Forget the Super Bowl, Championship Sunday is the best football betting day of the year. Two conference titles are on the line and we get to witness two epic player celebrations. I can’t wait to see it all get under way. We had another so-so NFL picks day last weekend, so let’s finish off the pre Super Bowl betting frenzy on a winning note. Here we go.
2018 Conference Championship
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots (-9)
The defending champs never look past their opponents, for fear of upsetting coach Belichick. New England has been very complimentary of the Jags this week. But it’ll be all business come Sunday. The Pats are facing a tough defense, but one that hasn’t faced a weapon like Gronk in these playoffs. Tight end Vance Macdonald had some success last week for the Steelers, and I expect Gronk to have a monster game this weekend. Look for the Pats to typically mix in a ton of running back looks, including splitting them out wide a few times in this game. On the other side, Blake Bortles was steady in the second half last week, but the Pats secondary is a little more clutch. Give me New England and lay the points.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles
Philly celebrated too emphatically last weekend. They acted as though they had already reached the title game. I didn’t like it. On the other hand, the Vikes surely got a miracle and so celebrating was absolutely merited. Minnesota’s defense struggled against Drew Brees in the second half last weekend. I don’t expect them to be in as tough against Nick Foles. While he racked up some impressive passing numbers in the second half versus the Falcons, he never got close to passing for a touchdown. Minny’s D is better than Atlanta’s, so it isn’t hard for me to take the Vikings in this one. Both teams could have easily lost last week and have a lot to prove this time around. It’ll be a good game.
Last Week: 2-2
Season: 41-34-1
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.