Announcement

**Udog** · 01-05-2016, 07:38 PM

NFL Wildcard Weekend opens with three of four road teams favored

Kansas City is one of three of four road teams that are favored on Wildcard Weekend.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans

Wildcard weekend opens in Houston with the Texans hosting the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs, who have won 10 straight games and opened as three-point road favorites. The total opened at 41.

The Chiefs were 7-3 ATS during their 10 game win streak, but were just 1-3 ATS in their last four games. Meanwhile the Texans were 5-3 ATS at home and closed the season going 3-0 SU/ATS.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

In the second AFC Wildcard matchup, Cincinnati hosts rival Pittsburgh and with Bengals' starting quarterback Andy Dalton's status uncertain, the Steelers have opened as 2.5-point favorites. The total opened at 46.5.

The AFC North foes split the two games this season with Cincy winning in Week 8 16-10 in a game that closed as a Pick and Pittsburgh taking the Week 14 33-20 as 1-point dogs. The games went 1-1 O/U.

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings

Sunday's Wildcard action kicks off in Minnesota, with two of the leagues hottest teams clash when the Seahawks visit the Vikings.

While it was Minnesota who went into Lambeau Field to take the NFC North crown from the Packers, it is the Seahawks who open as 3.5-point road favorites.

Seattle heads into the game covering six of the last seven games, including a 36-6 thumping of division rival Arizona in Week 17, while Minny was one of the NFL's best bets this season at 13-3 ATS. Seattle did go into Minnesota and thrash the Vikings 38-7 as 2.5-point faves in Week 12.

Green Bay Packers at Washington

Washington, perhaps surprisingly, opens as the lone home favorite in the final game of Wildcard weekend, hitting the board at -1 against visiting Green Bay. The total opened at 46.

Washington enters the game winner of four straight games SU and ATS, going over in each game. Meanwhile the Packers head into the playoffs losers of two in a row SU/ATS, getting outscored 58-21 in the process.

**Udog** · 01-05-2016, 07:39 PM

Football bettors must react quickly to these NFL Wild Card odds

Are oddsmakers making a mistake by settling such a low total for the Seahawks and Vikings' Wild Card showdown?

Spread to bet now

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (+3)

The Texans are a home dog, as well they should be. Kansas City is - on paper anyway - the most dangerous Wild Card team in the field. The Chiefs come in with 10 wins in a row (cautionary note: they were just 1-3 ATS in the final four games of the regular season) and still somewhat under the radar.

Most importantly, over the second half of the season, the Chiefs dominated teams when they go on the road: 20-point win at Baltimore, 14-point win at Oakland, 30-point win at San Diego, 16-point win at Denver.

Early betting is heavily on the Chiefs in this one, so if you can grab Kansas City and have to lay only the field goal, it could be a smart move. Books are cautious about adding that extra half point, but may have no choice in this one.

Spread to wait on

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (+2.5)

Reputation could be one factor as bettors have jumped hard on the Steelers in this one in early wagering. The Bengals always seem to find a way to lose playoff games and the foundation of the team came crumbling down in mid-December when franchise QB Andy Dalton suffering a thumb fracture trying to make a tackle. A.J. McCarron is 1-1 as the replacement, and McCarron brings oodles of confidence and zero experience into the biggest game of his pro life.

Home field might not be of much help in this one, because the road team won both games this season: the Steelers winning that Dalton/thumb game only a few weeks ago, 33-20. The Steelers scored a lot of points over the final half of the regular season, averaging almost 32 points per game in their final eight games. That production is appealing to public bettors.

Total to watch

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (42)

What? 42? Yes, Pete Carroll gets all weird when the Seahawks get near the goal line, but Seahawks have been crushing it lately. Books must be looking at the game these teams played in Minnesota in early December (Seattle, 38-7) and figuring that coaches get a little more conservative in the playoffs.

But the Vikings aren’t the same team they were a month ago, and they are averaging almost 33 points a game over the last three. Point-loving football bettors have to be banging the Over pretty hard on this one.

