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Last Release of Expert NFL Picks from our handicappers.
Just so the public knows we are always transparent and honest with our reporting, in this spot we will list all of the previous weeks NFL football picks and analysis.
This page will be updated each Thursday at 5AM Eastern.
Get free NFL Picks including expert parlays picks for betting NFL games this week against the spread.
Doc's Sports
6 Unit Play. Take #377 Over 43.5 in Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens (8p.m., Saturday, January 11 Prime) TOP NFL PLAY OF WILD CARD WEEKEND Everyone is down on the Steelers at the moment, and I just do not see them going down with trying to improve their lackluster offense. Baltimore did not have a good year on defense, and there should be opportunities for Pittsburgh to throw over the top in this game. The Ravens are firing on all cylinders at the moment and enter this game having won their last 4 games. Fifty-one points were scored the last time these two teams met, and weather should not be a factor for this night game.2 Unit Play. Take #381 Green Bay Packers +5 over Philadelphia Eagles (4:30p.m., Sunday, January 12 FOX) The fans are really down on the Packers for losing basically a meaningless game last week to the Bears. Green Bay was not really trying to win that game in the second half and expect they will be ready to go Sunday against an NFC East team. Last year the Packers pounded Dallas in the Wild Card and I expect them to put forth a good showing in this game as well. QB Hurts has not played in weeks, and I do expect him to be rusty in this game. Both teams are dealing with injuries. And the last time these two teams met in the playoffs, the Packers won in Philadelphia, 21-16. This is just too many points for a game I expect to go down to the wire.
Craig Trapp
6-Unit Play. Take #383 Take Pittsburgh (+10) over Baltimore (7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11)These two AFC North rivals just always play close games. The last head to head game - Baltimore did win easy but really was on two bad Steelers turnovers that flipped that game. Steelers keep game much closer, Russell Wilson avoids those costly turnovers and the Pittsburgh defense plays lights out. Because of Steelers 4 game current losing streak we get extra 6-7 points here. Buy the half point to get to key number of 10 if need to. Take Steelers plus the points to cover the spread Saturday.
3-Unit Play. Take #382 Take Philadelphia (-4.5) over Green Bay (4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11)
Make sure Jalen Hurts playing before placing this wager. If he doesn’t go would not play this game. Assuming Hurts goes the run game of Philly just too much for Packers. Green Bay just is bad match-up against Eagles. Love will be forced to push the ball down the field being down late and that creates key turnovers for good Eagles secondary. Take Philadelphia to win and cover Saturday.
7-Unit Play. Take #383 Take Over (50) Washington vs Tampa Bay (8:00 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12)
This will be the highest scoring game of wildcard weekend. Top two offenses light it up, Both Jayden and Baker have been very good this year and just can’t see either defense slowing down anyone. This looks like game that ends up with both teams scoring 30 each. Personally I am buying the 1/2 to get to 49.5 just in case, Take the over in Washington / Tampa Bay game.
6-Unit Play. Take #386 Take LA Rams (+1) over Minnesota (8:00 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13)
Not surprised that the 14-3 Vikings are favored in this spot but do expect the line to come down to maybe even pick by game time. Rams once healthy around mid season were one of the better teams in NFL. Last week we saw the offensive issues of Vikings against average Detroit defense. Road favorites in wildcard always something I love to bet against and this one jumps off board to me. Stafford is money for us this week. Take LA Rams to win and cover the spread Monday.
Craig
Robert Ferringo
NFL PLAYOFF SELECTIONS1-Unit Play. Take #375 L.A. Chargers (-3) over Houston (4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12)
I feel like I’m getting pined against the public here. That said, I just don’t think Houston is all that good. And I just think that Justin Herbert is awesome and that he has been playing incredible football lately. The Chargers have quietly averaged 36 points per game over the last three weeks and Herbert is dealing. The Chargers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games and they are also bringing the No. 1 defense in the NFL into this game. Houston overachieved last season. They have come back to earth this year. And I don’t see them doing the same thing this year that they did last year when they upset the loser Browns in the Wild Card round.
