The odds are from oddsshark.com and the home teams in CAPs.
Buffalo +2.5 over HOUSTON
This is probably the toughest game of the week to pick. The Texans never quite live up to their billing despite some of the talent they have while the Bills haven’t beaten any real good teams at all this season. Buffalo has the defence to stand up to DeShaun Watson and Co., with stud CB Tre’davious White seemingly set to shadow DeAndre Hopkins. J.J. Watt’s return from the IR will provide a boost that is likely more inspirational than material. We see the Bills sneaking through on the strength of far superior coaching.
Tennessee +5 over NEW ENGLAND
By no means would we ever bury the Patriots in a playoff game, but this line seems a couple points too high. The Titans are a team that looks set up to give New England all types of problems. Derrick Henry is as tough a back there is to tackle, A.J. Brown has given them a game-breaking WR and Ryan Tannehill has steadied the ship. The defence is also capable of stopping a Patriots attack that has been lacking most of the season. Of course, Bill Belichick probably has something up his sleeve, but it’ll be a tough cover unless we see a pick-six or two.
Minnesota +7.5 over NEW ORLEANS
It’s tough to give this many points when these teams are so familiar with each other and coaches have a history. Without a real shutdown corner, the Vikings defence could be exploited by Michael Thomas, but Minnesota has the horses to run with them on the offensive side. Kirk Cousins’ history of failure in big games is well-documented, but the return of Dalvin Cook after two weeks off will lighten the load on the QB’s shoulders.
Seattle -2 over PHILADELPHIA
Both teams are dealing with a bunch of injuries, but then Eagles have been hit a bit harder. The Seahawks have been a fantastic road team this season, racking up a 7-1 record away from Qwest Field. While Philly has done a great job simply winning games down the stretch to make the playoffs, but we can’t say any of their opponents were of Seattle’s standard.
Last week: 6-9
This season: 129-114-7