**Udog** · 01-05-2016, 07:40 PM

NFL
Dunkel

Wildcard Round

Kansas City @ Houston

Game 101-102
January 9, 2016 @ 4:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
138.081
Houston
138.868
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1
44
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
by 3 1/2
40
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+3 1/2); Over

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Game 105-106
January 9, 2016 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
138.920
Cincinnati
134.488
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 4 1/2
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
46
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-2 1/2); Over

Seattle @ Minnesota

Game 103-104
January 10, 2016 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
143.337
Minnesota
140.771
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 2 1/2
37
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
by 6
42
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+6); Under

Green Bay @ Washington

Game 107-108
January 10, 2016 @ 4:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Green Bay
138.256
Washington
136.880
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 1 1/2
42
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
45 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(+1 1/2); Under

NFL
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 9

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KANSAS CITY (11 - 5) at HOUSTON (9 - 7) - 1/9/2016, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in playoff games since 1992.
KANSAS CITY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-1 against the spread versus KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY is 2-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PITTSBURGH (10 - 6) at CINCINNATI (12 - 4) - 1/9/2016, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
CINCINNATI is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points this season.
CINCINNATI is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
PITTSBURGH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 68-94 ATS (-35.4 Units) versus division opponents since 1992.
CINCINNATI is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in January games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 against the spread versus CINCINNATI over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 straight up against CINCINNATI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, January 10

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SEATTLE (10 - 6) at MINNESOTA (11 - 5) - 1/10/2016, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
MINNESOTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
SEATTLE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GREEN BAY (10 - 6) at WASHINGTON (9 - 7) - 1/10/2016, 4:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GREEN BAY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 171-122 ATS (+36.8 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 64-40 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 54-87 ATS (-41.7 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 79-107 ATS (-38.7 Units) in home games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 79-107 ATS (-38.7 Units) in home lined games since 1992.
WASHINGTON is 79-107 ATS (-38.7 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
GREEN BAY is 1-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
GREEN BAY is 1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NFL
Short Sheet

Wildcard Round

Saturday - Jan, 9

Kansas City at Houston, 4:35 ET
Kansas City: 8-0 ATS off 2 or more consecutive unders
Houston: 16-4 OVER as a home underdog of 3 points or less

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 8:15 ET
Pittsburgh: 21-8 OVER in playoff games
Cincinnati: 13-4 ATS as an underdog

Sunday - Jan, 10

Seattle at Minnesota, 1:05 ET
Seattle: 4-15 ATS off a blowout win by 21 points or more over a division rival
Minnesota: 9-1 ATS off a division game

Green Bay at Washington, 4:40 ET
Green Bay: 9-2 ATS off a division game
Washington: 37-64 ATS as a home favorite

NFL

Wildcard Round

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Trend Report
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Saturday, January 9

4:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. HOUSTON
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

Sunday, January 10

1:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Seattle

4:40 PM
GREEN BAY vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Green Bay's last 13 games
Green Bay is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games

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**Udog** · 01-08-2016, 08:31 AM

NFL's biggest betting mismatches: Wild Card Weekend

Washington has picked up 17 of its total 38 sacks in the last four games - all wins for the Redskins. Green Bay has given up 14 sacks in the last two contests - both losses.

Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans (+3.5, 40)

Chiefs’ soft sked vs. Texans’ peaking defense

Kansas City’s 10-game winning streak to end the NFL season is impressive, especially considering the Chiefs stumbled out of the blocks with a 1-5 SU start. However, poking around at this winning run – like a new-born baby – we find that there are few soft spots. The most glaring is the lack of push back from opposing defenses.

During those 10 games, Kansas City faced about as much resistance as a Slip-N-Slide, playing just two teams ranked lower than 18th in total defense: Denver No. 1 and Baltimore No. 8. The other eight games were against Pittsburgh (21st), Detroit (18th), San Diego twice (20th), Buffalo (19th), Oakland twice (22nd), and Cleveland (27th).

Houston, which ranked third in total defense on the season, took a while to find its familiar footing on that side of the ball. The Texans stop unit was blasted for some big numbers against ho-hum opponents, like Atlanta and Miami, but tightened the bolts during the home stretch and won three in a row to punch a postseason ticket.

Sure, Houston took on cupcakes as well, facing Indianapolis, Tennessee and Jacksonville in the final three contests. But the Texans still limited those divisional foes to a grand total of 22 points and allowed an average of just under 221 yards in that span – lowest in the NFL. Another big plus is the resurgence of J.J. Watt, who had just four sacks in the first six weeks before exploding for 13.5 in the last 10 games, including three in the finale versus the Jaguars.

