The Bum's NFL Playoff POD'S, STAT'S NEWS PLAYOFF GOY !!

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New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5, 53.5)

WHY SAINTS WILL COVER

The Saints are second in the NFL in passing and the Eagles are 32nd in pass defense. As long as there’s not much precipitation or wind, the Saints should be able to throw all day long on the Eagles. The Eagles are not much of a threat to pressure Drew Brees either - 20th in the league in sacks - so Brees should have the time to survey the field and take advantage of good matchups for Jimmy Graham, in particular.

WHY EAGLES WILL COVER

Brandon Gowton writes for Bleeding Green Nation. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter @BleedingGreen.

The Eagles enter their first-round playoff matchup with a distinct edge against the New Orleans Saints: Home-field advantage. The Saints simply aren't as good on the road as they are in the dome. The average Saints home game is a 34-16 victory, while the average Saints road game is a 22-18 defeat. Dome teams also don't play very well in the cold, and the temperature is expected to be in the teens in Philly. In the playoffs, dome teams are 3-22 on the road when playing in temperatures below 35 degrees. Meanwhile, the Eagles have excelled at home recently, having won four straight at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia is averaging a 33-17 victory in those four wins.

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Saints at Eagles: What bettors need to know


New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5, 53.5)

The New Orleans Saints have dominated opponents at home this season, but the road has been a different story for Drew Brees and company. The sixth-seeded Saints take aim at the first road playoff win in franchise history Saturday night when they visit the third-seeded Philadelphia Eagles, who enter this matchup as one of the hottest teams in the postseason. There likely will be no shortage of points, as the Eagles (second) and Saints (fourth) are among the league leaders in total offense while featuring some of the NFL's top skill-position players - Brees and Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, and the Eagles' duo of quarterback Nick Foles and running back LeSean McCoy, just to name a few.

New Orleans had lost three of four before routing Tampa Bay 42-17 last week - a win that improved the Saints to 8-0 at home compared to their 3-5 record on the road. The Eagles, meanwhile, had lost 10 straight home games before winning their final four contests at Lincoln Financial Field, but first-year coach Chip Kelly knows that while the Saints present a much tougher challenge, the focus remains the same. "You can't be like, ‘Oh my God, now we are in the playoffs and we've got to do this,'" said Kelly. "I think that's really not our mindset. It's, we have got a really, really good Saints team coming in here and we have to prepare the heck out of our guys and play a big game on Saturday night."

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBC.

LINE: The Eagles have held steady as 2.5-point faves. The total opened at 54.5 and has moved down to 53.5.

WEATHER: It should be clear with temperatures in the mid 20s.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (11-5, 8-8 ATS): Brees, who was second in the NFL in passing yards (5,162) and touchdowns (39), believes that New Orleans is capable of winning three straight on the road in the playoffs after losing its final three road games of the regular season. "Absolutely," Brees said after the win against Tampa Bay. "We are good enough to do whatever we set out to do. I think today was a great step in the right direction to get ready for this playoff run." The Saints' defense is much improved from years past, as they allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the league (194.1) and surrendered 20 points or fewer 12 times, although they were the only NFL team without a defensive touchdown in 2013.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (10-6, 8-8 ATS): Philadelphia rebounded from a 3-5 start to win seven of its last eight games, thanks in large part to the steady play of Foles (27 TDs, two INTs, NFL-best 119.2 passer rating) and McCoy, who led the league with a franchise-record 1,607 rushing yards. Kelly's offense had 98 plays of at least 20 yards this season - the most since the Elias Sports Bureau began tracking the stat in 1995 - with DeSean Jackson (career highs of 82 catches for 1,332 yards) leading the way through the air. The NFC East champions must find some way to slow Graham, who paced the NFL with 16 touchdown catches, particularly given their history of struggling with opposing tight ends, including the Cowboys' Jason Witten (12 catches, 135 yards last week).

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Saints are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games.
* Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last six games in January.
* Under is 6-0-1 in Eagles last seven playoff home games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Only one team in the NFL (Seattle) created more turnovers than Philadelphia this season. The Eagles forced 31 turnovers - 19 interceptions and 12 fumbles - including three turnovers in their season-ending, do-or-die win at Dallas.

2. The game-time temperature could be in the 20's, but Saints running back Pierre Thomas isn't concerned. “I’m not worried about the cold,” said Thomas, who led the team with 549 rushing yards. “Actually, out there playing, I’m sweating so much my body’s overheating, I kind of need that cool air to cool me down.”

