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**Udog** · 01-12-2016, 10:31 AM

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, 10:32 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.

**Udog** · 01-12-2016, 10:33 AM

NFL
Dunkel

Division Round

Kansas City @ New England

Game 301-302
January 16, 2016 @ 4:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
133.963
New England
142.565
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New England
by 8 1/2
50
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New England
by 5
43
Dunkel Pick:
New England
(-5); Over

Green Bay @ Arizona

Game 303-304
January 16, 2016 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Green Bay
139.129
Arizona
141.026
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2
53
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 7 1/2
49 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(+7 1/2); Over

Pittsburgh @ Denver

Game 307-308
January 17, 2016 @ 4:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
134.281
Denver
143.614
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 9 1/2
35
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 6 1/2
40 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-6 1/2); Under

Seattle @ Carolina

Game 305-306
January 17, 2016 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
142.882
Carolina
141.326
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
40
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Carolina
by 3
44
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+3); Under

NFL
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 16

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KANSAS CITY (12 - 5) at NEW ENGLAND (12 - 4) - 1/16/2016, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in playoff games since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 91-66 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 172-132 ATS (+26.8 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ENGLAND is 107-79 ATS (+20.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 75-51 ATS (+18.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
KANSAS CITY is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) against AFC East division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 straight up against NEW ENGLAND 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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GREEN BAY (11 - 6) at ARIZONA (13 - 3) - 1/16/2016, 8:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 65-40 ATS (+21.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, January 17

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SEATTLE (11 - 6) at CAROLINA (15 - 1) - 1/17/2016, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 this season.
CAROLINA is 72-48 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CAROLINA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 2-2 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-1 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PITTSBURGH (11 - 6) at DENVER (12 - 4) - 1/17/2016, 4:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing with 2 weeks or more of rest since 1992.
DENVER is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) after a bye week since 1992.
DENVER is 52-33 ATS (+15.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
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.
DENVER is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NFL

Division Round

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, January 16

4:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. NEW ENGLAND
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing New England
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 5 games when playing Kansas City

8:15 PM
GREEN BAY vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Green Bay's last 7 games when playing Arizona
Green Bay is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Arizona is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
Arizona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Green Bay

Sunday, January 17

1:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. CAROLINA
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Seattle is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 7 games
Carolina is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games

4:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DENVER
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing Denver
Denver is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Denver is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Udog** · 01-12-2016, 09:46 PM

Key NFL Injury Updates

Wild Card weekend is in the rear view mirror, with all four road teams emerging victorious on the opening weekend of the NFL Playoffs. One game was a blowout, with the Chiefs destroying the Texans. Two games were coin flips that came down to last second field goals, with the Steelers making their field goal while the Vikings missed theirs, allowing Seattle to survive and advance. And the fourth game was a close contest that turned into a blowout by the end of the fourth quarter thanks to a performance from Green Bay that was as good as anything that we’ve seen from the Packers since October.

The mainstream media will focus on the quarterbacks and the head coaches, because that’s what the mainstream media does. In the mainstream world, Andy Reid; noted for a decade worth of playoff failures in Philadelphia, is now a ‘genius’ because his team is on an eleven game winning streak. Aaron Rodgers, off the worst statistical season of his career, is now back to his elite self; thanks to one playoff win against a banged up defense.

Serious bettors know one thing about the NFL Playoffs – health matters! Do the Chiefs win by 30 at Houston if Brian Hoyer has his left tackle, Duane Brown, protecting him? Do the Steelers execute their game winning drive in the final minute if it was Landry Jones behind center instead of Ben Roethlisberger? Does Aaron Rodgers rally the Packers from behind if the Redskins secondary was healthy? Minnesota was missing key starters on all three units of their defense in their regular season meeting with Seattle, allowing 38 points and 433 yards as a result. In the playoff rematch, the Vikings defense was healthy again and the Seahawks were held to 10 points – all in the fourth quarter – and 226 total yards.

Injuries matter, and they matter the most here in January when teams stack up against other elite competitors. This year’s Super Bowl champion is every bit as likely to be determined by which top notch contender is healthy enough to execute their gameplan effectively over the next few weekends as any other factor. With that in mind, let’s take a brief look at the injury situation for each of the eight teams still standing.