Daily fantasy watch: Houston D/ST

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (+3, 45.5)

Steelers without Williams vs. Bengals’ red-zone defense

Veteran running back D’Angelo Williams was a godsend for the Steelers, who leaned on him when Le’Veon Bell was suspended to start the year and again when Bell was lost for the season. Williams’ smash-mouth style has stirred up memories of Jerome Bettis, especially when Pittsburgh enters its opponent’s 20-yard line, scoring six of his 11 touchdowns inside the red zone. In fact, he had 34 red-zone touches this season, which is seventh most for running backs in the league.

Williams is a big question mark for Saturday’s Wild Card showdown with Cincinnati, missing practice this week with a foot injury that has the bruising back in a walking boot. He was a major cog in Pittsburgh’s 33-20 win over the Bengals in Week 14, rushing for 76 yards and two touchdowns – both on which came on 1-yard runs at the goal line. Without Williams, the Steelers are expecting to go with Fitzgerald Toussaint as the No. 1 rushing option.

Cincinnati has been among the top defenses in the league all season and turns up the intensity when teams actually do crack the red zone. The Bengals, who have allowed opponents inside the 20-yard line only 38 times this season, have watched those foes find the end zone just over 47 percent of the time – fifth lowest in the NFL.

Those numbers get slimmer inside Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati is giving up TDs on just 33 percent of their opponents’ red-zone tries and has been drum tight against the run as well, limiting rival rushers to four total TDs on the ground at home this season – two of those coming to Williams in Week 14. In the Week 8 meeting in Pittsburgh, the Bengals budged for 116 rushing yards from Bell and Williams with no rushing scores.

Daily fantasy watch: Cincinnati D/ST

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (+5, 39.5)

Seahawks’ troubles in the cold vs. Vikings’ frigid home field

The Seahawks have enjoyed one of the best home-field edges in the NFL for years. Not only is the crowd at CenturyLink Field among the loudest in pro sports, but the damp and dank Seattle weather has plagued visiting teams during the winter months.

Now, the Seahawks find themselves on the other end of that edge during the Wild Card Weekend. The Sunday forecast in Minnesota is calling for temperatures hovering around 0 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill making it feel much colder than that. It is lining up to be one of the coldest games in NFL history.

While the Pacific Northwest has plenty of rain, it is one of the warmer annual climates in the country, putting the two-time NFC champs out of their element. Cold has had a negative effect on the Seahawks in recent years, going just 2-4 SU and ATS on the road when the mercury dips below freezing (32 degrees F) since 2005-06, including a 0-4 SU and ATS mark since 2007-08. During those previous four chilly road games, the Seahawks have been outscored 149-74.

The last time Seattle played in anything close to Sunday’s climate was a 21 F degree day at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, losing 24-20 to the Chiefs as a 1-point road favorite in Week 11 of last season. “There’s no simulating zero degrees,” Seattle CB Richard Sherman told the media this week. “I guess I could go upstairs in the freezer, shut the doors, sit there for a few minutes?”

Daily fantasy watch: Adrian Peterson RB

Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins (+1, 45.5)

Packers’ poor pass protection vs. Redskins’ raging pass rush

When you look at how bad the Packers’ offensive line has been this season, it’s a near miracle Aaron Rodgers didn't join the long list of starting quarterbacks that were put on the shelf. Rodgers was sacked 47 times during the regular season – 17 times more than 2014 – and has been hit a total of 104 times, which ranks seventh most in the NFL.

Things have gotten especially hectic for “Discount Double Check” in recent weeks. Rodgers has been laid out 23 times in the last six games with 14 of those coming in the previous two: nine times in the loss to Arizona and five in the loss to Minnesota in Week 17. Injuries to the offensive line has spoiled any chemistry in Green Bay and has Mike McCarthy shuffling his protectors like musical chairs.

Washington comes into the postseason on a four-game winning streak, thanks in large part to a defense that has feasted on opposing passers. The Redskins, who have 38 total sacks on the season, picked up 21 of those in the first 12 weeks of the schedule – an average of just under two sacks per game in that span. But in the final four games of the season, Washington has recorded 17 sacks for an average of 4.25 per outing.

Linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith have been blowing up blockers in recent weeks, combining for eight of those 17 sacks in the past four games. To protect from those outside rushers - and make up for a lack of depth on the o-line – Green Bay will use plenty of two-tight end sets as well as a fullback to give Rodgers time. That inability to spread out receivers takes some bite out of the Packers’ pass game.