3. Since the NFL expanded to a 12-team playoff format in 1990, a No. 6 seed has made it to the Super Bowl only twice - the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 2010 Green Bay Packers, both of whom won it all.

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oad team, Over the hot bet when NFL temperatures dip below freezing

The San Francisco 49ers will not only battle the Green Bay Packers and legions of Cheese Heads at Lambeau Field but also the brutal Wisconsin winter, which is forecasted to throw temperatures as low as zero degrees at the Californian visitors Sunday night.

Those bone-chilling temperatures could have many bettors leaning toward the acclimated home team (Packers +2.5) and the Under (45.5) Sunday night. However, recent history has shown the exact opposite when handicapping cold weather contests.

Home teams in games played in 19 degrees or below are 17-16-1 SU but just 13-22-0 ATS since 2004 – covering only 37 percent of the time. Drop that temperature to single digits and hosts are 3-2 SU and 1-4 ATS in that span. Lambeau Field has been the venue for three of those five cold-weather contests, with the Packers going 1-2 and 0-3 ATS.

Green Bay lost to New York, 23-20, as a 7.5-point home favorite in the 2008 NFC Championship with temperatures dipping to -1 degree. It fell 24-21 to the Houston Texans as 7-point home chalk on Dec. 7, 2008 in 3 degree weather, and beat the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 but failed to cover the 3.5-point spread in 9 degree temperatures at Lambeau in Week 14 of this season.

As for betting the NFL totals in cold weather games, the chilly surroundings haven’t cooled down offenses. Games played in 19 degrees or below have produced a 23-11-1 Over/Under record (67 percent Over) since 2004, with single-digit temperature contests coming out with a 2-3 O/U mark.

Green Bay isn’t the only place feeling the cold this Wild Card Weekend. The Philadelphia Eagles play host to the New Orleans Saints with the forecast at Lincoln Financial Field calling for a low of 27 degrees. And the Cincinnati Bengals welcome the San Diego Chargers to Paul Brown Stadium, where the thermometer is expected to teeter on the freezing point with a 100 percent chance of snow.

In games played below freezing – 31 degrees or less – home teams are 85-55-1 SU and 69-71-1 ATS since 2004. The biggest eyebrow raiser is the Over/Under mark in these cold weather matchups, with those contests finishing with a 84-54-3 O/U count – 60.6 percent to the Over.

The total in Philadelphia is set at 53.5 points, the number in Cincinnati is posted at 45.5, and the Over/Under in Green Bay is sitting at 45.5.

The NFC Wild Card weather in Green Bay should rank among the coldest NFL games ever and could finish as the second-coldest NFL game behind the infamous 1967 “Ice Bowl” between Green Bay and Dallas in which temperatures fell 13 degrees below zero.

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Tale of the Tape: New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles

There should be no shortage of offensive fireworks Saturday night when the New Orleans Saints visit the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild-card playoff showdown.

The Saints roll into the postseason as the sixth seed despite posting an impressive 11-5 record fueled by Drew Brees' passing prowess and a stingy defense. That unit will be put to the test against an Eagles offensive attack that ranked among the league elite.

Here's the breakdown in our betting tale of the tape:

Offense

With Brees still operating like one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, the Saints once again boasted a top-5 passing offense. New Orleans ranked second in the NFL at 307.4 passing yards per game, while racking up 39 touchdowns and throwing just 12 interceptions. The bloated passing numbers once again came at the expense of the rush attack, which finished 25th in the league in yards per game (92.1) on 3.8 yards per carry but did compile 10 touchdowns.

There were questions coming into the season about how Chip Kelly's offensive wizardry would carry over from college to the pros. Nobody is asking those questions anymore: Kelly oversaw an Eagles passing game that exploded under quarterback Nick Foles, racking up the ninth-most yards (4,110) with 32 TDs and just nine interceptions. The running game was even more impressive, leading the NFL in yards (2,566) behind rushing champion LeSean McCoy.

Edge: Philadelphia

Defense

The Saints haven't been known as a defensive juggernaut in recent years, but that changed in a big way this season. Only the Seattle Seahawks permitted more passing yards than New Orleans (3,105), which limited the opposition to 20 passing touchdowns while nabbing 12 interceptions and racking up 49 sacks. The Saints weren't nearly as effective in run defense, allowing 1,786 yards on 4.5 per carry, but gave up just 11 scores on the ground.

