NFL Wildcard Weekend Preview

BAL @ PIT

PIT -3

46.5

Baltimore beat Pittsburgh by 20 in Baltimore in September. Pittsburgh beat Baltimore by 20 in Pittsburgh in November. Does that technically mean these teams are tied for the season? Since Baltimore and Pittsburgh historically play close, 3-point games, I expect a return to normalcy. If Pittsburgh wins by 3 it’ll be a push, so I might as well take the Ravens.   

Pick: BAL +3. Ravens win 23-20 (Under)

ARI @ CAR

CAR -6

38

Arizona has been excellent most of the season despite significant injury issues at quarterback, and I believe their defense and supporting cast can will them to a win. They’ve played too well to bow out in the wildcard round of the playoffs. I don’t expect the Cards to win a shootout with Logan Thomas playing QB, but Carolina has played 5 straight home Unders. So as long as the game is low-scoring, Arizona has a shot.

Pick: ARI +6. Cardinals win 17-13 (Under)

DET @ DAL

DAL -7

48

Detroit has the best run defense in the NFL, which doesn’t bode well for the NFL’s 2^nd best rushing attack. Also, regardless of how good Dallas has been, Romo is an unproven commodity in the playoffs.

Pick: DET +7. Lions win 21-17 (Under)

CIN @ IND

IND -3

49

Indy is excellent at home, but don’t count out the Bengals. They may have lost by 27 in Indy a few months ago, but they’ve been playing much better football late in the season. The Over is likely, but another Colts blowout certainly isn’t.

Pick: IND -3. Colts win 38-34 (Over)