Matthew Ross
And then there were eight. We’re down to the quarterfinals of the NFL, the last few weeks for football betting players to rake it in. We were .500 last week, not good enough. We had four competitive games in round one, and we’re hoping more of the same in most of the games this time around.
Atlanta Falcons (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles
Experience matters. Atlanta proved it last week, and they’ve prove it again this week. I know, I normally don’t reveal my NFL pick in the first sentence, but I am bullish on the defending NFC champs. Matt Ryan had an awful game last season in Philly, and the Falcons used it as a turning point. So you have to believe that there’s plenty of motivation and focus heading into this city, a redemption opportunity of sorts. The Eagles haven’t moved the ball well with Nick Foles. And I don’t see it happening here. Give me Atlanta and lay the points.
Tennessee Titans at New England Pariots (-13.5)
Road underdogs in the divisional round have a losing record over the last 25 games against the spread when is double digits. Good enough for me. An extra week of rest for Team Belichick? An extra week to prep and study? Yep, I’m taking the champs. The Titans are just too sloppy and out of their weight class in this one.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7.5)
Jacksonville has already won in Pittsburgh this season. Simple, right? Wrong. Pitt is coming off an extra week of rest and they are undefeated as a home favorite under Mike Tomlin. They’ll also have the emotional lift of injured defensive leader Ryan Shazier being back with the team. I love the Steelers here.
New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-4)
I want to take the Saints, and want to back them to avenge their Week 1 loss to Minny. I want to think of last week’s offensive output and think that they can do it again. But I also think of how dominant the Vikings are on defense, how the Saints struggled to score points in the second half last week, and how Kase Keenum is playing with a chip on his shoulder. Realistically, this spread should be closer to six points, so I see some value here. Give me the Vikes.
Last Week: 2-2
Season: 39-32-1
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