The effectiveness of the Philadelphia offense was negated somewhat by a truly porous pass defense. The Eagles surrendered the most passing yards in the NFL (4,636), allowing 25 touchdowns while racking up 19 interceptions and 34 sacks. Philadelphia had an easier time defending opposing running games, giving up the 10th-fewest yards on the ground (1,671 on 3.8 per carry) while limiting teams to 10 touchdowns and forcing a league-high 15 fumbles.

Edge: New Orleans

Special Teams

The Saints have averaged 23 yards per kickoff attempt - ranked 17th in the league - but have managed a paltry 6.1 yards on 32 punt returns, one of the worst rates in the NFL. That puts New Orleans behind in both categories, as it surrenders 25.2 yards per kickoff return and 7.5 yards per punt return. Veteran kicker Shayne Graham, taking over for the struggling Garrett Hartley, hasn't been busy over two weeks of action but has made both of his field-goal chances.

Philadelphia's return game has been one of the lone weak spots of the NFC East champions, averaging just 21.4 yards per kickoff return attempt and 6.6 yards per punt return try. The return defense has been even worse, allowing 23.6 yards per kickoff return, eight yards per punt return and three total touchdowns. Placekicker Alex Henery had an up-and-down regular season, making 23 of 28 attempts - including three from over 45 yards in the final three weeks.

Edge: New Orleans

Notable Quotable

"Our running back situation is outstanding. Obviously we have a starter but when we put Bryce (Brown) and Chris (Polk) in there, they have done a really, really good job. They both can run the ball, they both can catch the ball well and they certainly both can pass protect." - Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shumur

"You can't really look at the (pass defense) rankings and think you're going to have your way with them. Each game is different. They're playing at home. It'll be tough for us." - Saints WR Lance Moore

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Where the action is: Sunday's Wild Card line moves


The NFL Playoffs continue with two huge matchups which feature a pair of California teams traveling to some cold-climate cities Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals host the San Diego Chargers while the San Francisco 49ers travel to Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers.

We talk to an oddsmaker from BetDSI about all the betting action coming in on both of these postseason showdowns:

San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals - Open: -7.5, Move: -6.5

This line has been on both sides of the key of a touchdown at some markets, with sharp money influencing the adjustments just minutes after odds opened. Bettors are liking the home team in this one as the Bengals were a force at home all season, posting perfect 8-0 records both SU and ATS.

"This has been the only matchup that has a side being backed by sharp action," the oddsmaker tells Covers. "Smart money is backing Cincinnati at the -6.5 (-115) value. Bet count is 3-to-1 in favor of Cincy and money wagered is about 2-to-1. Teaser action has been heavily focused on the Bengals as well, and a San Diego win would be the largest teaser swing of the weekend."

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers - Open: 48, Move: 45.5

The weather at Lambeau Field is expected to be frigid and the total has sharp and public bettors divided. Sharp action came in on the Under when the number was posted, but public money has been liking the Over.

"This has been the most bet game of the wildcard playoff matchups this weekend and by far has been the biggest public side," the oddsmaker said. "Sharp bettors have hit the total on the Under 48 value which is now at 45.5. The public is on the Over which is helping to keep the books balanced here. Action overall is very balanced for a game that will polarize bettors based on fan base and geo-location."

The 49ers opened as 2.5-point road faves at most outlets with that line still holding firm since open.

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Chargers at Bengals: What bettors need to know


San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (-7, 45.5)

The Cincinnati Bengals were among three teams to compile an 8-0 record at home this season and look to keep that perfect mark intact when they host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in the opening round of the NFL playoffs. The Bengals already won at San Diego 17-10 on Dec. 1 en route to capturing the AFC North title and reaching the playoffs for the third straight season. Cincinnati hopes the home-field edge can end a lengthy run of futility since its last postseason victory in January 1991.

Last month's loss appeared to KO San Diego's playoff hopes, but the Chargers rebounded to win their final four games, including a controversial overtime victory over Kansas City last week to snatch the final postseason slot. San Diego was held to a season-low point total and committed three turnovers in the first meeting and will have to contend with temperatures near freezing and a potential wintry mix. The only playoff matchup between the teams came in the 1982 AFC title game, when the Bengals prevailed in the "Freezer Bowl" that featured a wind chill of minus-59.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE: Cincy opened as a 7-point fave. The total opened 46 and is down to 45.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the mid-30s with a 100 percent chance of snow. Wind will blow across the field at 4 mph.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (9-7): Philip Rivers rebounded from a pair of turnover-riddled seasons to throw for 4,478 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the leading in completion percentage (69.5). Rookie Keenan Allen emerged as a go-to receiver with 71 catches for 1,046 yards and five 100-yard games, including eight catches for 106 yards in the first matchup with the Bengals. Ryan Mathews rushed for a career-high 1,255 yards but did not practice Thursday due to an ankle injury, while backfield mate Danny Woodhead hauled in 76 passes, second among running backs in the NFL. The Chargers ranked 23rd in yards allowed per game (366.5) but they held Peyton Manning and Denver's top-ranked offense to two of their three lowest point totals.