1-Unit Play. Take #377 Pittsburgh (+9.5) over Baltimore (8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12)
This is just too many points. I know that Baltimore is the better team and that they are an offensive juggernaut. But I’ve seen Pittsburgh come to play in these situations too many times. The Steelers have won eight of the last 10 meetings in this series outright. And just one of the games – the last one – was decided by more than a touchdown. Baltimore won 34-17 against Pittsburgh on Dec. 21. I hit a 7-Unit Play on the Ravens in that game and watched every snap. I can tell you: that game was a lot closer than the final score. I think the Steelers will find a way to keep this one competitive.
1-Unit Play. Take #381 Green Bay (+4.5) over Philadelphia (4:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12)
I’ll take the points with the Pack. I think Christian Watson is a schlub and he won’t be missed at all. Yes, Green Bay is coming off back-to-back losses. Those two losses have come by a combined four points and the only teams that have beaten them since Week 1 have been other NFC North teams. The NFC North was arguably the best division in NFL history this year. So those aren’t bad losses, and four of their five divisional losses were by three points or less. This is a revenge game for the Packers from that Week 1 loss to the Eagles. And I think that people are underestimating Jalen Hurts’ issues, as he is coming back from a concussion and he may be rusty after not playing a full game since Dec. 15.
2-Unit Play. Take #384 Tampa Bay (-3) over Washington (8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12)
I think that Washington and Jayden Daniels are the shiny new toy in the NFL playoffs. And the public is all over the Commanders in this game. This is the only game this week where a majority of the action is coming in on the underdog. I think that people are underestimating this Tampa Bay squad. These guys are experienced. There are a lot of guys on this team that have Super Bowl rings. This is their fourth straight season in the playoffs and they have plenty of W’s in the postseason. Quarterbacks starting their first playoff game in the NFL have gone just 12-23 SU and 14-21 ATS since 2014 and 27-47 ATS since 2003. And quarterbacks in their first playoff game are just 20-44 SU and 22-42 ATS since 2004 when facing an a quarterback with more than one career playoff start.
1-Unit Play. Take #386 L.A. Rams (+1) over Minnesota (8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13)
I’m going to stick to my guns. I said to myself last week that whomever lost that Vikings-Lions clash last week was going to lose in the first round of the playoffs. I’m sticking with it. The Rams already beat Minnesota once this year, and that was on the road. If the Rams are good enough to beat Buffalo then I think that they can handle the Vikings.
Carpe diem. Good luck.
Arun Shiva (Indian Cowboy)
7-Unit Play. #380. Take Buffalo Bills -8.5 over Denver Broncos (Sunday @ 1pm est)We roll with the Bills here for a variety of reasons as Josh Allen knows that it is now or never as he is 29 and the window is getting small when it comes to finally winning that super bowl he so badly wants to win. And, the Bills have revenge from losing to these Broncos last year, will be absolutely fired up, and though the Patriots game did not matter, losing that game will still irritate these players and then you tack that on with the fact that the Broncos come off a monumental win over the Chiefs who didn't even try - the same Broncos team that lost to the Chargers who are suspect, it makes perfect sense for the Bills ot just absolutely get after it and win this game going away.
6-Unit Play. #286. Take Texas +6 over Ohio State (Friday @ 7:30pm est)
We love the Longhorns here as the entire fate of the SEC and their pride ride on Texas here as the only team left from the SEC. I would love to see how Ohio State acts now that they are the hunted rather than the hunter. Ohio State beat an overrated Tennessee team and got up to face Oregon with revenge. Texas showed incredible grit against Arizona State when it really mattered and beat an upstart Clemson team, I think Texas loves being the underdog here in a basic home game and love them to shock the world here and we will take the points.
4-Unit Play. #375. Take Under 42.5 LA Chargers vs. Houston Texans (Saturday @ 4:30pm est)
We don't have either of these teams scoring here. You have a Charger team that is shaping up nicely on defense of late and a Texans team that can only keep this game close with a great home crowd and their defense and ball control, hence we love the Under.