The Green Bay Packers suffered a couple of key injuries on Sunday, but, in general, they are getting healthier. Key offensive lineman Brian Bulaga was healthy enough to go against Washington, and his counterpart at the other tackle spot, David Bakhtiari could be back on the field this Sunday at Arizona. Both guys missed the Week 16 matchup against the Cardinals and Aaron Rodgers took eight sacks as a result!

The Packers won on Sunday without starting CB Sam Shields, still in concussion protocol. There’s a decent chance Shields could be back on the field this week. But WR Davante Adams went down with a knee injury on Sunday. Although he avoided surgery, his status for Saturday’s game at Arizona is very questionable, potentially leaving Rodgers without one of his better targets for the rematch against the Cards.

The Arizona Cardinals lost pro bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu following that Week 16 win over Green Bay, and his absence was felt immediately – they got picked apart by Russell Wilson in a blowout loss the following week. But other than the Mathieu injury, Bruce Arians squad is fairly healthy, with LB Markus Golden and DR Josh Mauro both expected back this week. Most importantly, they didn’t get riddled with key injuries down the stretch; in good shape heading into their playoff opener.

The New England Patriots got last weekend off, and they needed it. No other playoff team came close to suffering the rash of injuries that the Pats have suffered, but a whole host of injured Patriots could be back on the field next Saturday.

New England will get back WR Danny Amendola following a nine week absence. LB Donta’ Hightower is expected to suit up, as is key pass rusher Chandler Jones and elite offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer. All four guys are what I would call ‘impact players’, and their return to the field makes the Pats a much, much better team than the one that went 2-4 to close out the regular season.

The Kansas City Chiefs have injuries to their top three pass rushers, bad news against Tom Brady! Tama Hali, Justin Houston and Dee Ford are all ailing, but all three are likely to suit up on Saturday. But their top deep threat, WR Jeremy Maclin, suffered a high ankle sprain in the win over Houston. Even if Maclin suits up in Foxboro, he’s not likely to be his explosive self. KC also lost starting offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to a concussion, joining starting center Mitch Morse in concussion protocol moving forward. If that duo doesn’t suit up this weekend, it’s going to have a major effect on Kansas City’s chances.

The Carolina Panthers suffered two major late season injuries. The Panthers lost two of their top three cornerbacks to season enders, with Charles Tillman and Bene Benwikere going down. That being said, this team was as healthy as it gets at the NFL level for a good portion of the season, and just about everyone who sat Week 17 for resting purposes should suit up on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks late season resurgence has come entirely without RB Marshawn Lynch on the field. They went 3-4 SU in the seven games that Lynch was healthy enough to play in. I don’t think he moves the needle one iota – not even worth a half point to the spread, or to the eventual result. But Lynch is a ‘superstar’ and his status moving forward is likely to affect the pointspread, at least a little bit, as he tries to recover from an abdominal injury that has kept him sidelined for the last two months.

That being said, the Seahawks came out of Sunday’s game at Minnesota virtually unscathed. The only new player on their injury report Monday morning was the punter, Jon Ryan, who had his nose bloodied but was still fine to finish the game against the Vikings. I’d be very surprised if Ryan wasn’t good to go at Carolina.

The Pittsburgh Steelers injury concerns are very real as they get ready for the Broncos. Ben Roethlisberger’s got a bum shoulder – one notable report listed it as a separated shoulder -- but early reports indicate that he’s likely to suit up. WR Antonio Brown needs to go through concussion protocol before he’ll be allowed to play, although early week signs look good in that regard. And even with cluster injuries at running back, it was a non-factor on Sunday, with Jordan Todman and Fitz Toussaint filling the void effectively. That being said, other than the skill position question marks, Pittsburgh is at near full health in the trenches (center Maurkice Pouncey has been out since October) and on the defensive side of the football.

Of course, the Denver Broncos have a QB injury question mark of their own, with Peyton Manning having only nine pass attempts under his belt since his injury/benching in Week 10 against the Chiefs. According to the latest practice report coming out of Colorado, head coach Gary Kubiak was confident that his QB was good to go. “He looks really fresh out there and is throwing the ball well.”

Denver got starting cornerback Aqib Talib and starting tight end Owen Daniels back in practice last week, and LB Brandon Marshall should be good to go by Sunday. Kubiak was very positive about the injury situation heading into their game against the Steelers: "We’ve gotten some guys freshened up and in a good frame of mind. It looks like we’re going to be pretty close maybe to Wednesday being about as close to where we started back four months ago. That’s a good thing.”