ABOUT THE BENGALS (11-5): The discrepancy in Cincinnati's performance at home versus on the road is stunning - the Bengals averaged 42 points and had a victory margin of 24 points over their last five home wins. Andy Dalton reached career highs in yards (4,296) and touchdowns (33), but he was also intercepted a career-worst 20 times, including four picks in last week's 34-17 victory over Baltimore. A.J. Green also established career highs with 98 catches for 1,426 while matching last season's total of 11 touchdown receptions to complement the running of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and rookie Giovani Bernard, who combined for 1,451 yards rushing. Cincinnati ranked fifth both against the run (96.5 yards) and pass (209) while limiting five opponents to 17 points or fewer at home.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings in Cincinnati.
* Road team is 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings.
* Bengals are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games in January.
* Chargers are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Cincinnati has won the past three meetings, including a 20-13 victory at San Diego in December 2012.

2. Rivers is 3-4 with eight TD passes and nine interceptions in seven postseason games.

3. The Bengals are 0-4 and have failed to score more than 17 points in four playoff appearances under Marvin Lewis.

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Tale of the tape: Chargers at Bengals


NFL Wild Card weekend kicks off as the sixth-seeded San Diego Chargers travel to the third-seeded Cincinnati Bengals who put up an 8-0 home record.

Check out the matchup in our betting tale of the tape.

Offense

The Bengals are ranked seventh in the league in points averaging 26.9 a game. They are ranked 10th in yards averaging 368.2 yards and eight in passing yards with 258.5. The Bengals are second in the league in touchdowns scored with 54 - 14 rushing and 33 receiving. Wide receiver A.J. Green has 98 receptions, 11 touchdowns and 1,426 total yards. Second-year wide receiver Marvin Jones has also been a key target for Andy Dalton with 51 receptions for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Andy Dalton has put up a 61.9 percent completion percentage and is ranked seventh overall in total yards with 4,293.

The Chargers have five players this season who have at least 30 catches and one touchdown. Rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen set the receiving record with 1,046 yards and 71 catches. Allen became the first 1,000-yard rookie since A.J. Green in 2011 and is the fifth rookie since 2000 to go over the 1,000-yard mark. Quarterback Philip Rivers leads the NFL in completion percentage over 200 throws with 69.5 percent. He has a 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and is ranked fifth overall in total yards with 4,478.

Edge: Bengals

Defense

The Bengals defense is ranked in the top five in points allowed (19.1), yards (305.5), passing yards (209) and rushing yards (96.5). The Bengals have seven players with three or more sacks and their defense has recovered 11 fumbles. The Bengals have generated 20 interceptions that tie them for fifth in the league. Outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict leads the NFL in total combined tackles with 171. Alongside Burfict, middle linebacker Rey Maualuga’s versatility with pressuring the pocket and his ability to drop back into coverage helps complete the Bengals' dangerous defense.

The Chargers defense have been good at stopping the run allowing only 107.8 average yards. They have struggled in passing yards allowed (258.7) ranking them 29th and total yards 366.5. The Chargers only have one player with 100 or more tackles, free safety Eric Weddle with 115 combined tackles. Weddle also leads the team in interceptions with two. The Chargers defense has not been very good at getting to the quarterback and is ranked 23rd in total sacks with 35.

Edge: Bengals

Special Teams

Wide receiver Brandon Tate has returned 36 punts and has 16 fair catches averaging 9.3 yards per return. Cornerback Adam Jones has 11 returns averaging 8.0 yards per return. Brandon Tate has been exceptional at punt returns with 35 for 914 yards averaging 26.1 yards per return including a long of 43 yards. Kicker Mike Nugent has made 18-of-22 field goals (82 percent) with a long of 54 yards. Nugent has had one field goal attempt blocked.

Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Eddie Royal have returned punts for the Chargers. Allen has 15 returns and 13 fair catches averaging 8.3 yards per return. Royal has seven returns and seven fair catches averaging 5.9 yards per return. The Chargers have three players with over 100 yards in kick returns. Danny Woodhead has 12 kick returns for 262 yards including a long of 37 yards. Kicker Nick Novak has made 34-of-37 field goals (92 percent). He is a perfect 9-of-9 in field goal attempts between 40-49 yards and 2-of-2 in attempts of 50 or more yards.