Daily fantasy watch: Washington D/ST

**Udog** · 01-09-2016, 08:27 AM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wildcard Round

Saturday's games
Chiefs (11-5) @ Texans (9-7)-- Kansas City won last 10 games after 1-5 start; only win was 27-20 (+1) here in season opener- two of its three TD drives in that game were less than 20 yards (+2 TO ratio). KC won field position by 21 yards; four of 13 drives started in Texan territory. Texans are 7-2 in last nine games after 2-5 start; they're in playoffs for first time since 2012- seven of their last eight games stayed under total, as have three of last four KC games. Chiefs are 4-3 overall in series, going 3-2 in five visits here. Home side won 4-5 game in AFC last four years; favorites covered four of last five. This is O'Brien's first playoff tilt as a head coach; he was an assistant at New England, so he's been around the playoffs. Reid is 10-10 in playoff games, 0-3 since 2009.

Steelers (10-6) @ Bengals (12-4)-- Marvin Lewis is 112-100-2 as Bengals' coach, but 0-6 in playoff games, 0-4 last four years. Cincy QB Dalton (thumb) is out here, so McCarron is Bengal starter- he's started three (2-1) NFL games. Road team won both series games this year; Bengals (even) won 16-10 at Heinz in Week 8. Steelers (+2.5) won 33-20 here in Week 14, in game where Dalton hurt his thumb. Pitt won four of last five series games overall, are 4-1 in last five visits here. Bengals split last eight games after an 8-0 start. Steelers are 4-1 SU/ATS in their last five games- they lost three of last five road games. AFC 6-seed won this game five of last seven years. Tomlin is 5-4 in playoff games but his last win was in 2010. Pitt won 31-17 here in '05 playoff game.

Over last ten years, home underdogs in this round are 5-6 vs spread.

**Udog** · 01-10-2016, 09:49 AM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wildcard Round

Sunday's games
Seahawks (10-6) @ Vikings (11-5)-- Frigid conditions expected for last outdoor home game in Twin Cities. Seattle (-3) crushed Vikings 38-7 here in Week 13, outgaining them 433-125 in epic mismatch- only Minny TD came on KR when it was 38-0. Seahawks won/covered seven of last eight games, winning last five road games by average score of 28-7. Seattle has allowed one offensive TD on last 49 drives on road. Vikings are 13-3 vs spread this season; they won last three games by average of 36-16. Carroll is 8-5 in playoff games; Seattle won NFC last two years. This is Zimmer's first playoff game as a head coach. NFC 3-seed won this game six of last nine years (favorites 5-3 vs spread last eight). Vikings are in playoffs for first time in three years; their last playoff win was in '09.

Packers (10-6) @ Redskins (9-7)-- Washington won/covered its last four games, with three of four on road; Redskins won six of last seven home games. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games, 2-6 in Packers' last eight. Rodgers was sacked 14 times in last two games, losses by 38-8/20-13 scores- they're expected to get LT Bakhtiari back here. Green Bay won five of last six series games; their last visit here was OT loss in 2010. McCarthy is 7-6 in playoff games; four of wins came in 2010, when Pack won Super Bowl. This is Gruden's first NFL playoff game; he won two Arena Bowl titles in the AFL. NFC 4-seed won this game five of last seven years. favorites covered this game last four years. For record, 1967 Packers and 2009 Saints are only Super Bowl winners who lost last two regular season games.

Over last ten years, home underdogs in this round are 5-7-1 vs spread.

**Udog** · 01-10-2016, 10:50 AM

NFL

Division Round

AFC Divisional Opening Lines: Chiefs at Patriots (-5.5, 44.5)
Steelers at Broncos (Off board with Big Ben status uncertain)

AFC Divisional Round Schedule - Jan. 16, 4:35 p.m. ET on CBS: Chiefs at Patriots
Jan. 17, 4:40 p.m. ET on CBS: Steelers at Broncos

**Udog** · 01-10-2016, 12:30 PM

NFL

Wildcard Round

This season Under is 6-2 when temps 31 degrees or lower with an average of 42.75 total pts scored in those games

65% of bettors are on the Seahawks (-4.5), while 61% like them on the moneyline. 63% of wagers on the Over 40

**Udog** · 01-10-2016, 12:43 PM

NFL

Wildcard Round

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Sunday's NFC Wildcard doubleheader betting preview
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Aaron Rodgers and the Packers enter this game dropping their last two games SU/ATS, while Washington is 4-0 SU/ATS in their last four.

Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings (+4.5, 39.5)

The Minnesota Vikings absorbed their worst loss of the season to Seattle just over a month ago and now must figure out a way to turn the tables when they host the Seahawks in an NFC wild-card game on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings may get an assist from the weather, with temperatures at game time expected to be near zero with a wind chill of minus-20 degrees.

"The first thing is, we need our fans to make it an advantage for us," Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer said of the frigid forecast. The Vikings were limited to 125 total yards by Seattle in a 38-7 mauling on Dec. 6, but they recovered to win their final three games to secure the NFC North title and No. 3 seed. The Seahawks, who are coming off back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, closed the season by winning six of their last seven games. Sixth-seeded Seattle also has won five in a row on the road while surrendering a total of 34 points in that span.

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

LINE HISTORY: This line has opened anywhere between Seahawks -4 and -6 and has seen plenty of movement since. It has settled around Seahawks -4.5 at most books. With frigid temperatures in the forecast the total has been bet down from 42 to 39. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Seahawks - DE M. Bennett (probable Sunday, toe), DT J. Hill (probable Sunday, toe), S K. Chancellor (probable Sunday, tailbone), WR T. Lockett (probable Sunday, hip), T R. Okung (probable Sunday, calf), G J. Sweezy (probable Sunday, concussion), CB J. Lane (probable Sunday, ribs), RB M. Lynch (out Sunday, hernia), TE L. Wilson (out Sunday, concussion).

Vikings - DT L. Joseph (probable Sunday, toe), DE E. Griffen (probable Sunday, shoulder), WR A. Thielen (probable Sunday, shoulder), RB A. Peterson (probable Sunday, back), WR C. Johnson (questionable Sunday, ankle), C J. Sullivan (doubtful Sunday, back), DT K. Ellis (out Sunday, ankle).

WEATHER REPORT: As has been widely reported, it will be a frozen wasteland in Minnesota, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees. To make it evn frostier, there will also be a 7-10 mile per hour wind gusting towards the eastern end zone.

POWER RANKINGS: Seahawks (-6) - Vikings (-2.5) + home field (-3) = Vikings +0.5

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (10-6, 8-7-1 ATS, 7-9 O/U): Quarterback Russell Wilson has been brilliant during Seattle's 6-1 run with 24 touchdown passes and only one interception, and he burned the Vikings by throwing for 274 yards and three scores while rushing for 51 yards. While Doug Baldwin has been Wilson's top target with 11 TD receptions in his last six games, the buzz in Seattle revolves around the availability of running back Marshawn Lynch, who returned to practice for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery on Nov. 25. The Seahawks rank No. 1 against the run and led the league in scoring defense (17.3 points per game).

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (11-5, 13-3 ATS, 4-11-1 O/U): Minnesota fell into a 21-0 hole in last month's meeting and was forced to abandon the run, leaving NFL leading rusher Adrian Peterson grousing about his role after receiving only eight carries for 18 yards. Expect that number of rushing attempts to increase dramatically as the Vikings look to alleviate pressure on second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was sacked four times and held to 118 yards by the Seahawks. Minnesota's defense was ravaged by injury in the first meeting but has permitted only 43 points during the three-game winning streak and allowed 18.9 points per contest.

TRENDS:

* Seahawks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Vikings are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win.
* Under is 4-0 in Seahawks last four games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Vikings last four Wildcard games.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are giving the Seahawks the slight edge in this NFC with 57 percent of wagers on Seattle. As for the total, 56 percent of wagers are on the total.

Green Bay Packers at Washington (-1, 45.5)

Washington faced an uphill battle to make the playoffs for much of the season, but they are on a roll heading into Sunday's wild-card matchup against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Washington did not climb above .500 for the first time until Week 16 and did not post consecutive victories until rattling off four straight to close the regular season.

“It’s important to go into the playoffs with some momentum and a rhythm,” Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins said. "It’s crucial to keep that momentum and carry it into what will be the biggest game of the year.” While the fourth-seeded Washington surged into the postseason, No. 5 Green Bay dropped its final two games to squander the NFC North title and a chance to host a game this weekend. The Packers have been in a bit of a tailspin since a 6-0 start to open the season, dropping six of their last 10 games. “We have to prove to ourselves we can win the big games,” Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "“There’s belief there, but we have to prove it to ourselves."

