NFL Playoff Second Round Previews
Well, we probably deserved better than yesterday's results, as we lost with Tennessee, which marched up and down the field, but had far too many turnovers in Baltimore territory. And we fell a couple of points short with the over in the Carolina game, as the teams managed just 12 second-half points after scoring 34 in the first half. But that's why they call it gambling.
For Sunday, the first game on tap is the Eagles at the Giants. The line has dropped to New York -4 and the total is 38.5.
Poor weather is expected prior to the game, but the current forecast is for things to clear up right around kick-off time. Temperatures will be in the mid-30s and 25-30 mph wind gusts may occur.
The teams met twice during the regular season, with the visitor winning both times. The Eagles won 20-14 in the last contest and the Giants grabbed a 36-31 victory in the opening game. What it came down to was the team able to rush the ball was the won that came away with the victory.
In the Giants' victory, New York rushed 45 times for 219 yards, while the Eagles ran the ball 40 times for 144 yards in their win.
The betting is pretty even on the game, with the Eagles at 51-percent and the NYG at 49-percent.
This is a tough game to call and one that could go down to the wire. Personally, I'll probably stay away completely or wait until the halftime lines come out, but if I had to choose one wager, it would be likely be NYG -4.
The Chargers travel to Pittsburgh in the late game and the Steelers are favored by 6.5 points. The total has come down to 37.5, as there is a small chance of snow and temperatures are expected to be around 20 degrees.
There's no denying the Chargers are playing well, while the Steelers haven't been all that impressive at times, but believe Pittsburgh is probably the right side in this game.
While the Steelers won by just a single point, 11-10, in the first meeting between the teams, Pittsburgh had over 400 yards of offense, compared to 200 for San Diego. Pittsburgh did have 115 yards in penalties, as well as the non-counting touchdown at the end of the game, which, along with the penalty situation (SD was penalized for five yards), had many bettors crying "fix."
Again, not a strong play by any means, but will likely be more of a token bet.