**Udog** · 01-12-2016, 10:21 PM

NFL
Short Sheet

Divisional Round

Saturday - Jan, 16

Kansas City at New England, 4:35 ET
Kansas City: 2-10 ATS in playoff games
New England: 17-7 ATS in home lined games

Green Bay at Arizona, 8:15 ET
Green Bay: 8-2 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive wins
Arizona: 43-26 ATS after gaining 50 or less rushing yards last game

Sunday - Jan, 17

Seattle at Carolina, 1:05 ET
Seattle: 7-0 UNDER revenging a loss against opponent
Carolina: 6-0 ATS in games where the line is +3 to -3

Pittsburgh at Denver, 4:40 ET
Pittsburgh: 1-5 ATS off 3 or more consecutive unders
Denver: 7-0 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 3 out of last 4 games

**Udog** · 01-15-2016, 06:19 AM

NFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Divisional Round

Keep in mind, all four home teams had last week off; the road teams all played.

Chiefs (12-5) @ Patriots (12-4)-- Chiefs won last 11 games after 1-5 start; Patriots lost four of last six games after 10-0 start. Home side won six of last seven KC-NE games; Chiefs won last meeting 41-14 LY in Arrowhead, but lost last five visits here. KC's last win in Foxboro was in 1990. Patriots won in this round last four years (3-1 vs spread) with three wins by 13+ points. Chiefs allowed 9.4 ppg in last five games, blanking Texans LW; they're 2-3 as an underdog this year- this is first time they're dog since Week 10. Four of last five Chief games stayed under total; four of last six Patriot games went over. Smith is 2-2 in playoff games in his career; Brady is 21-8 in playoffs games, 10-2 in his first playoff game of a season. Hard to say how many of Pats' late struggles were just them laying low, preparing for this.

Packers (11-6) @ Cardinals (13-3)-- 36-year old Carson Palmer is 0-2 in playoff games, with blown knee on his first pass in first one (2005); his last playoff game was '09. Cardinals had pair of defensive TDs, ripped Packers 38-8 (-4.5) here three weeks ago, outgaining Pack 381-178 in game where Cards had nine sacks and led 17-0 at the half. Aaron Rodgers is 7-5 in his playoff career (was 4-0 in '10); Green Bay is on road for 4th time in five weeks; they're 6-3 on road this season, 2-1 as an underdog. Five of last six Arizona games stayed under total; Packers are 5-1 this year when game goes over. 6-5 if it stays under total. Cardinals had won nine games in row before getting blown out by Seattle here in seasion finale; they're 3-5 as a home favorite. Favorites in this round are 14-22 vs spread the last nine years.

Seahawks (11-6) @ Panthers (15-1)-- Carolina (+7) won 27-23 at Seattle coming off its bye in Week 6, with four 80+-yard TD drives, three in second half. Win ended 5-game losing skid vs Seahawks, who beat Panthers 31-17 in LY's playoffs and are 7-3 overall vs Carolina, with three straight wins in Charlotte by 4-5-4 points (average total, 23.0). Panthers are 15-1 with only loss in Atlanta threee weks ago; they're 5-2 as home favorites. Seattle won seven of last eight games, losing only to Rams in Week 16; they held five of last six foes to 13 points or less, are 1-1-1 as an underdog this year. NFC's #1 seed is 21-4 SU in this round since 1990, winning last three by 2-8-14 points (1-4 vs spread in last five). Newton is 1-2 in his playoff games; Russell Wilson is 7-2 in playoff games; Seahawks won NFC last two years.

Steelers (11-6) @ Broncos (12-4)-- How badly hurt is Big Ben? Antonio Brown? Osweiler might not be available, so what if Manning gets hurt? Steelers (-6.5) rallied from being down 27-13 at half to beat Denver 34-27 at Heinz in Week 15, nine of their four TD drives were longer than 60 yards (won field position by 11 yards). Roethlisberger has damaged shoulder but led winning drive LW; he is 11-5 in playoff games. Steelers are 2-6 in last eight visits to Denver, losing playoff game here in '11-- they're 3-4 in playoffs vs Broncos. Pitt won five of last six games overall; they're 3-3-1 as an underdog this year, but they did beat a backup QB in Cincy LW. Rookie Semien could be Denver's backup QB; Broncos are 5-4 last nine games after a 7-0 start; they're only 1-5 vs spread as a home favorite this season.