4-Unit Play. #377. Take Pittsburgh Steelers +9.5 over Baltimore Ravens (Saturday @ 8pm est)
The Steelers just lost to this team, they will be fired up, Tomlin is a fantatsic playoff coach, this team comes off 4 straight losses and the Ravens are in for a massive let down and always struggle in the first game of the playoffs. It should be freezing temperature wise and we like the Steelers to throw a few more offensive wrinkles and this game to be somewhat close here.
4-Unit Play. #383. Take Under 50 Washignton vs. Tampa Bay (Sunday @ 8pm est)
This game will not go to 57 points like the last game went. We love Washington and their defensive minded coach to step up and also seek revenge and the Bucs defense should be fantatsic at home and hence we love the under here as we have this game at 46 points.
Raphael Esparza (VSI)
NFL WILD CARD3 Unit Play. Take #378 Baltimore -9.5 over Pittsburgh (8:00p.m., Saturday January 11 Prime Video)
Pittsburgh Steelers have been awful in their 4-game losing streak and wouldn’t shock me to see Baltimore to win by double-digits. The Ravens have won 4-Straight and all 4-wins were by double-digits including the Steelers win on December 21. The Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
6 Unit Play. Take #384 Tampa Bay -3 over Washington (8:00p.m., Sunday January 12 NBC)
I know the Bucs defense looked bad at home against the Saints B or C squad, but Saturday night is NFL Playoff football. Baker Mayfield vs Jayden Daniels is the matchup everybody will be watching, and I see Daniels struggling on the road in his first playoff game. Defense might be out the window in this game, but I see the Bucs at home getting one necessary stop to send Washington home. Tampa Bay has won 6 out 7 games and the Buccaneers are 7-3 ATS against NFC East division teams.
4 Unit Play. Take #397 Minnesota -2.5 over LA Rams (8:10p.m., Monday January 13 ABC)
I know the Minnesota Vikings looked bad on Sunday against Detroit but don’t forget that game was in Detroit. The Vikings have been outstanding all season and they have won 6 out 8 road games and I see a bounce back game from the Vikings offense and defense. The Rams really don’t have a home field advantage, and I see tons of Purple in the crowd. The Rams have dropped 4 out 5 games on Monday Night and I see the Vikings defense being the key for a SKOL victory.
Tony George
NFL Playoffs Saturday
1/11/25
4 Units
#377 / #378 Pittsburgh / Baltimore (UNDER 43.5) *8 EST
If Mike Tomlin uses his brain and coaching prowess this stays under. The ONLY way Pitt has a snowballs chance in hell is if they grind this out on the ground. That’s how they won 18-16 in the first meeting this year. By the way that’s the most they scored against the Ravens this season. They have no vertical threat and WR Pickens looked disinterested last game and flat out stunk it up and players were dropping balls as well. Run Harris and Warren and controlled passes, that’s how Pitt HAS . The Ravns will pound Henry and look for Lamar to run it as well. Pitt kicks a ton of field goals as well and they are horrible in the red zone. The weather may be an issue as well, but not counting on that as much as the gameplan here. Pitts offense is a mess, as they have not scored more than 17 points in any game in over 4 weeks.
2 Team 6 Point Teaser (-120) *4:30 EST
3 Units
Tease #377 Baltimore DOWN to (-3.5) and Tease #376 Houston UP to (+9)
NFL Playoffs Sunday
1/12/25
8 Units
#384 Tampa Bay (-3) over Washington *8 EST
I will say that Tampa Bay is a sleeping Giant. This is a dangerous and explosive team if you are not well prepared or overlook them. Bear in mind this team beat Detroit on the road this year, and Baker Mayfield is one of the main reasons. Whether you like him or not, the guy is talented and is tough as nails and leads this team with grit and determination. He is a gamer and has weapons all over the place. The KEY here is Washington is #30 in the NFL at stopping the run and Tampa has a 1-2 punch at RB with Irving and White, as well as Mike Evans and company thriving off play action passes once the running game is established. Tampa’s defense is better than advertised. Not sold on a rookie QB on the road with Daniels despite his talent level, which is high. Tampa is at home as well, and the number of 3 is more than reasonable based on that, and I think the Bucs get a solid win here despite the fact Quinn is the better overall head coach.