Edge: Chargers

Notable Quotable

“But we’ve been in the playoff-type deal for four weeks because you lose another one, you’re done. But we’ve been in that mode. I don’t think our mind-set has to change or shift gears. We didn’t get to relax in the month of December because we had some things wrapped up. It’s been playoff football for a month.” – Philip Rivers on the team’s December performance.

“Offensively, I don't think we've done very well, but we haven't put a pretty complete game together," Dalton said. "This is the time. What you've done in the regular season doesn't matter anymore; it's all about what you're doing now. It's the team that gets hot that ends up winning it all. We've got to play to our potential and good things are going to happen for us.” – Andy Dalton on the Bengals past postseason performances and the importance on focusing on the upcoming game.

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49ers at Packers: What bettors need to know


San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers (+2.5, 45.5)

The San Francisco 49ers enter the postseason as the league's hottest team and it may take the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to cool them off when they visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The 49ers closed the regular season with six consecutive wins and have won the past three matchups with the Packers, who clinched the NFC North last week with a 33-28 win at Chicago in Aaron Rodgers' return to the lineup. It will be a rematch of the season opener, won by host San Francisco 34-28.

Green Bay has been unable to slow the 49ers' offense, surrendering an average of 36.3 points in the past three defeats, including a 45-31 drubbing in last season's playoffs. The last two meetings have been in San Francisco, but the weather could have a major bearing on Sunday's matchup - the high temperature is expected to be zero degrees with wind chills reaching minus-30. "You just have to block it out," said 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has accounted for seven touchdowns in the past two matchups.

TV: 4:40 p.m. ET, Fox.

LINE: The 49ers opened as 2.5-point road faves. The total opened 48.5 but is down to 45.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures will hover around zero degrees with wind blowing across the field at 12 mph.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (12-4): Kaepernick has shown an ability to beat Green Bay with both his legs and arm, rushing for a record 181 yards with a combined four TDs in last year's playoff victory and throwing for 412 yards and three scoring passes in the Week 1 victory. Wideout Michael Crabtree had nine catches for 119 yards and two TDs in last season's playoff meeting and has 19 receptions in five games since returning from Achilles' tendon surgery. Anquan Boldin torched the Packers for 13 catches and 208 yards in Week 1 while tight end Vernon Davis has surpassed 100 yards in four of his five postseason games. The running game is headed by Frank Gore, who is coming off his seventh 1,000-yard season, while San Francisco's defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher all season and limited 11 of its last 13 opponents to 20 points or fewer.

ABOUT THE PACKERS (8-7-1): Green Bay's offense went into a tailspin after Rodgers suffered a fractured collarbone that caused him to miss seven games, failing to score more than 13 points in three of its first four games without the former MVP. Rodgers threw for 318 yards and a pair of TDs in his first game back, including the game-winning 48-yard strike to Randall Cobb, who was back in the lineup for the first time since suffering a knee injury in Week 6. Cobb provides a dangerous weapon opposite Jordy Nelson (10 receptions for 161 yards last week) and opens up the running game for bruising rookie Eddie Lacy, who rushed for 1,178 yards and 11 TDs, and James Starks. The big concern is a defense that surrenders 26.8 points, has allowed seven 100-yard rushers in the last nine and is without pass-rushing linebacker Clay Matthews.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings.
* 49ers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Packers are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Packers last six games overall.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Green Bay and San Francisco rank third and fourth in all-time postseason wins with 30 and 28, respectively.

2. Davis has five touchdown receptions and averages 109.2 receiving yards in five postseason games.

3. Rodgers owns the third-highest passer rating in league history at 103.6.

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NFL bloggers debate who will cover Sunday's Wild Card games


The NFL Playoffs continue with two big Wild Card matchups Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals host the San Diego Chargers in the AFC while the Green Bay Packers welcome the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC.

In order to get a better grip on these postseason matchups, we enlist the help of NFL expert bloggers, who give you one reason their team not only wins but covers the spread Saturday.

San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (-7, 45.5)


WHY CHARGERS WILL COVER

The Chargers will win because they are a different team in the last quarter of the season. They are running the ball better, stopping the run better with Ingram and Johnson back, and they will force Dalton to have to win the game. I do not believe he can do that.