**Udog** · 01-15-2016, 09:44 AM

NFL's biggest betting mismatches: Divisional Round

Seattle's pass rush will try to get in the face of Cam Newton, who has significantly struggled passing when under pressure in the pocket.

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (-5, 42)

Chiefs’ injured WR Jeremy Maclin vs. Patriots’ pass defense

The Chiefs caught a lot of people off guard with their 10-game – now 11 – winning streak after a 1-5 start. Kansas City’s defense has been solid throughout, but it wasn’t until receiver Jeremy Maclin and QB Alex Smith cooked up some chemistry that the Chiefs were a threat on both sides of the ball. Now Maclin is nursing an ankle injury which could either slow him down for the Divisional Round or keep him out entirely.

Maclin gave Kansas City something it had been lacking for seasons: a true deep threat. Defenses could no longer stack the box and bring in safeties, knowing KC couldn’t go beyond the sticks. However, with Maclin tearing up the turf, the Chiefs playbook had depth with the speedster reeling in 10 catches for 25 yards or more and finishing with 12.5 yards per reception.

The Patriots defense has always been a bend but don’t break group, and has been susceptible to the big play this season. According to SportingCharts.com, New England has given up 36 passing plays of 25 yards or more, which ranks sixth most in the NFL.

The Patriots like to keep everything in front of them and are quick to tackle, limiting opponents to just over 107 yards after the catch per game, which is among the lowest in the league. If Maclin does play, that questionable ankle could make his a few steps slower. If he’s out, Kansas City’s offense is about as one-dimensional as a Michael Bay flick.

Daily fantasy watch: New England D/ST

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (-7, 50)

Packers’ pass-catching RBs vs. Cardinals’ overaggressive defense

There aren’t many positives to take from the Packers’ 38-8 waxing at the hands of the Cardinals in Week 16. If you’re a Cheesehead, the majority of that game film can be supressed down deep in your consciousness, like that time you pooed yourself on the trampoline in grade school.

But the one takeaway would be Eddie Lacy’s 28-yard touchdown catch and run in the third quarter. Arizona rushed six, and Rodgers burned them with a dump to Lacy, who rumbled to the end zone for the Packers’ only touchdown of the game. Lacy, along with fellow running mate James Starks, have combined for five receiving scores and 580 yards through the air – kind of.

Most of those gains were made after the catch, a category in which Arizona has struggled to defend. The Cardinals are allowing nearly 131 yards after the catch per game, which sits among the most in the NFL. A lot of that has to do with the blitz-happy playbook, leaving opposing QBs to quickly check down to the running back to avoid pressure.

Arizona has watched rival RBs reel in 77 catches for 740 yards receiving, for an average of 9.6 yards per receptions – or pretty much a first down. The Cardinals could get a healthy dose of Lacy and Starks, who sits third among running backs in YAC, especially if they bring that same pressure like they did in Week 16, when they sacked Rodgers nine times. The Packers offensive line is in better shape now and did a good job giving their QB time versus Washington last weekend.

Daily fantasy watch: James Starks RB

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (-2.5, 44)

Seahawks’ pass rush vs. Cam Newton’s play under pressure

The Seahawks are out to avenge a loss to Cam Newton and Carolina at home back in Week 6, when they visit the Panthers in the Divisional Round. In that game, Seattle limited Cam Newton to 20-of-36 passing for 269 yards and two interceptions, sacking the mobile dual threat three times.

Washington Post writer Jeff Dooley did a great breakdown of how much Newton is impacted by pressure in the pocket, comparing his 112.8 QB rating in a clean pocket (98.2 NFL average) to his declining rating of 66.9 under pressure (71.5 NFL average).

Newton will get plenty of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril Sunday, with that duo doing damage in the last few games. Bennett has 3.5 sacks in the last six games while Avril has 2.5 in the last two outings. The pair is much more disruptive than those numbers would indicate and the fact Seattle’s defense is constantly shifting them around makes them even more chaotic.

And, as Dooley notes, Carolina has only one reliable receiving option in TE Greg Olsen. With the Seahawks able to rotate big athletic defenders on Olsen, that could force Newton to look elsewhere – which means more time in a crumbling pocket.

Daily fantasy watch: Seattle D/ST

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (-7, N/A)

Big Ben’s bad arm vs. Broncos’ potent pass defense

Ben Roethlisberger is one tough dude. It looks like the Steelers QB is going to play Sunday despite a nasty shoulder injury that transformer Big Ben’s cannon of a throwing arm into a wet noodle in the closing minutes of the Wild Card game with Cincinnati. Roethlisberger admitted he won’t be able to heave the deep ball like he has all season, taking perhaps Pittsburgh’s strongest weapon off the board.

