There’s nothing like having a good run going into the playoffs. It’s me. Finally.
I went 11-5 against the spread last week and 10-6 straight with my NFL picks. I feel like the Buffalo Bills are on a winning streak. My ATS record is now 134-127-11, so well over .500. My direct record is 168-104.
It’s been a crazy season and I expect the playoffs to be much the same. This makes choosing games difficult. Everything can happen.
I’m loving some dogs this week, so let’s hope this strategy keeps the momentum going.
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (NBC, fubo)
It’s veteran quarterback Joe Flacco versus rookie sensation CJ Stroud. Flacco takes the advantage because he has the better defense. The Browns will be able to put pressure on Stroud to limit him a bit. I think Flacco, who has been good in the playoffs during his career, will be good in this one. The Browns will win it.
Take: Browns 31, Texans 24
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (Peacock)
The Dolphins will enter Arrowhead with a team in great shape, especially on defense. They will be down to their top three passers. That’s a problem against Patrick Mahomes, even though the Chiefs offense has struggled this season compared to Mahomes’ previous teams. They will do enough here as their defense limits a Miami offense that has had issues on the road. The leaders take it.
Take: Chiefs 26, Dolphins 19
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Bills enter the playoffs as winners of five straight games. They look like a dangerous playoff team. The Steelers have won two straight to make the playoffs, but they will be without TJ Watt here against Josh Allen. That’s a bad thing for a defense that has struggled mightily even when he’s on the field. Look for rolling tickets in this one.
Take: Bills 27, Steelers 13
Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox, fubo)
This should be a high-flying affair with both offenses putting up big numbers. I think Jordan Love is playing exceptional football and so is Dak Prescott. The pressure is firmly on Prescott and the Cowboys. That’s why I see the Packers and Love on the loose making this a game. The Cowboys will win it, but it’s close.
Take: Cowboys 33, Packers 31
If you want a more analytical approach to your NFL picks, I highly suggest checking out the SportsLine Projection Model, which has been on fire this year. Check it out if you want to know which side to bet on for each Super Wild Card Weekend game.
Sunday, 8 p.m. ET (NBC, fubo)
This is the play in which two quarterbacks trade, Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. The Rams are the surprise playoff team in the NFC, but they will be tough. I think Stafford and the Rams will get the most out of the Lions defense, while Goff will also play well. There will be a lot of points. I’ll take the Rams in anger.
Take: Rams 31, Leos 30
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN, fubo)
The Eagles limp into the playoffs after losing five of their last six games. They’re nothing like the Super Bowl team from a year ago. The Bucs have played better down the stretch, even though they lost to the Saints two weeks ago at home. Despite this, I expect Baker Mayfield to play better against an Eagles defense that has struggled. Look for a big match from Mike Evans. The Bucs will pull off the surprise.
Take: Bucs 27, Eagles 24