NFL Playoffs Monday
1/13/25
4 Units
#398 LA Rams (+2.5) over Minnesota *8 EST
It boils down to the playoffs and big games, who is the better QB. Matt Stafford is a Super Bowl winning QB and a future Hall of Famer. Sam Darnold is not and was exposed big time last week where he took a beating against Detroit. Also, McVay is the better coach, with a rested team and 2 WR’s Minnesota cannot shut down and also a decent running back as well. Minnesota relies on the pass more than anything and if LA takes a page out of Detroit’s defensive playbook from last week and blitz’s like crazy, they can win this game at home, and again they rested starters all last week while Minny was in a gut check game where they got blown out. I think this is the upset of the weekend.
Vernon Croy
6-Unit Play: #375 Los Angeles -3+100 over Houston (Saturday, January 11, 2025, 4:30pm ET)Take Los Angeles ATS as my top NFL pick for Saturday. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like the Chargers in this spot on the road. Los Angeles is coming off three straight victories and I do expect them to step up defensively here Saturday. Los Angeles has allowed just 17.7 points per game this season which ranks first defensively in the NFL. Los Angeles has averaged 23.6 points per game this season and they do have the big play capability. Los Angeles put up 34 points in their last game, 40 points in their second last game and 34 points in their third last game so they come into this with their offense firing on all cylinders for really the first time this season. This is a Houston team that was held to just two points in their last home game and they have really struggled at times this season at home. Los Angeles has converted 40.3% of their third downs this season with opponents converting just 35.7% of their third downs this season. Play Los Angeles ATS
6-Unit Play: #382 Philadelphia -4.5-110 over Green Bay (Sunday, January 12, 2025, 4:30pm ET)
Take Philadelphia ATS as my top NFL pick for Sunday. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like Philadelphia a lot at home here Sunday. Philadelphia is hands down the superior team on both sides of the ball and I would not be shocked to see a 10-point victory from them. Green Bay is coming off back-to-back losses including against Chicago despite being favored by 10.5 points. Philadelphia has been one of the best home teams in the NFL this season and I definitely expect them to step up in this game. Philadelphia did beat Green Bay back on September 6th by five points at Philadelphia and they didn't even have a great game. Philadelphia actually trailed 19-7 in that game and then dominated the second half. Opponents have converted just 35.5% of their third downs against Philadelphia this season which ranks third defensively in the NFL. Play Philadelphia ATS
7-Unit Play: #397 Minnesota -2.5 -110 over Los Angeles (Monday, January 13, 2025, 8:00pm ET)
Take Minnesota ATS as my top NFL pick for Monday night. This pick falls into one of my top NFL systems and I really like Minnesota in this bounce back spot especially after being embarrassed at Detroit. This is also a nice revenge spot for Minnesota after losing at Los Angeles back on October 24th. Minnesota is hands down the better team and there is no way Darnold completes just 43.9% of his passes like he did against Detroit. I expect to see a fired-up Minnesota team and I would not be shocked to see a blowout victory for them. Minnesota has converted over 40% of their third downs this season with opponents converting just 35.5% of their third downs against them. Los Angeles has converted just 36.8% of their third downs this season and opponents have converted 40.7% of their third downs against them this season. Minnesota is the better team on both sides of the ball and I believe they win this game big. Play Minnesota ATS
Scott Spreitzer
1-Unit Play: Take 376 Texans +3 over Chargers (4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11)I’m taking the points with Houston. Home dogs have been the way to go in Wildcard action, 20-9-1 ATS all-time. Houston’s defense has an advantage here. Their defensive metrics are strong and came against one of the toughest schedules, while the Chargers’ defense is outside the top-10 in some of the same metrics against a much softer slate of opponents. Houston has had their playoff spot virtually wrapped-up for weeks and haven’t had to go full speed in three weeks allowing a few injured players a chance to heal. I’m taking the points with Houston on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
2-Unit Play: Take 377 Steelers +10 over Ravens (8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 11)
