CLEVELAND BROWNS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
January 10th – 8:15 pm ET – Heinz Field
The Cleveland Browns needed to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend to cement their place in the playoffs. They picked up the narrow 24-22 victory at home, but against a Steelers’ side that had mostly been rested ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash.
The Steelers are favored by 4.5 points entering Sunday night’s game, having gone 12-4 during the regular season. But they have just one win in their last five games and were stumbling at the conclusion of the regular season.
This should be an intense contest between two division rivals who know each other well. After going 13-0 to start the campaign, the Steelers will do everything in their power to avoid a Wild Card round loss on home field. While the Steelers should ultimately prevail against Cleveland, go with the visitors to keep the game close and cover the spread.
PICKS: Cleveland
ODDS: Pittsburgh (-4.5)
Over/Under: 46.5
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT BUFFALO BILLS
January 9th – 1:00 pm ET – Bills Stadium
The Buffalo Bills and their fans have been waiting a long time for this moment. In 2017, they ended a 17-year playoff drought but on Saturday they host their first postseason game in 25 years. It will also be the first time all season fans will be allowed into Bills Stadium, with a capacity of 6,772 fans.
The Indianapolis Colts needed a win and some help last week and got it from the Bills. Buffalo took out the Miami Dolphins allowing the Colts to sneak into the final playoff spot. They have earned their spot with an 11-5 record though and will not be an easy opponent for the home side.
The Bills are favored by seven which does seem rather high, but given how good they have been in recent weeks it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Take the home team to win big on Saturday with Josh Allen picking up his first career playoff victory.
PICKS: Buffalo
ODDS: Buffalo (-7)
Over/Under: 52
CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
January 10th – 4:40 pm ET – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The New Orleans Saints are the biggest favorites of the weekend, entering Sunday’s contest favored by 9.5 points. The Bears barely made the playoffs with a mediocre 8-8 record, but will be looking to do some damage now that they have qualified for the dance.
The Saints have far too much experience and talent to be upset by the Bears though. Chicago has looked stellar at times this season, but have been far too inconsistent and will struggle on the road at the Superdome. New Orleans has been the second best team in the NFC throughout the season and don’t expect too much to change this weekend.
Go with the Saints to cover the large spread at home as they book their place in the next round of the playoffs. The over may be worth laying money on in this one as well.
PICKS: New Orleans
ODDS: New Orleans (-9.5)
Over/Under: 47.5
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
January 9th – 8:15 pm ET – FedEx Field
Washington has no business being in the playoffs, let alone hosting a game. They finished with a losing record of 7-9, but still managed to win the worst division in the NFL – the NFC East. Despite an impressive 11-5 record, Tampa Bay is forced to travel to FedEx Field to play in the Wild Card round as they finished second in the NFC South to the New Orleans Saints.
As a result, Tampa Bay come into Saturday night’s contest as big favorites on the road. It will be Tom Brady’s first playoff game with his new team and expect him to put on a show for the world to see.
Brady is eager to prove he can win without Bill Belichik and the New England Patriots. He has plenty of weapons in Tampa Bay to get the job done and we should be in for a real treat on Saturday. Take the visitors to win big.
PICKS: Tampa Bay
ODDS: Tampa Bay (-8.5)
Over/Under: 45.5
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
January 10th– 1:00 pm ET – LP field
The Baltimore Ravens are a team that nobody wants to play at the moment, finishing the regular season with five straight wins to book their spot in the playoffs. Lamar Jackson is proving himself as an elite quarterback again, with defenses struggling to contain him.
Tennessee knocked out Baltimore last year in the playoffs though and will not be intimidated this weekend when they meet the Ravens again. These two teams did meet earlier in the season as well, with the Titans picking up the 30-24 victory in overtime back in November.
This should be another close contest, but the Ravens have looked dangerous lately and the Titans could be in trouble in this one. The visitors look poised to make up for last season and are worth laying money on Sunday. The over should also be worth a look at as well, despite it being set quite high.
PICKS: Baltimore
Over
ODDS: Baltimore (-3.5)
Over/Under: 54.5
* All odds are via Parx Sportsbook.
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