WHY BENGALS WILL COVER


The Bengals have been perfect against the spread at home this season where they are also undefeated. They are averaging 32.7 points per game while allowing 19.8 points per game. Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense has been able to put up bunches of points at home this season while the defense has been outstanding. The Bengals will cover the seven points and continue their domination at home with a strong defense and plenty of weapons on the offensive side of the ball.

San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers (+2.5, 45.5)



WHY 49ERS WILL COVER


The 49ers will be able to cover the spread because of Michael Crabtree. The wide receiver missed the first three months of the season with a torn Achilles, but his return has sparked improved performance from quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Since Crabtree's return, Kap's numbers have improved across the board, and it has opened up more opportunities for Anquan Boldin. Crabtree's return should help spread the field, meaning more running lanes for Frank Gore and Colin Kaepernick. That could prove to be the deciding factor.

WHY PACKERS WILL COVER


It's always easier to cover when you're a home dog, but what'll assist the Packers more on Sunday are the historically cold conditions. As we move closer to kickoff, the projections for the weather dip lower and lower with the most recent forecasts predicting temperatures around -10 °F a wind chill of -30 °F. For comparison, the legendary "Ice Bowl" was played at around -15 °F with a wind chill of -48 °F. While it can get chilly in San Francisco, the 49ers are not accustomed to anything remotely as cold as what they'll experience Sunday. If the weather can keep a lid on their passing attack while not significantly limiting Green Bay's, the Packers could cover the 2.5-point spread.

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Where the action is: Sunday's Wild Card line moves

The NFL Playoffs continue with two huge matchups which feature a pair of California teams traveling to some cold-climate cities Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals host the San Diego Chargers while the San Francisco 49ers travel to Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers.

We talk to an oddsmaker from BetDSI about all the betting action coming in on both of these postseason showdowns:

San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals - Open: -7.5, Move: -6.5

This line has been on both sides of the key of a touchdown at some markets, with sharp money influencing the adjustments just minutes after odds opened. Bettors are liking the home team in this one as the Bengals were a force at home all season, posting perfect 8-0 records both SU and ATS.

"This has been the only matchup that has a side being backed by sharp action," the oddsmaker tells Covers. "Smart money is backing Cincinnati at the -6.5 (-115) value. Bet count is 3-to-1 in favor of Cincy and money wagered is about 2-to-1. Teaser action has been heavily focused on the Bengals as well, and a San Diego win would be the largest teaser swing of the weekend."


San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers - Open: 48, Move: 45.5

The weather at Lambeau Field is expected to be frigid and the total has sharp and public bettors divided. Sharp action came in on the Under when the number was posted, but public money has been liking the Over.

"This has been the most bet game of the wildcard playoff matchups this weekend and by far has been the biggest public side," the oddsmaker said. "Sharp bettors have hit the total on the Under 48 value which is now at 45.5. The public is on the Over which is helping to keep the books balanced here. Action overall is very balanced for a game that will polarize bettors based on fan base and geo-location."

The 49ers opened as 2.5-point road faves at most outlets with that line still holding firm since open.

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NFL Consensus Picks

January 5, 2014 »


Sides (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

1:05 PM San Diego +6.5 1978 46.00% Cincinnati -6.5 2322 54.00% View View

4:40 PM San Francisco -3 2456 57.57% Green Bay +3 1810 42.43% View View



Totals (Over/Under)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

4:40 PM San Francisco 45.5 1585 46.05% Green Bay 45.5 1857 53.95% View View

1:05 PM San Diego 47.5 2043 58.98% Cincinnati 47.5 1421 41.02% View View

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NFL PLAYOFF RECORD:

*****...................... 0 - 1

DOUBLE PLAY.............0 - 0

TRIPLE PLAY...............2 - 1



Sunday, January 5

Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Diego - 1:05 PM ET Cincinnati -6.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Cincinnati - Over 47.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

San Francisco - 4:40 PM ET San Francisco -3 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Green Bay - Under 45.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

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Divisional Round Outlook

January 5, 2014


Saturday, January 11

NFC - (6) New Orleans at (1) Seattle (FOX, 4:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Line: Seahawks -8 ½, 48

Seattle Home Record: 7-1 SU, 5-3 ATS
New Orleans Road Record: 4-5 SU, 2-7 ATS

Head-to-Head: The Seahawks destroyed the Saints in early December, 34-7 to cash as 6 ½-point home favorites. Seattle has won each of the last two meetings, including a 41-36 upset of New Orleans as 10-point home underdogs in the Wild Card round of the 2010 playoffs.