On the year, the Steelers registered a NFL-high 43 passes of 25 yards or more. Now, they’ll be stuck to underneath throws and short chucks, which doesn’t fit their offensive model. Pittsburgh was one of the top teams in yards at the catch, averaging 7.4 yards per reception according to SportingCharts.com (seventh most), but failed to tack on much more once it had the football.

The Steelers ranked seventh lowest in YAC, adding only 4.93 yards after the reception. If the Steelers receivers are going to make up for Roethlisberger’s injured arm, they’ll need to add on much more than that – especially against the top passing defense in the NFL and also its most vaunted pass rush.

Denver is allowing teams to pick up only 9.3 yards per completion to begin with and has given up just 26 passing plays of 25 yards or more, with an average of just under 111 YAC per game – eighth lowest. Without the threat of the deep ball, the Broncos may load up the box and unleash hell in the form of a pass rush that tops the NFL with 52 sacks and 113 defensive hurries.

Daily fantasy watch: Denver D/ST

**Udog** · 01-16-2016, 08:29 AM

NFL

Saturday, January 16

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Saturday's NFL Divisional betting preview: Chiefs at Patriots and Packers at Cardinals
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Three weeks ago the Cardinals thumped the Packers 38-8. Arizona is a 7.5-point favorite for their playoff rematch.

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (-5, 42.5)

The reigning AFC East-champion New England Patriots enjoyed a bye to begin the playoffs - and by all accounts, so did the red-hot Kansas City Chiefs. After breezing to a 30-0 victory over Houston last week, the Chiefs vie for their 12th straight win when they face the host Patriots on Saturday in a divisional-round clash.

"Typical Kansas City game - a lot of turnovers on defense, no turnovers on offense, capitalized on opponents' mistakes and didn’t make any," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the Chiefs' convincing victory. "They've won a lot of games pretty much doing that." Belichick has won quite a few games in his own right, and the cagey coach likely will have Julian Edelman (broken bone in foot) back in the lineup for the first time since Nov. 15. The shifty wideout helped the offense average 418.6 yards and 33.6 points during the team's 9-0 start to the season, as opposed to 317.5 and 23.1 without him (3-4).

TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, CBS.

LINE HISTORY: The Patriots opened as 5-point home favorites, were briefly bet down to -4.5 and then bet back to -5. The total was bet down from 44.5 all the way to 42. Since then it has been bet back up a half-point to its current number of 42.5. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Chiefs - LB T. Hali (probable Saturday, knee), LB J. Houston (probable Saturday, knee), RB S. Ware (probable Saturday, ankle), WR A. Wilson (questionable Saturday, hamstring), J. Maclin (questionable Saturday, ankle), OL L. Duvernay-Tardif (out Saturday, concussion), OL M. Morse (out Saturday, concussion).

Patriots - WR J. Edelman (probable Saturday, foot), LB J. Freeny (probable Saturday, wrist), T S. Vollmer (probable Saturday, leg), DB J. Coleman (probable Saturday, concussion), LB D. Hightower (probable Saturday, knee), DL S. Siliga (probable Saturday, personal), DE C. Jones (probable Saturday, disciplinary), QB T. Brady (probable Saturday, ankle), TE R. Gronkowski (questionable Saturday, knee), WR D. Amendola (questionable Saturday, knee), DB N. Ebner (questionable Saturday, arm).

WEATHER REPORT: It is supposed to rain early in the day in Foxborough and should tapper off as the game rolls on. Skies will clear up a little, but should still be mostly cloudy during the game. There will also be a five-to-six mile per hour wind gusting across the field.

POWER RANKINGS: Chiefs (-3) - Patriots (-3.5) + home field (-3) = Patriots -3.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Kansas City is still viewed with skepticism by most pundits. Most think the Chiefs are a phony team because of their easy schedule, but they rank high in every advanced metric I use. New England has some question marks on both sides of the ball coming into this game, but when healthy, the Patriots are the best team in the AFC by a wide margin."

