I went with all home teams last week. All favorites won. The intersection was three games. Things were looking good for a home team sweep with the Redskins up by 14 in the first quarter. Then the knee of RGIII went pop. To make matters worse Mike Shanahan kept RGIII in the game long after he had clearly shown that he could no longer be effective.
This week I take almost a 180 degree turn. Three road dogs even though road favorites have always been more my style. I actually like the road NFC teams to win outright. The Ravens just seem to be getting too many points in Denver. A Ravens win would surprise me. I will be rooting hard against Belichick and Brady in Foxboro. I am not stupid enough to bet against them.
home team in bold
Saturday
Baltimore Ravens (+9.5) over Denver Broncos
Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce have the ability to keep Peyton Manning off the field, making this game close. Of course I don't think Joe Flacco can actually play well enough to pull off the upset.
Green Bay Packers (+3.0) over San Francisco 49ers
I like the Packers to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Obviously I am going to take them with points.
Sunday
Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons regular season success was meaningless. They need to prove their mettle in the playoffs. I am not a believer. This comes despite the knowledge that the '89 Los Angeles Rams are the only team from the west coast to previously win successive playoff games in the Eastern Time zone.
New England Patriots (-9.5) over Houston Texans
Tom Brady is not Andy Dalton. The Texans don't have a prayer. I can't believe this line is single digits.
Last Week
Houston Texans (-4.5) over Cincinnati Bengals WIN
Green Bay Packers (-8.0) over Minnesota Vikings WIN
Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) over Indianapolis Colts WIN
Washington Redskins (+3.0) over Seattle Seahawks LOSS
Playoffs: 3-1