I’m taking the points with Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Lamar Jackson’s postseason struggles are real and well documented. He’s 2-4 SU with a 75.7 passer rating and he won’t have WR Zay Flowers, who’s out with a knee injury. Mike Tomlin has Lamar's number and the Steelers held him to 55% passing this season. The Ravens 34-17 win was a bit misleading. Baltimore led 24-17 in the 4th before a Ravens’ pick-6. Before the most recent meeting, nine straight meetings were decided by one-score including the 18-16 Steelers’ win earlier this season. Pittsburgh has won eight of the last 10 meetings. They’re 10-2 in their last 12 playoff games against division opponents. And while some are jumping ship, it’s worth noting that Pittsburgh’s four-game skid came against the Bengals, Chiefs, Ravens, and Eagles, while Baltimore’s four-game winning streak included wins over the Browns and Giants. Finally, division dogs are on a 10-4 ATS run in the playoffs since 2014. I’m taking the points with Pittsburugh. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
7-Unit Play: Take 382 Eagles -4.5 over Packers (4:30 p.m., Sunday, January 12)
We had to wait to see if Jalen Hurts was going to perform well in practice and he certainly did on Wednesday. Hurts looks healed from his concussion and he’s reportedly ready to go. I’m betting RB Saquon Barkley is going to tote the football like a workhorse against the Packers’ run defense. The teams are two of the top-three in run percentage, so Green Bay will look to establish the ground game too but the Eagles’ owned the stingiest run defense over the last two months of the season. Jordan Love is without WR Christian Watson. The defense won’t have Jaire Alexander and has multiple bumps and bruises in each unit. Green Bay is 2-5 SU against teams that have made the postseason and have not beaten a playoff team since October 20, a two-point home win over Houston on a last-second FG. I believe the number is too short and I’m laying the points with the Eagles. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
3-Unit Play: Take 386 Rams +2.5 over Vikings (8 p.m., Monday, January 13)
Note: this game might be moved to Arizona if the fires continue in L.A., but for now it’s scheduled to be played at So-Fi in Inglewood. I’m backing the Rams no matter where the game is played. As good as the Vikings have been, their offensive line has struggled in pass protection throughout the season. Sam Darnold likes to stand in the pocket and that spells trouble to me in this match-up not unlike it did against the Lions last week. The Rams’ defensive front is healthy & talented and the defense has held three of its last four opponents to less than 10 points apiece. Take out Minnesota’s two games with Green Bay (they have the Pack figured out) and they went 1-3 in their other 4 games against playoff teams. The Vikings allowed 274 yards passing per game in those four games on 8.1 yards per pass and a 75% completion rate. The Rams beat Minnesota 30-20 earlier this season and Stafford completed 25 of 34 for 271 yards with 4 TD passes and just 1 pick. I believe he’ll find success again. I’m backing the Rams. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
August Young
3-Unit Play - Take #376 Houston Texans +3 -115 over Los Angeles Chargers (1/11 @ 4:30PM EST) The Texans are being completely overlooked here. Los Angeles are slightly better in the stats, but the Texans have played the tougher strength of schedule. Granted, they have issues when it comes to availability and the IR, but being priced as a field-goal home dog seems a bridge too far. The way both of these teams finished the regular season is skewing public perception. This is a coin-flip at best in our estimation, and have to take the value on dog side at +3 (regardless of who that number was attached to).8-Unit Play - Take #381 Green Bay Packers +5 -110 over Philadelphia Eagles (1/12 @ 4:30PM EST) Love this spot for the Packers who are being undervalued in market for a few reasons. First of all; Philadelphia have the experience and have already beaten the Packers this season in Brazil in Week 1. We should also note that Green Bay are 0-5 this season vs. the other elite NFC teams. Having said that; this isn't hidden information and is factored in to the line. The fact remains that the Packers rank the same as the Eagles when it comes to ypp margin, but they rank better in terms of DVOA despite playing the much tougher strength of schedule (6th vs. 30th). Jalen Hurts is one of the best QB's in the league, but so is Jordan Love. We should also have caution that he will be 100% after being out a few games due to concussion protocol. He returned to practice Wednesday, but rust could be a factor? Regardless, there is a ton of trends and situational angles that all love Green Bay here (as do our numbers). All-in-all, this lines up to be a huge edge which we plan to take full advantage of. The Packers put the world on notice? FWIW; if you only have +4.5 at a reduced -105, we recommend buying to 5 for -110/-115. LFG!