ABOUT THE CHIEFS (12-5, 9-8 ATS, 8-8-1 O/U): Alex Smith became one-dimensional in the passing attack last week after wideout Jeremy Maclin suffered a high-ankle sprain. Kansas City initially feared Maclin had endured the third right ACL injury of his career, but the 27-year-old's availability for Saturday's tilt remains clouded at best. When asked if Maclin could play without participating in practice, coach Andy Reid said: "He could do that. He might not have to do that, but he could do that."

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (12-4, 7-7-2 ATS, 9-7 O/U): Tom Brady threw for 4,770 yards this season, but the veteran quarterback may find the going tough against All-Pro safety Eric Berry, as well as cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Sean Smith. New England's 30th-ranked rushing attack averaged just 87.8 yards per game, the team's lowest since Belichick's first year as head coach in 2000. Brandon Bolden, who has risen up the ranks in lieu of injuries to LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis, is averaging just 3.3 yards on 63 carries.

TRENDS:

* Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Patriots are 0-4-2 ATS in their last six games versus a team with a winning record.
* Under is 4-1 in the Chiefs last five games.
* Over is 4-1 in the Patriots last five home playoff games.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the Chiefs in Saturday's first Divisional Round matchup with 59 percent of wagers on Kansas City. As for the total, 65 percent of wagers are on the over.

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals (-7.5, 49)

The Green Bay Packers rebounded from a late-season stumble with an impressive road victory over the Washington Redskins in the opening round of the playoffs on Sunday. The road only gets more difficult for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, who will try to avenge a 30-point beating in Week 16 when they visit the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

Green Bay was bludgeoned at Arizona 38-8 before dropping a 20-13 decision at home to Minnesota in the regular-season finale to squander their chance for the NFC North title. Rodgers said the Packers had their "mojo" back after erasing an early 11-point deficit versus Washington to set up a rematch with the Cardinals. No. 2 seed Arizona reeled off nine consecutive victories before absorbing a 36-6 loss to visiting Seattle in its season finale. Behind quarterback Carson Palmer, the Cardinals feature the league's top-ranked offense and finished second in the league in scoring with an average of 30.6 points.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, NBC.

LINE HISTORY: The Cardinals opened as 7.5-point home favorites, have been bet down to -7 and back up to -7.5. As for the total, it has been bet down 1-point from 50 to 49. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Packers - TE R. Rogers (probale Saturday, hip), RB E. Lacy (probable Saturday, ribs), T D. Bakhtiari (probable Saturday, ankle), LB J. Elliott (probable Saturday, quadricep), TE J. Perillo (questionable Saturday, hamstring), CB Q. Rollins (questionable Saturday, quadricep), CB S. Shields (Doubtful Saturday, concussion), WR D. Adams (out Saturday, knee).

Cardinals - DT F. Rucker (probable Saturday, ankle), DT J. Mauro (probable Saturday, calf), LB M. Golden (probable Saturday, knee), RB A. Ellington (questionable Saturday, toe).

WEATHER REPORT: Indoors.

POWER RANKINGS: Packers (-2) - Cardinals (-6) + home field (-3) = Cardinals -7

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Arizona cruised to an easy 38-8 win over Green Bay just a few weeks ago, and it’s hard seeing this game being different this time around. The Cardinals are a bad matchup for the Packers, but Arizona is now laying 2.5-points more than they did in the first meeting, so there is less line value in this rematch."

ABOUT THE PACKERS (11-6, 10-7 ATS, 6-11 O/U): Rodgers rallied Green Bay by throwing a pair of second-quarter touchdown passes against Washington, including one to second-year wide receiver Davante Adams, who is not expected to play Saturday due to an MCL sprain in his knee. The Packers' ground game, which has struggled throughout the season, got going against the Redskins as Eddie Lacy and James Starks each ran for a second-half touchdown while gaining a combined 116 yards on 24 carries. Green Bay, which ranked sixth in the league against the pass, recorded six sacks in their wild-card victory.

ABOUT THE CARDINALS (13-3, 9-7 ATS, 9-7 O/U): Palmer set career highs in yards (4,671), TD passes (35) and quarterback rating while throwing to one of the league's top receiving corps in Larry Fitzgerald (career-high 109 catches), John Brown and Michael Floyd, which combined for 22 scoring receptions. Rookie running back David Johnson has scored a total of 13 touchdowns and had been superb since taking over as the starter while also providing a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. Arizona recorded nine sacks in Week 16 against the Packers, but linebacker Alex Okafor suffered a toe injury during the bye that ended his season.

