by Bob Gaughan, Buffalo Sports Page
Weekly Record 11-5-2, Overall Record 65-39-3
MR. OVER/UNDER: Chargers +4 over New England
Last week’s NFL games, may have been the closest and best wild card playoff games ever, with 3 out of 4 underdogs (including our pick) winning.
However this week, three of the four games feature the number 1 & 2 seeds, playing against the 5th and 6th seeds.
What a great job Frank Reich has done with Indy, but they had an easy schedule this year. Dallas will need to run the ball well to keep up with the Rams. Philly and Nick Foles has been a fun story, but after this weekend, it becomes a short story. So that leaves us with the Patriots and the Chargers. The Chargers have the best road record of any team in the NFL this season at 8-1. I know Phillip Rivers has never beaten Tom Brady, but I also know this Chargers defense is good and the Chargers offense is very good. My heart wants New England to lose. My mind says they will. I like the Chargers plus 4.
Man in Stripes: Teaser Colts +11.5 and over 51 Colts/KC
Another numbers game here. First off, Luck/Mahomes have combined for 89 TD’s. That’s the most ever for a playoff game. The Chiefs are 31st in defense, they will give up points. The Chiefs are first in offense, they will score. Colts are 10-1 SU and 7-3-1 ATS in the past 11. We all know the chiefs post season problems, one win in the last 25 years. This includes 6 straight losses. Both teams are healthy, star power on both offenses and the weather should be clear. Colts to keep it close or win outright.
Mono: Colts +5.5 over Kansas City
Colts are the hottest team in football right now. Everyone is talking about Andrew Luck and the offense but I’m just as impressed with their defense. Colts defense is rolling right now. In this game you get the much better defense and points. Kansas City’s defense is a liability. Luck will put up points. Mahomes will score but I see the Colts defense getting some key stops and the Colts win outright.
Slick: Colts +5.5 over Kansas City
I think this is too many points for Andrew Luck going up against a bad defense. I believe that the wild card winner has a little advantage this week vs the team that had a bye last week. Indy already played last week on the road in a playoff game and dominated. Mahomes is still a rookie in his first playoff game. The Colts can win this game outright and if they don’t it should be close.
Mr. Brutal: Colts +5.5 over Kansas City (Triple Down)
The Colts offensive line is the number one offensive line in the league. The Chiefs defense is the worst in the league against the run. I see Marlon Mack being able to run and the play action pass being able to make big plays for the Colts. Inman has been a big plus for the Colts as a receiver to go along with big target Eric Ebron. They have weapons far beyond TY Hilton. The Chiefs aren’t the same offense in my eyes without Kareem Hunt. Chiefs 1-2 vs playoff teams since they cut Hunt.
Bob Gaughan: Saints -8 over Philadelphia
I like mostly dogs again this week but this is the one favorite I really like. Doesn’t this just have the feel for the end of the line for the defending champs. It should have happen last week but not for the double doink of the goalposts in Chicago. Now they face the best team in the NFC. The Saints were 13-2 this year before not really trying in their season finale. The Saints won 48-7 in Week 11 at home. I don’t see that type of score here but a double-digit win is in order and covering the eight-point spread. Nick Foles was a nice story but I think it just turned midnight for this Cinderella story.
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