It’s Wild Card Weekend, so let’s get right to the predictions. As usual, check out Pickwatch’s John Halpin’s full slate of playoff picks. Now, here are a few of mine (If I’m right, make sure to congratulate me @jkatzo on Twitter).
1)Bet your life savings on this game*
Titans at Chiefs
The Titans did just enough to get by the Jaguars last week and into the playoffs. But now they’ll have to travel to one of the tougher places to play in the NFL in Kansas City. Tennessee has lost three of its last four, while, Kansas City, after a mundane mid-season, has reeled off four-straight victories against teams that are mediocre or worse. Luckily for the Chiefs, that’s exactly what the Titans are, as well. Go with the Chiefs, and go with them big.
Straight up: Chiefs
Against the Spread: Chiefs -9
2017 record for the “Bet your life savings” game: 13-4 S/U and 8-9 ATS
2)This game scares the hell out of me
Falcons at Rams
Credit the Falcons with playing a strong second half of the season, winning six of their last eight games and, with a playoff berth on the line, knocking off the Panthers in Week 17. So much of the playoffs is about momentum. Atlanta has it. The Rams, meanwhile, rested many of their starters against the 49ers last week, and they got pummeled. That performance likely won’t bleed into this weekend, but L.A. was also blown out by the Eagles in Week 14, and that gives us some pause. Making matters even more interesting, the Rams are 4-4 at home. Rams running back Todd Gurley is a heck of a player, but somehow, Atlanta will slow him down, and the defending NFC champions will live to fight another week.
Straight up: Falcons
Against the Spread: Falcons +6.5
2017 record for the “Scares the hell out of me” game: 8-9 S/U and 8-8-1 ATS
3) Fun game of the week
Panthers at Saints
The Saints blasted through the Panthers twice this year, winning both games by a combined score of 65-34. Considering this game is in New Orleans, I expect the Saints to win for the third time against Carolina. Both quarterbacks have had plenty of playoff success and Super Bowl experience, and Drew Brees and Cam Newton are some of the most fun signal-callers to watch in the NFL today. The Saints will win this game, but the Panthers won’t make it easy.
Straight up: Saints
Against the Spread: Panthers +6
2017 record for “Fun game of the week”: 12-5 S/U and 9-7-1 ATS
2017 record for every game picked in this column: 33-18 S/U and 25-24-2 ATS
KC over TEN KC -9
ATL over LA ATL +6
JAC over BUF BUF +8
NO over CAR CAR +6
*Don’t really bet your life savings. Please.