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

LINE HISTORY: Since Washington opened as one-point home favorites the line has jumped the fence twice with Green Bay moving to 1-point favorites and then back to 1-point dogs. The total has been bet down from 46.5 to 45.5. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Packers - RB E. Lacy (probable Sunday, ribs), T B. Bulaga (probable Sunday, ankle), DT M. Daniels (probable Sunday, hamstring), DT L. Guion (probable Sunday, foot), G T. Lang (probable Sunday, neck), C C. Linsley (probable Sunday, ankle), LB C. Matthews (probable Sunday, ankle), LB A. Mulumba (probable Sunday, knee), LB M. Neal (probable Sunday, hip), LB N. Perry (probable Sunday, shoulder), CB D. Randall (probable Sunday, groin), G J. Sitton (probable Sunday, back), G L. Taylor (probable Sunday, knee), DE D. Jones (questionable Sunday, neck), T D. Bakhtiari (questionable Sunday, ankle), LB J. Elliot (questionable Sunday, quadricep), TE J. Perillo (questionable Sunday, hamstring), CB S. Shields (doubtful Sunday, concussion).

Washington - DE J. Hatcher (probable Sunday, knee), T T. Williams (probable Sunday, knee), CB D. Phillips (probable Sunday, neck), WR D. Jackson (probable Sunday, knee), S J. Johnson (probable Sunday, chest), RB C. Thompson (probable Sunday, toe), C K. Lichtensteiger (probable Sunday, shoulder), S D. Goldson (probable Sunday, shoulder), RB M. Jones (questionable Sunday, hip), LB P. Riley (questionable Sunday, foot), CB Q. Dunbar (questionable Sunday, quadricep), DB K. Jarrett (questionable Sunday, concussion).

WEATHER REPORT: It could be a wet and windy day at FedEx Field. There is a 66 percent chance of rain and a 14-17 mile per hour wind gusting towards teh eastern end zone. Temperatures will be in the low 50's for the game.

POWER RANKINGS: Green Bay (-2) - Washington (-2) + home field (-3) = Washington -3

ABOUT THE PACKERS (10-6, 9-7 ATS, 5-11 O/U): Rodgers finished with his lowest passer rating (92.7) and completion percentage (60.7) since taking over as the team's starter in 2008 and wound up the season by taking 13 sacks over his last two games in which Green Bay managed a combined 21 points. Rodgers is not getting much help from a ground game that produced 75 yards in last week's home loss to Minnesota, including 34 on 13 carries by Eddie Lacy. Wide receiver Randall Cobb has made 14 catches over the last three games but has turned them into only 92 yards. The defense rebounded from an ugly loss at Arizona to hold Minnesota to 242 yards.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (9-7, 9-7 ATS, 9-7 O/U): With Washington already having locked up the NFC East title, Cousins played only one half in last week's 34-23 victory at Dallas, throwing three scoring passes to give him 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the last three games. Although tight end Jordan Reed had a relatively quiet season finale with four catches, he was unstoppable in the previous three games with 25 receptions for 333 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Alfred Morris is coming off his first 100-yard performance since Week 1, while Washington's defense has collected 14 sacks over the last three games.

TRENDS:

* Packers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff road games.
* Washington is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
* Under is 6-1 in Packers last 7 vs. NFC.
* Over is 4-0 in Washington's last 4 games overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is almost dead even in this NFC Wildcard matchup, with 51 percent of wagers giving Washington the slightest of edges. AS for the total, 65 percent of wagers are on the over.

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**Udog** · 01-10-2016, 01:27 PM

NFL

Wildcard Round

Vikings were this season's best bet at 13-3 ATS, including last 4 in a row. +4 vs Seahawks

Seahawks allowing 12.0 points per game in last 4 games. Under 4-0 in those games.

**Udog** · 01-11-2016, 02:19 PM

Steelers' big-name injuries could swing odds a touchdown, say oddsmakers

The Steelers could be without Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams versus Denver in the Divisional Round.

NFL Wild Card Weekend was, in a word, wild. The lower-seeded road teams, while not necessarily underdogs, got the best of the home squads, and nowhere was the outcome crazier than in Cincinnati.

Sixth-seeded Pittsburgh went off as 2-point chalk against the third-seeded Bengals, and the Steelers went into the fourth quarter with a 15-0 lead. However, they let Cincinnati come all the way back and ultimately found themselves trailing 16-15 in the waning minutes.

