – easy pick.

BEARS +7.5 over LIONS

The Lions are a way better team and will likely win this game, even with a questionable Theo Riddick, but their games are always seemingly so close. I think the Lions win, but they pull it out late with a field goal or game winning drive. Jordan Howard has proved he is the real deal and can takeover a game.

COLTS -6.5 over TEXANS

The Texans aren’t nearly as good their record suggests, and conversely, the Colts aren’t as bad as theirs. I’m thinking this game is a market correction.

VIKINGS -3.0 over JAGUARS

I’m mainly choosing the Vikes here because the Jaguars are so awful. No further explanation needed.

CARDINALS -2.0 over DOLPHINS

David Johnson will take over this game as he has all season long. The Dolphins aren’t exactly a great team and should get exploited with an offence that can randomly explode.

REDSKINS -2.0 over EAGLES

I’m continuing my theme this week by sticking with the road favourites.  Kirk Cousins should explode over a weak Eagles secondary. 

TITANS -2.0 over BRONCOS

I’m always weary of a team coming off a bye week, but they’re at home and the Titans offence have been dynamite this year. Marcus Mariota flys under the radar in Tennessee but he is low pro an MVP Candidate…as is Demarco Murray. But since they don’t play for the Cowboys they won’t get any consideration.

49ERS -3.0 over JETS

This is an awful game and I don’t plan on watching any of it, but you’d have to figure San Fran can take advantage of a New York team that just got destroyed by the Colts.

SAINTS +2.0 over BUCS

I just don’t trust Tampa or Jameis Winston yet, and I find it difficult to ever bet against Drew Brees and their weapons – I’ll take the Saints and the points here.

PACKERS +3.0 over SEAHAWKS

Seattle has not won in Green Bay since 1999, and that is all I need to bet on the Packers.

FALCONS -6.0 over RAMS

Another easy bet this week. Even without Julio this should be no problem – the Rams are a joke.

COWBOYS -3.5 over GIANTS

The Cowboys can clinch the NFC EAST with a victory and they know it. This should be a hard fought game but I see the Boys coming out on top with Zeke having a monster game.

PATRIOTS -6.5 over RAVENS

I would feel a lot more confident with this bet if Gronk was still playing, but Brady can still make magic happen without him. The Ravens are a solid team but this matchup doesn’t favour them. 

Kat's Corner: Week 13

CHIEFS +6.0 over FALCONS

Like I’ve said in previous weeks, I’ll usually side with Defence over Offense, despite the formidable weapons that Atlanta possesses. The Chiefs have won 6 of their last 7 games and I think they’ll expose a comfortable Matt Ryan.

RAVENS -3.5 over DOLPHINS

The Ravens have won 4 of the past 5 regular season meetings vs the Dolphins, and are generally a much better team. Ravens by at least a touchdown.

49ERS -2.5 over BEARS

Yes I am actually going with San Fran this week – Kaepernick has looked decent of late and the Bears are extremely banged up (even if they were healthy, they would still be awful).

EAGLES +1.5 over BENGALS

Eagles will rebound after last week, and the Bengals will not. Again, No AJ Green means no pick from me… the good news is he is questionable to return the following week.

PACKERS -6.5 over TEXANS

Aaron Rodgers looked like the Aaron Rodgers of old last week and I like him to continue that trend against a Houston team that I just don’t trust.

BRONCOS -3.5 over JAGUARS

Trevor Siemian has been ruled out this week vs the Jags but I still trust Denver’s defence enough to take care of business against one of the worst teams in the league.

RAMS +13.5 over PATRIOTS

Yes the Patriots are at home and are facing a considerably worse team, but they’re officially adapting to life without Gronk now. I still like New England to win this game, but not by almost 2 touchdowns. I’ll take the points from a sneaky LA Rams Squad.

SAINTS -6.0 over LIONS

Drew Brees is coming off a monster week, and with Ingram now likely to play, I am going to roll with the Saints over an enigmatic Lions team.

RAIDERS -3.0 over BILLS

The Bills enter December with a winning record for just the 3rd time since 1999. Despite that, they face a team that’s absolutely white hot in the Raiders right now. Derek Carr will look to improve upon his MVP-calibre season.

REDSKINS +1.0 over the CARDS

This game is a toss up…. And I am siding with Washington simply because they’re always so underrated and ostensibly always the underdog. I think the relish that role.

CHARGERS -3.5 over BUCS

Tyrell Williams is expected to play, which was ultimately the deciding factor in picking this game. This will be a shootout – whatever happens with this one; take the over.

SEAHAWKS -7.5 over PANTHERS

You have to expect Russell Wilson to rebound after last week’s horrible outing. Especially in this grudge match, where fighting words have already been used by Richard Sherman.

COLTS -2.0 over JETS

Andrew Luck is 0-2 against the Jets in his career but that changes on Monday. The Colts are just a better team than New York, although they haven’t really been playing like it. I still like my chances against the 3-8 New York Jets.

Dark Side Picks 2017