Strike Point Sports
5-Unit Play. Take #385 Minnesota (-1) over Los Angeles Rams (8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 13)People are high on the Rams in this matchup as the Vikings just struggled in a big spot on national television, and LA took down the Vikings earlier in the season 30-20. Minnesota was just beat bad by the Lions, but if you wanted that game you would've seen the Vikings squander scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity. If the VIkings put the ball in the endzone on any of those chances that is a much different game. The Vikings have been one of the best teams in the NFL, and I refuse to let one bad performance sway my opinion on them. The loss the Vikings suffered to the Rams earlier this season came four days after a battle with the Detroit Lions. Minnesota lost that game to the Lions 31-29 when Detroit kicked a field goal to win with 2 mins left. That was a big time let down spot for Minnesota. The Vikings will be ready. Their defense will be prepared for Matt Stafford and the Rams after they allowed Stafford to pass for four touchdowns the first meeting. Since LA's 44-42 win over Buffalo in Week 14 they have only scored more than 19 points once, and that was in a loss to the Seahawks. Take the road team here as the Vikings will move on.
Best of Luck - Strike Point Sports
Jason Sharpe
Saturday January 11th 2025-NFL-
3 Unit Play Take #376 Houston +3 over Los Angeles Chargers (4:30pm est):
I think we are getting Houston at the bottom of the betting market for them and Los Angeles at their top meaning I can't think of a time all NFL season that the point spread between these two teams would have made LA minus three point favorites playing at Houston. The Texans have sputtered down the stretch this season but this is still a team that went toe to toe this year in Green Bay (lost by 2 points), at home versus Detroit (lost by 3 points) and also have a big home win over Buffalo as well.
On the other side of things Los Angeles has went up against one of the top five easiest schedules in the NFL during the regular season. The Chargers played in seven games versus playoff teams and they're just 2-5 straight-up and keep in mind BOTH of those victories came over a Denver team that I feel is arguably the worst team in the NFL post-season. Simply put I don't think the Chargers should be favored by a field goal on the road over any team in these NFL playoffs.
Take Houston plus the points.
Sunday January 12th 2025-
7 Unit Play Take #384 Tampa Bay -3 over Washington (8:00pm est):
Washington ended up taking advantage of a last place schedule this year as they went 12-5 overall. With that said 7 of their 12 wins this season were against bottom feeder teams with just 5 wins or less. The Commanders were also just 1-4 versus playoff teams and that lone win came against a Philadelphia Eagles team that lost Jalen Hurts early in the 1st quarter of that contest. Add in Washington caught their fair share of breaks in close games as well as they went an incredible 8-1 this year in games that were decided by 5 points or less.
Tampa Bay was just 10-7 during the regular season but they also did it against a 1st place schedule as they Bucs quietly won their 4th straight NFC South division title this year. Even more impressive is the fact Tampa Bay went on the road and not only crushed Los Angeles Chargers 40-17 but they also knocked off the Detroit Lions as well and lost in overtime in Kansas City to the Chiefs. The Bucs also have impressive home wins this year over Philadelphia by a 33-16 score and they hammered this Washington team that they face here by a 17 point margin back in the season opener. Unlike Washington, Tampa Bay ended up having bad luck in close games this season going just 2-5 overall in games that were decided by 5 points or less. This organization has also had some success early round playoff success over the last few years going 3-1 straight-up and versus the spread in the opening wildcard round.
Take Tampa Bay minus the points.
3 Unit Play Take #381 Green Bay +5 over Philadelphia (4:30pm est):
Don't sleep on this Green Bay team who seems to not be getting any respect since their loss to Minnesota back in week 17. This is a winning organization that won't be intimidated playing in the post-season and if anything I get the feeling this is the type of team that thinks they can win this kind of game. The Packers are a young team that had some much needed playoff experience just last year. Many have forgot that the Packers went out last year in a similar type spot as here as +7 underdogs and they easily beat Dallas on the road on wildcard weekend. Green Bay then went to San Francisco the following week as double digit underdogs and they led that game late before the 49ers scored a last minute touchdown to beat them 24-21.