TRENDS:

* Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last six road playoff games.
* Cardinals are 4-0 ATS in their last four home playoff games.
* Under is 7-1 in the Packers last 8 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 5-0 in the Cardinals last 5 playoff games.

CONSENSUS: The public is giving the slight edge to the Packers with 54 percent of wagers on the Cheeseheads. As for the total, 64 percent of wagers are on the over.

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**Udog** · 01-17-2016, 08:43 AM

NFL

Sunday, January 17

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Sunday's NFL Divisional betting preview: Seahawks at Panthers and Steelers at Broncos
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Peyton Manning makes his first start for the Broncos since Nov. 15. Denver is currently 7.5-point favorites.

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers (-2.5, 40.5)

The Seattle Seahawks escaped a near-certain defeat in the opening round of the playoffs and continue their bid for a third straight trip to the Super Bowl when they visit the top-seeded Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon. Seattle squeezed out a 10-9 victory at Minnesota last weekend when Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard field-goal attempt in the final minute.

The sixth-seeded Seahawks now get a chance to avenge a regular-season home loss to the Panthers, who erased a 13-point, second-half deficit in a 27-23 victory at Seattle in Week 6. The Seahawks have reeled off six consecutive road wins, surrendering a scant total of 43 points in that stretch. Carolina, which won its first 14 games and pounded Tampa Bay 38-10 in the season finale, was expecting a rematch against Seattle. "After we played them, we said, 'We'll see you again in the playoffs,'" Panthers star cornerback Josh Norman said. "It's cool. Fate gives you these chances to prove yourself worthy."

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

LINE HISTORY: Since opening as 3-point home favorites, the Panthers were bet all the way down to -1, before bouncing back to -2.5. The total has yet to move off its opening number of 44.

INJURY REPORT:

Seahawks - DE M. Bennett (probable Sunday, toe), RB M. Lynch (probable Sunday, hernia), TE L. Wilson (probable Sunday, concussion), FB W. Tukuafu (doubtful Sunday, hamstring).

Panthers - LB D. Mayo (probable Sunday, hamstring), S K. Coleman (probable Sunday, foot), WR T. Ginn (questionable Sunday, knee), LB A. Klein (questionable Sunday, hamstring), RB F. Whittaker (out Sunday, ankle).

WEATHER REPORT: It could be wet in Charlotte on Sunday. It will be partly cloudy wuth a 54 percent chance of rain. Temperatures will be in the low 40's and there will be a 5-7 mile per hour wind gusting towards the southeast end zone.

POWER RANKINGS: Seahawks (-6) - Panthers (-5.5) + home field (-3) = Panthers -2.5

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened Panthers pick'em and that number got decimated by the public, forcing us to get to 3 within hours of opening our number. We got to 3 flat before the sharp's got involved, they took +3 -110, +3 -115 and +3 -120, at which point we went down to 2.5 and eventually 2 flat. Then the public got involved again and we got back to 2.5 flat and then -2.5 -120, which is our current number. This game has seen some serious line movement and I honestly hate our position going into tomorrow. This should be a very closely contest matchup and I could see 3 coming into play quite easily. In fact, it's a game that has Panthers by 3 written all over it, and if it lands 3 as of now we get crushed. We've only written Seahawks money at the number 3, so all that money would be refunded and all the action on the Panthers that drove us to 3 would cash."

ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (11-6, 8-8-1 ATS, 7-10 O/U): After surviving ice-box conditions in Minnesota, Seattle is hoping for the return of running back Marshawn Lynch, who practiced fully last week for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery on Nov. 25 but said he wasn't ready to go against the Vikings. Russell Wilson, who threw for 241 yards and a touchdown in the earlier meeting, had 24 TD passes and one interception in a seven-game span before being limited to 142 yards against Minnesota. As good as Seattle's defense has been on the road, it allowed four 80-yard TD drives to the Panthers in Week 6.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (15-1, 11-5 ATS, 10-5-1 O/U): Cam Newton was picked off twice in the first matchup, but he has thrown for 21 touchdowns and only one interception over his last eight games. Greg Olsen continued a trend of tight ends burning Seattle's defense by hauling in seven passes for 131 yards, including the go-ahead 26-yard TD with under a minute to play. Jonathan Stewart, who ran for 78 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the earlier meeting, will return to the lineup after missing three games due to a foot injury. Carolina's defense sacked Wilson four times and is third in the league with 40.

