Picking the other three wildcard games!
In my final Power rankings post I loosely mentioned giving the edge to the Steelers in their matchup with the Bengals as I simply believe they have a bit less pressure on them then do the home team. The Steelers are the favorites currently by a margin of 3 points (Opening line -2.5).
Recent news has DeAngelo Williams ruled out for the game which may push the line towards the Bengals. Dalton has also been officially ruled out, however, nobody was expecting him to play. I prefer not to give out a pick on the game as I have too great a personal interest in the outcome. Let’s look past the most important game and examine the other three wildcard weekend matchups.
SATURDAY: 4:35PM – Kansas City Chiefs (-3.0) @ Houston Texans
The line on this game opened at three and has not changed to now. Kansas City is on a ten game win streak and comes into Houston to face the team with the worst record of the post season AFC contenders.
Both teams have good defenses but the team with consistency at quarterback will win the game. Houston’s Brian Hoyer has played eleven games this season. He played in Week 17 after missing two games and suffering two loses before that. PICK: KANSAS CITY
SUNDAY 1:05PM – Seattle Seahawks (-5.0) @ Minnesota Vikings
This line opened up at 5.5 for Seattle and I am not too sure why the public is betting Minnesota. This game is the largest spread of the weekend and I am very comfortable taking Seattle by a touchdown.
As in the game above both teams have strong defenses but the quarterback edge to the Seahawks is significant. Russell Wilson is having by far his best season in his still short career and his opponent Teddy Bridgewater is still young and more of a game manager. Seattle’s number 2 ranked defense and recent post season experience should result in an easy win. PICK: SEATTLE
SUNDAY 4:40PM – Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins (-1.0)
If I was advised in August that there would be a playoff game featuring the Packers in Washington and I could bet the Packers at plus one I would have been salivating.
Next: Steelers vs. Bengals: 5 questions with the enemy
Now almost five months later it is difficult to feel comfortable about taking them with the way they have been playing. The thing is Washington has the 28th ranked defense and while Kirk cousins is putting up a lot of points he is not Aaron Rogers. Have to stick with the Packers! PICK: PACKERS +1