Playoff Notes: Under Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have split four playoff games, while posting a 3-1 ATS record. New Orleans edged Philadelphia in the Wild Card round, 26-24 to pick up its first road playoff win in the history of its franchise. In Sean Payton's tenure, the Saints had allowed at least 36 points in each of their three previous away playoff games prior to Saturday's victory over the Eagles.

AFC - (4) Indianapolis at (2) New England (CBS, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Opening Line: Patriots -9, 53 ½

New England Home Record: 8-0 SU, 6-2 ATS
Indianapolis Road Record: 5-3 SU, 5-3 ATS

Head-to-Head: The Patriots ripped apart the Colts in 2012 at Gillette Stadium, 59-24 as 10-point favorites. New England has won each of the last three meetings with Indianapolis (all at home), while Tom Brady has beaten the Colts in four of his last meetings.

Playoff Notes: Indianapolis overcame a 28-point deficit in Saturday's 45-44 shocker over Kansas City to win the franchise's first playoff game since 2009. The Colts have lost each of their last two road postseason contests, including a 24-9 defeat at Baltimore last season. The Patriots have been eliminated at home in three of the last four postseasons, as New England lost to Baltimore last January, 28-13.

Sunday, January 12

NFC - (5) San Francisco at (2) Carolina (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Line: 49ers -1 ½, 43

Carolina Home Record: 7-1 SU, 6-1-1 ATS
San Francisco Road Record: 7-2 SU, 7-1-1 ATS

Head-to-Head: The Panthers edged the 49ers in early November, 10-9, as Carolina cashed outright as six-point road underdogs. Carolina has won four straight meetings with San Francisco since 2004, including home victories in 2007 and 2010.

Playoff Notes: The 49ers have won four of six postseason games under Jim Harbaugh, including a 2-0 record on the highway. Carolina is seeking its first playoff victory since 2005, while hosting its first postseason contest since a 33-13 defeat to the Cardinals in 2008.

AFC - (6) San Diego at (1) Denver (CBS, 4:40 p.m. ET)

Opening Line: Broncos -10 ½, 56

Denver Home Record: 7-1 SU, 5-2-1 ATS
San Diego Road Record: 6-2 SU, 7-1 ATS

Head-to-Head: These two divisional rivals split a pair of meetings with the road team winning each matchup. Denver held off San Diego in November, 28-20 as seven-point favorites, while the Chargers shocked the Broncos in Denver a month later, 27-20 as 10-point underdogs. Each of the two games finished 'under' the total.

Playoff Notes: The Broncos lost that epic second round matchup to the Ravens in double overtime last season, 38-35, while Denver is 2-2 at home in the playoffs since 2000. The Chargers and Broncos are meeting for the first time ever in the postseason, while San Diego is 4-4 in its last eight playoff contests since 2006.

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NFL Divisional Weekend opening lines


With Wildcard Weekend in the books, next week's NFL Divisional Weekend matchups are set and early lines are already out.

The San Diego Chargers' reward for their impressive 27-10 road win in Cincinnati is a trip to Denver to face the Broncos. The Broncos are listed as early 10-point faves in what will be the third time they play each other this season. Back in Week 10 the Broncos covered a 7-point spread in San Diego winning 28-20, but the Chargers returned serve by going into Denver five weeks later and stealing a 27-20 victory in a game where they were 10-point dogs.

The Patriots opened as 7.5-point home faves as they welcome the Colts and Andrew Luck to Gillette Stadium, where New England went 6-2 ATS this season. The Colts earned the trip to New England with their improbable 45-44 comeback win over Kansas City Saturday. This is the first time these two teams will face each other this season.

In the Saturday NFC matchup The New Orleans Saints travel to Seattle to take on the top seeded Seahawks who opened as 8-point home faves. This will be a rematch of a Week 13 game where the Seahawks manhandled the Saints 34-7 in Seattle on Monday Night Football and obliterated the 6.5 point spread. The Saints were 1-7 ATS on the road this season, but managed to claim their franchise's first ever road playoff win Saturday in Philadelphia.

In a rematch in what might have been the game of the year in the NFL, The San Francisco 49ers take on the Panthers in Carolina. This game has opened as a Pick'em, which seems appropriate seeing as both teams love to run the ball, play great defense and have a dynamic quarterback. The first meeting was the Panthers' breaking out party of sorts, as they bruised their way to 10-9 victory at Candlestick Park.