But in a sequence that writing can’t do justice, Ben Roethlisberger came back into the game despite a bum right shoulder, Cincinnati committed two huge penalties, and Pittsburgh kicked a field goal to claim an 18-16 victory and a push for bettors.

It was part of a weekend in which all four road teams won. So the Steelers (11-6 SU, 9-6-2 ATS) will now move on to face top-seeded Denver (12-4 SU, 8-8 ATS). The Broncos secured the No. 1 seed and the bye that comes with it when Peyton Manning came off the bench in Week 17 to lead a 27-20 win over San Diego, though Denver fell short as a 10-point favorite.

Manning missed several weeks prior to that, but he will start in Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game. Roethlisberger has a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder and his status is uncertain. These two teams just met in Week 15 in Pittsburgh, with Roethlisberger rallying Pittsburgh from a 27-13 halftime deficit to a 34-27 victory as a 7.5-point favorite.

Denver will be the home favorite this time around. John Lester, senior lines manager for Bookmaker.eu, said Big Ben’s status will force oddsmakers to wait on posting a number.

“Roethlisberger is worth a minimum seven points to a spread, so we’ll wait to confirm his playing status before opening a line,” Lester said. “If he’s ready to go, look for the Broncos to be around 4-point chalk. If he’s out, we’re probably looking at double digits, because Landry Jones is a liability under center. And Jones may not have a legit backup to fall back on.”

Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports for Wynn Las Vegas, said it’s not just Roethlisberger’s status that’s holding things up. Steelers wideout Antonio Brown is in concussion protocol, and running back DeAngelo Williams missed the Wild Card game with a foot injury.

“There is no way I can hang a number on this game until I know all of the participants,” Avello said. “With Roethlisberger, Brown and Williams all questionable, and Landry Jones as the backup, this line could be anything from Denver -4 to -10. The Steelers did beat the Broncos as a 7-point favorite a few weeks ago, but the circumstances have changed.”

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)

The two-time defending NFC champion Seahawks are still in the hunt for a third straight Super Bowl bid – barely. The No. 6 seed trailed No. 3 seed Minnesota 9-0 entering the fourth quarter Sunday, got a touchdown and a field goal to take the lead, then watched as Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a chip-shot field goal in the final seconds.

That gave Seattle a 10-9 victory in bone-chilling subzero weather, though the Seahawks (11-6 SU, 8-8-1 ATS) failed to cash as 4-point road faves. They’ll move on to an NFC Divisional Round game against No. 1 seed Carolina (15-1 SU, 11-5 ATS) next Sunday.

The Panthers made a run at a perfect season until Week 16, when they went to Atlanta and fell 20-13 as 7-point favorites. But Cam Newton & Co. got right back to form in the regular season finale, trampling Tampa Bay 38-10 while giving 10 points at home.

These two teams met in Week 6 in Seattle, with Carolina rallying for a 27-23 victory as a 7-point road underdog.

“The Seahawks’ season should be over, but it's not, and they get a chance to redeem an early-season loss to the top dog in the NFC,” Avello said. “These two have had quite a few exciting battles over the last two years, with Seattle the favorite in all. The Panthers will be the short favorite in this one as they try to keep their perfect home record intact.”

Lester has already had to move his line at Bookmaker.

“The first smart bet came in on Carolina, so we’ve adjusted the spread to -3 (even),” he said. “It certainly feels like the Panthers should be bigger favorites here, but you can’t undervalue the solid second half of the season Seattle had, and the fact that they’re the two-time defending NFC champs. We’ll get to see just how much Cam Newton has matured here. He beat this team in the regular season, but the playoffs are an entirely different beast.”

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (-4.5)

Fifth-seeded Kansas City set the tone in the first game of Wild Card weekend, going to No. 4 seed Houston Saturday and posting a 30-0 blowout as a 3-point favorite. There is no hotter team in the league than the Chiefs (12-5 SU, 9-8 ATS), who started the season 1-5 SU and ATS, but have won 11 in a row since then (8-3 ATS) to reach the AFC divisional playoff round.

Waiting for the Chiefs next Saturday will be No. 2 seed New England (12-4 SU, 7-7-2 ATS), which had the table all set to be the AFC’s No. 1 seed before faltering in the last two weeks of the regular season. The Patriots went off as 2.5-point road chalk at the New York Jets in Week 16 and lost 26-20 in overtime, then tumbled 20-10 laying 10 points at Miami in Week 17.

