NFL Picks Against the Spread: NFL Playoffs Divisional Round

NFL Playoffs Divisional Round is upon us. This round is loaded with talent, especially at the quarterback position. Five of the remaining quarterbacks have already won a Super Bowl. There are also four number one overall picks playing quarterback this weekend. Let’s take a look at the compelling match-ups and find some winners!

>Season Total 49-28-2
>Upset Alert 8-7
>Playoff Record 3-1

New England Patriots -5 vs Kansas City Chiefs

The magical run for the Kansas City Chiefs that hit 11 wins in a row on Saturday will be coming to an end this Saturday in Foxborough. Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola will be back for the Patriots offense. Edelman has been especially missed. The Chiefs on the other hand are having health problems. Justin Houston was able to return a week ago but in that game they lost Jeremy Maclin, who left the game against the Texans with what some feared was a torn ACL. It turned out to be a high ankle sprain which is still likely to keep him out of Saturday’s game. Spencer Ware also hasn’t been practicing due to an ankle sprain. As well as the Chiefs defense has played down the stretch they haven’t seen an offense like New England possesses. The Chiefs will also have issues moving the ball without Maclin and potentially Ware. It may be closer initially but expect the Patriots to cover the 5 points fairly easily.

Pick: Patriots -5

Green Bay Packers +7 at Arizona Cardinals

The Green Bay Packers recaptured some of their magic a week ago against the Washington Redskins. Granted, their defense was atrocious and they have had issues in coverage all season. This week the Packers are on the road again, this time facing a Cardinals team that has been impressive all season. However Arizona is going to be without Tyrann Mathieu this week which will be a huge problem defensively. He allows for a multitude of adjustments and made a world of difference for a defense that had issues rushing the passer. I feel like the Packers can do enough on both sides of the ball to keep this game inside of a touchdown.

Pick: Green Bay +7.

Carolina Panthers -3 vs Seattle Seahawks

This may be my favorite pick of the entire weekend. The Carolina Panthers were able to relax last weekend, get healthy and prepare for this game. The Seattle Seahawks on the other hand played in freezing temperatures against the Minnesota Vikings — a game they should have lost if Blair Walsh doesn’t shank a 20 plus yard field goal. These teams matched up in mid October and the Panthers came out victorious thanks to a late Greg Olsen touchdown. Olsen finished with 7 catches for 131 yards and a score in that game. He should produce again this week against a Seahawks defense that has issues slowing down opposing tight ends.

Pick: Panthers -3

Denver Broncos -7 vs Pittsburgh Steelers

This game features a Steelers offense that will be severely limited. Ben Roethlisberger is very likely to play but will do so with a sprained AC joint and torn ligaments. DeAngelo Williams is likely to miss another game leaving the work for Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman, who did remarkably well in Williams absences a week ago. Antonio Brown may also miss this game after suffering a concussion in Saturday’s game against the Bengals. Roethlisberger, Brown and Williams all had not practiced as of Tuesday. Its seems like it may be a long day for this version of the Steelers offense against a very tough Bronco defense. Peyton Manning will be under center for the Broncos. Assuming they can get the run game going which will be made easier if Ryan Shazier is out the Broncos should be able to cover the 7 point spread. Shazier is battling a knee injury and hadn’t practiced as of Wednesday.

Pick: Broncos

Teaser:

For those who don’t know, a teaser is a bet where you pick two or more teams to cover an adjusted line. Typically it’s 6 or 7 points. For example instead of the Broncos needing to win by 7 they just need to win (if you take 7) or 1 (if you take the 6). The odds change a bit depending on how many points you take.

Teaser 1: Broncos -1 and Patriots +1

Teaser 2: Broncos -1, Patriots +1 and Packers +13

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