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Divisional Playoff Angles

January 6, 2014


NFL Divisional Playoff Perspective

Once again, after expanding its playoff format to 12 teams in 1990, the NFL left the door wide open to the possibilities of a Wild Card team running the table and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Since the Wild Card system began in 1970, only 10 wild card teams have advanced all the way to the Super Bowl. Of those, only six won the Super Bowl. And of those 10 wild card teams, only four teams managed to win three games on the road to make it to the Super Bowl - the last three of whom captured the crown.

In fact, five of the last seven Super Bowl champions have played in the first round of the playoffs, including the Baltimore Ravens last season.

Will the trend continue this season or will the top seeded teams have their say? And speaking of top ranked teams, the No. 1 seed from the NFC has not won a Super Bowl since 1999.

It’s important to remember that 39 of the last 47 Super Bowl winners have owned a Top 10 ranked defense. (Are you listening Carolina, New Orleans, San Francisco and Seattle?)

Remember, it’s not always the best team that wins in the NFL playoffs… it’s the hottest.

Before we crown anyone just yet, let’s first check a few Divisional Round angles in the NFL playoffs that are noteworthy.

All results are since 1990 and are ATS (Against The Spread), unless noted otherwise.

Bye And Large Top Seeds Up To Speed

No. 1 seeds enjoy the luxury of not only hosting a game in this round but also play with an added week of rest.

For the most part these teams have met with modicum of success, going 67-25 SU and 48-42-2 ATS in this role.

The best the NFC has to offer has gone 37-9 SU and 28-17-1 ATS, including 22-8-1 ATS as favorites of 6 or more points.

The NFC spotlight shines on top-seeded Seattle this Saturday.

While not up to par with the NFC, top seeds from the AFC have gone 30-16 SU and 20-25-1 ATS, including 7-2 SU and ATS when facing a foe off a Wild Card round spread win of more than 17 points.

No. 1 seed Denver will look to improve on those numbers when they host division rival San Diego on Sunday.

Success Breeds Success

Speaking of the added benefit of an extra week to prepare this time of the year, rested hosts in this round that enjoyed success last season use that experience to their advantage.

That’s confirmed by the fact that teams that won 11 or more games last year are 32-6 SU and 24-13-1-1 ATS at home with a week to prepare in Divisional Round contests.

Denver, New England and Seattle all fit the bill this season, rather cautiously though as teams in this role are just 8-4 SU and 4-8 ATS the last seven years.

On the flip side, teams that were losing teams last years (seven or fewer wins) are just 4-24 SU and 11-16-1 ATS in this round, including 1-13 SU and 3-11 ATS when playing off an upset, underdog win.

New Orleans and San Diego look to oblige this week.

Clint Eastwood Says

Here’s a brief capsule of this year’s Divisional Round combatants along with some relevant Good, Bad and Ugly trends…

New Orleans at Seattle

Good: Seahawks 15-1 SU and 12-4 ATS home behind QB Russell Wilson
Bad: Saints 1-5 SUATS away all-time in the playoffs
Ugly: Seahawks 0-3 SUATS vs. Saints when New Orleans off SUATS win

Indianapolis at New England

Good: Colts QB Andrew Luck 6-1 SUATS as a dog vs. greater than .667 opp
Bad: Visiting team 5-13 ATS in Colts postseason games
Ugly: Pats QB Tom Brady 0-6 ATS playoffs w/rest vs. opp off BB wins

San Francisco at Carolina

Good: Niners QB Colin Kaepernick 7-1 SU and 7-0-1 ATS away vs. non div opp
Bad: Playoff road favorites off playoff road favorite win are 1-3 ATS
Ugly: Niners are 3-15 ATS all-time vs. Panthers, 0-5 ATS last 5 away

San Diego at Denver

Good: Chargers QB Phillip Rivers 4-1 ATS as a playoff dog
Bad: Broncos 2-6 SUATS last 8 playoff games
Ugly: Broncos QB Peyton Manning 1-6 ATS home favorite vs. San Diego

Highway Blues

Life on the road for Wild Card teams who won at home has been rocky at best, especially if those who grabbed the cash as well.

These highwaymen are just 13-37 SU and 18-30-2 ATS in this role against well-rested higher-seeded foes.

And if these same Wild Card winners take to the road against .750 or les opponents, they dip to a filthy 3-24 SU and 8-18-1 ATS in these affairs.

Indianapolis will try its best to avoid becoming road kill this week.

Stat Of The Week

In NFL Divisional Round playoff game history since 1990, there have been only two home underdogs. They both won the game straight up.