1st Round NFL Playoff Predictions; 2011 Football Spread Betting Picks

AFC Wild Card Round

#1. New England Patriots (14-2) Bye

#2. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) Bye

#6. New York Jets (11-5) (+3 -120) vs. #3. Indianapolis Colts (10-6) (-3 Even) O/U 44.5
Hard to find a better and more intriguing 1st round matchup. The Colts had a rough year but did what they needed to win the division and earn a home game against the Jets in the first round. The Jets didn't necessarily live up to the hype they created this year, but they tip toed into the playoffs and now have their feet firmly on the ground. The Jets had a nice tuneup game against the Bills and are ready to take on the defending AFC Champions. The Colts have won four games in a row, but all were close games (1 by 10 the rest under a touchdown), and were against non-playoff teams. The Jets main concern is the maturity of Mark Sanchez and if he can put a mistake-free game together. The Jets have 4th best rushing attack, 6th best pass defense, and 3rd best rushing defense. Three of the Jets last 5 games were against playoff teams, and I wouldn't discount the experience they have gotten from the last few weeks tough opponents. If Sanchez can avoid mistakes and help lead a balanced Jets attack, the Jets will win this game in Indy.
Prediction: Jets beat the Colts 23-17, Jets (+3) UNDER 44.5

#4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) vs. #5. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) (-3 Even) O/U 41
Although the Chiefs did win the AFC West, the fact that they get a home game against the 12-4 Ravens seems unfair. The Ravens are 6-1 in their last 7 but have struggled to separate themselves late against most of their opponents. The Ravens are 20th in passing and 14th in rushing while being only 21st in pass defense. The Ravens strength will go against the Chiefs strength as the 5th ranked rushing defense will face the Chiefs NFL leading rushing attack. Things were looking great for the Chiefs before a regular season finale beating they took from the Oakland Raiders. Cassel was 11/33 with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns in the 31-10 loss. Even at home in the playoffs, the Chiefs look very vulnerable and is ready to take another beating from the Ravens.
Prediction: Ravens win 31-17, Ravens (-3) OVER 41

NFC Wild Card Round

#1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) Bye

#2. Chicago Bears (11-5) Bye

#3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) (-2.5) vs. #6. Green Bay Packers (10-6) O/U 46
This is a much harder matchup for the Eagles than having to play the Giants in the first round. The Packers have the 5th best passing attack and 5th best pass defense. Philly's advantage in this game lies on the shoulders of Michael Vick being able to run the ball when there are no viable options to throw to. The Packers have lacked a good rushing attack since Ryan Grant went down very early in the season. When it comes to defense the Packers have the significant edge. The Packers have allowed the 2nd fewest points per game at 15, while the Eagles have allowed 23.6. Two weeks ago the Eagles looked like a Super Bowl contender out of the NFC, but after a pathetic loss to the Vikings with a rookie quarterback and a loss to the Cowboys, their future doesn't look nearly as bright.
Prediction: Packers with the upset 21-17, Packers (+2.5) UNDER 46

#4. Seattle Seahawks (7-9) vs. #5. New Orleans Saints (11-5) (-10.5) 45 O/U
Anything can happen in the playoffs, and the Saints are on the road, but Seattle can't compete with New Orleans can they? No! The largest flaw for the Saints other than their battered up rushing attack is their rush defense, and the Seahawks can't run the ball. The Seahawks are 31st in the NFL in rushing and 27th in pass defense. This is a pathetic game, and the Saints should cover easily even though they have to travel to Seattle.
Prediction: Saints win big 38-14, Saints (-10) OVER 45