Though the Packers are 0-5 in their five biggest games this season, keep in mind that four of those were losses by 5 points or less and three of those contests came on the road. They also have two wins over a couple of other playoff teams (LA Rams and Houston). Playing outdoors in January can be tough on lots of teams but the Packers are a team that not only shouldn't be bothered by the elements that come from playing this time of the year but who might actually prefer to play in this kind of environment.
Take Green Bay plus the points.
Thank you and good luck,
Jason Sharpe
Griffin Murphy
7 Unit Play - Take #375 LA Chargers (-3) Over Houston. (4:30p.m, Saturday, January 11th)Los Angeles comes into this game 11-6 after finishing regular season play. Los Angeles is 3-2 in their last 5 games and currently on a 3-game winning streak after beating down Denver, New England, and Las Vegas to end the season. When it comes to metrics, Los Angeles does not have incredible numbers by any means. We have to remember Justin Herbert was unhealthy for the majority of the season, along with some other key players on this Chargers roster. Los Angeles went a stout 6-3 on the road this season with impressive wins over Denver and Atlanta. Houston comes into this game with both Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs on the IR, so they will not be in this contest. Houston finished the season going 10-7 and 5-3 at home. Houston went 21st in the NFL across offensive passing yards per game, 15th on the rush, and 19th when it comes to points. C.J. Stroud did not have the season we were expecting. Stroud hit 63% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, but 12 picks. Los Angeles ranks 7th in the NFL when it comes to defending the pass, 1st in points allowed against, and 5th in 3rd down conversion executions defensively. Los Angeles is absolutely flying right now, and this is when all cylinders matter. Justin Herbert comes into this game with a 66% passing completion rating, 3,870 yards in the air, and an incredible 23 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. I expect Los Angeles to run up the scoreboard against Houston and knock them out of the first round. Los Angeles went 10-2 ATS this season when playing as a favorite and 5-1 ATS as a road favorite. I expect them to come in and bulldoze this 3-point spread here and win by at least a touchdown.
Take #375 LA Chargers (-3) Over Houston.
Griffin Murphy
5 Unit Play - Take #382 Philadelphia (-4.5) Over Green Bay. (4:30p.m, Sunday, January 12th)
Philadelphia comes into this game 14-3 on the year, 4-1 in their last 5 games, and currently on a two-game win streak. Philadelphia finished off their season going a stout 8-1 at home. Green Bay comes into this game on a two-game losing streak after losing to the Bears in the critical last game of their regular season play. Jordan Love comes into this game beat up with an elbow injury; Christian Watson is done for the season with a knee injury. This Green Bay team is all banged up, and they have by no means been playing good football. Green Bay’s defense has allowed 51 points in their last 2 games, which is averaging 25.5 points per game. Now they have to deal with Philadelphia, who is 5th in total yards of offense per game, 2nd on the rush, 7th in points per game, and 10th when it comes to 3rd down conversions. Philadelphia is also 1st in total yards of offense allowed against on the defensive side, 1st against the pass, and 2nd in points allowed per game, averaging just 17.8. Philadelphia is looking for straight vengeance in this postseason, and it starts with potentially the weakest link in the postseason. I expect Philadelphia to run up the scoreboard against Green Bay and cover this spread with ease.
Take #382 Philadelphia (-4.5) Over Green Bay.
Griffin Murphy
Nick Menken
4 Unit: Take #377 Pittsburg Steelers (+9.5) over Baltimore Ravens (8:00p.m, Saturday, January 11th)The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to Baltimore to play against the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs. Pittsburgh fell short last Saturday against the Bengals 19-17. This means that they are the sixth seed in the AFC. They now face one of the favorites to win it all, the Baltimore Ravens. Entering the playoffs, the Steelers are currently on a five-game losing streak. Since 2016, the Steelers have not won a single game in the playoffs. Russell Wilson, an experienced quarterback, is now in control. He has thrown for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He has been a valuable asset to the Steelers' offense, along with running back Najee Harris. The Steelers now face a formidable Ravens squad on the road. Lamar Jackson is coming off a season in which he threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns, a performance that may be considered MVP-worthy. He also rushed for a total of 915 yards during the season. However, this crime does not run over individuals unless Derek Henry is the leader of the ground game. He has been a monster this season, running for 1,921 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns. The public expects the Ravens to win this game. However, the performance of the Pittsburgh defense that I have witnessed during the entire season has been outstanding. They have managed to stay competitive in every game this season. This defense will show up and put pressure on the Ravens' offense no matter where they play. In my opinion, this line is simply too high for a playoff game. I am aware of the Ravens' accomplishments this season, but confronting a team that will exert maximum effort on defense will exhaust you. Even though the Steelers might not win this game outright, I am confident that they will cover this point spread. I know they will cover this point spread for Saturday's game in Baltimore. Bet on the Steelers to + 9.5 points over the Ravens.