But New England still got a much-needed bye and will likely be as healthy as it’s been in several weeks.

“We opened this spread looking for Patriots money, because the sharps will probably be on Kansas City again,” Lester said. “So far, that’s what has happened, because the early action was on New England, and we are currently offering -5. The total has been hammered all the way down to 43. If the Chiefs can keep it low-scoring, they’ve got a real shot at the upset.”

Avello opened the Pats at -5.

“As a home favorite, that’s the lowest they've been this entire season,” he said. “I felt there initially would be play on the underdog Chiefs, because of their 11-win run and the dismal effort from the Pats in their last two regular-season games. This number may go up if Tom Brady's supporting cast is deemed healthy to play.”

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (-7)

The fifth-seeded Packers made it a weekend sweep for the road teams, erasing an 11-0 deficit at No. 4 seed Washington and ultimately coasting to a 35-18 victory getting two points Sunday. Next Saturday, the Packers (11-6 SU, 10-7 ATS) will return to Glendale, Ariz., where a couple of weeks ago Green Bay got manhandled by Arizona 38-8 catching six points.

The Cardinals (13-3 SU, 9-7 ATS) were steady all season long, winning nine in a row (5-4 ATS) after a 1-2 SU and ATS hiccup in October. Arizona capped that run with the rout of Green Bay in Week 16. But in the regular season finale, laying six points at home to Seattle and still with an outside shot at the No. 1 seed, the Cardinals got boatraced 36-6.

“It's rare to find the Packers getting 7 or more points, but that is the case now and also was in Week 16 in this same location,” Avello said. “It's difficult to say if the old Packers showed up this past weekend against Washington or if the Skins are just a cut below the rest. The Cardinals didn't seem interested in their game against Seattle in Week 17, but I expect to see a more prepared Cardinals team for this one.”

Lester believes Arizona’s loss to Seattle was an anomaly, and that the Pack can expect a stiff challenge in the rematch.

“Green Bay appeared to have found some offensive footing in the second half of the Washington game, but it’s not as if the Redskins have a good defense,” he said. “Arizona’s excellent pass defense will certainly be a test for Aaron Rodgers and his limited wide receiving corps. We felt very comfortable opening at a touchdown, and this number could climb.”

**Udog** · 01-12-2016, 08:44 AM

Don't miss your window to get the most from these NFL Divisional Round bets

In three previous playoff games, Cam Newton has five interceptions and a lost fumble – numbers which no doubt the Seahawks are aware of.

Spread to bet now

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (-7.5)

You believe that late-season swan dive was just a mirage, that the Pack is (really) back and perhaps just one week away from getting revenge for last season’s epic flameout in Seattle? Early money is down on the Packers in this one - no doubt the product of the books attaching an extra half-point to the line.

The line appears more than reasonable, though, considering Green Bay’s struggles late in the season and the fact that the Cardinals have had an extra week to rest in the wake of their meaningless 30-point loss at home to the Seahawks. Much of the early money is probably a reflection of the Packers’ dominance in the Wild Card game, and the betting should even out as we go through the week, keeping the line at 7.5.

Spread to wait on

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (-5)

The issue in New England is health - or rather lack of it. Late-season tanking allowed the Pats to keep Tom Brady (barely) and Rob Gronkowski healthy enough, but no one knows whether the offensive line – not all that great to begin with – will be anything near what now constitutes full strength.

And a sieve for an o-line means pressure on Brady, which means he needs to get the ball out quickly, which means receivers can’t get into even intermediate routes, which means that it kind of all depends whether Edelman is back and going at pretty much to 100 percent.

Edelman has missed five games with a broken foot, and in the last six (including the game in which he was injured), New England is 2-4 SU and 2-4 ATS. And now, the Chiefs head to Gillette Stadium, on an 11-game run of all runs. Hang on to see what comes out of the Pats camp on the injury front.

Total to watch

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (44)

It’s all about the style and show for Cam Newton, so don’t expect the flamboyant QB to morph into an Alex Smith-type game manager now that the spotlight is squaring on him. Newton is going to want to let it fly and that might be a problem, because Newton has shown a tendency to give the ball up.

In three previous playoff games he has five interceptions and a lost fumble – numbers which no doubt the Seahawks are aware of (of course, that Newton and the current MVP-edition Newton are 180-degree different). A wild game should produce more than its share of points. On the other side, be aware that five straight Seahawks games have gone Under.

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