Take #377 Pittsburg Steelers (+9.5) over Baltimore Ravens
Nick Menken
5 Unit: Take #382 Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) over Green Bay Packers (-110) (4:30p.m, Sunday, January 12th)
We are going to Philadelphia, where the Green Bay Packers will play against the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs. The Eagles have a big dilemma on their hands: the health of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the protocol for his concussion. In my opinion, this is the Eagles trying to hide the truth. Hurts will be playing in the playoff game versus Green Bay. This Eagles team concluded the season with a record of 14-3, including a dominating 10-game winning streak. Barkley is considered the best running back in the league. This Green Bay defense is going to have a lot of work to do in order to stop him from running the ball. The Packers, on the other side, finished the season with a record of 11-6. Love and Jacobs are the leaders of this Packers offense. However, it is worth noting that Love suffered an elbow injury in Week 18 against the Bears. This might be a significant factor in this game, particularly when it comes to their passing game. If the Packers don't fall behind, I expect them to try to establish the running game early on. The Eagles are clearly the superior team in this game. The concern is how Hurts will perform after spending so much time away from the field. However, you should be concerned since you have the best running back in the game on our side today. Should Hurts fully recover before the game, I anticipate a decisive victory. With Barkley in the backfield, AJ and Smith will have more opportunities to make plays down the field. I think the Eagles will win by at least a touchdown in this matchup; thus, take -4.5 Eagles against the Green Bay Packers.
Take #382 Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) over Green Bay Packers (-110)
Nick Menken
7 Unit: Take #397 Minnesota Vikings ML (-145) over Los Angeles Rams (8:00p.m, Monday, January 13th)
We have a Monday Night Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams taking place. Due to the wildfires, this game may be moved to a natural site in Phoenix, Arizona. As of now, Sofi in Los Angeles will host this game. Despite the early injuries for the Los Angeles Rams in the beginning of their season, they finished 10-7 and won the NFC West division. The veteran Matt Stafford had himself a year. He finished the season with over 3,700 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions. Find themselves with home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Rams defense also stepped up in a big way in their last three games, holding opponents to 22.7 points per game. They’re going to need to step up against the Vikings explosive offense. The Vikings, led by Sam Darnold, finished 14-3 on the season, with two of their losses coming from the Detroit Lions. The other loss was against the Rams, 30-20, in October. Sam threw for 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. But like the Rams, the Vikings defense was 5th in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing only 19.5 points per game. But will the performance last week against the Lions teach this Vikings team to learn from their mistakes? They didn’t score a touchdown against that defense for the Lions. But this week, the defense will not be as strong as the Lions. Sam will have more time in the pocket to find his receivers, like Jefferson, down the field. Both of these teams will engage in a fierce offensive battle. But it’s in the hands of Sam Darnold; can he bring back this team after falling short against the Lions for the NFC North title? I believe he will approach the game with a determined mindset, determined to disprove his doubters. I trust this Viking defense a lot more than I trust the Rams. Granted, they played very good defense to close out the year, but let's not forget this is a 14-3 ballclub. The Rams already beat the Vikings earlier this season. It’s time for Sam Darnold to step up and get his revenge in Sofi. This is exactly what he will do on Monday night. Take the Minnesota Vikings money line over the Los Angeles Rams.
Take #385 Minnesota Vikings ML (-110) over Los Angeles Rams
Nick Menken
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