TRENDS:

* Seahawks are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.
* Over is 4-0 in Panthers last 4 games following a ATS win.
* Under is 5-0 in Seahawks last 5 games overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is backing the NFC's No. 1 seed in this rematch from the regular season with 63 percent of wagers on the Panthers. As for the total 68 percent of wagers are on the under.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (-7.5, 40.5)

Peyton Manning knows all too well that the playoffs present a one-and-done scenario. With nine defeats in his team's initial playoff game on his resume, the 39-year-old Manning isn't taking anything for granted heading into the AFC West-champion Denver Broncos' divisional-round clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

"Playoffs, anything goes," Manning told reporters on Wednesday. "Everything's on the table." The veteran missed Denver's 34-27 setback to Pittsburgh on Dec. 20 due to a left foot injury but entered the team's regular-season finale and engineered four scoring drives en route to a 27-20 victory over San Diego. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns while All-Pro Antonio Brown made 16 catches for 189 yards in the initial meeting with the Broncos, but both stars were injured during Pittsburgh's 18-16 wild-card win over AFC North-rival Cincinnati last week. Roethlisberger returned to the contest despite nursing a shoulder injury while Brown was drilled by Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict and is in the NFL's concussion protocol.

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

LINE HISTORY: With injuries to several key players to the Steelers the line was held off the board for the majority of the week and eventually opened the Broncos as 5-point faves and quickly moved to -7. With Antonio Brown out the line moved to -8 and has settled back down at Broncos -7.5. The total has been bet up two points from 38.5 to 40.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Steelers - FB W. Johnson (probable Sunday, hamstring), QB B. Roethlisberger (probable Sunday, shoulder), LB R. Shazier (probable Sunday, knee), DE C. Heyward (probable Sunday, back), S R. Golden (probable Sunday, shoulder), WR S. Coates (questionable Sunday, illness), CB D. Grant (questionable Sunday, groin), RB D. Williams (out Sunday, foot), WR A. Brown (out Sunday, head).

Broncos - LB D. Ware (probable Sunday, knee), S O. Bolden (probable Sunday, groin), S D. Stewart (probable Sunday, hamstring), CB C. Harris (probable Sunday, shoulder), QB B. Osweiler (questionable Sunday, knee).

WEATHER REPORT: It should be a nice day for football in Denver. It will be partly cloudy with just a 12 percent chance of rain and temperatures in the mid 30's. There will just be minimal wind.

POWER RANKINGS: Steelers (-3.5) - Broncos (-3) + home field (-3) = Broncos -2.5

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened up a very bad number on the Broncos, opening up -4 and we paid the price for a poor number. Our limits were low at the time as we had the game circled with Big Ben nursing a shoulder surgery and Antonio Brown very questionable because he was going through Concussion Protocol, we weren't exactly sure what to open. While we opened up low, we booked this game very aggressively and it didn't take much for us to get to 6, then 6.5, and eventually to 7; then news broke that Brown wasn't going to play tomorrow we immediately went to 7.5 which is our current number. So far roughly 65% of the action is on the Broncos, most of that action between the numbers of 4 to 7 points, and any and all Steelers money is on them at +7.5, so once again we're not in the best position going into this game if it lands 7 it's going to hurt."

ABOUT THE STEELERS (11-6, 9-6-2 ATS, 6-11 O/U): With a sprained AC joint and torn ligaments in his shoulder, Roethlisberger likely isn't going to throw the ball around with the same frequency (season-high 55 attempts) that he did in the first meeting with the Broncos. Should Brown sit out on Sunday, Roethlisberger will turn to wideouts Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton - as well as trusty tight end Heath Miller - to move the ball down the field. Playing without veteran DeAngelo Williams (foot), the duo of Jordan Todman (65 yards) and Fitzgerald Toussaint (58 yards rushing, 60 yards receiving) provided a backfield presence in the wild-card game.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (12-4, 8-8 ATS, 6-9-1 O/U): Former Steeler Emmanuel Sanders hopes Sunday's tilt will feature a repeat of his strong performance in the first meeting, when he reeled in a season-high 10 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown. "You get ready for everything, but teams aren’t going to change what they do that much in the playoffs," Sanders told reporters. "You get ready to adjust, but we do what we do, they do what they do and you execute." Fellow wideout Demaryius Thomas had two of his six touchdown receptions this season against Pittsburgh.

TRENDS:

* Steelers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Divisional Playoffs games.
* Broncos are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 playoff games.
* Under is 8-2 in Steelers last 10 road games.
* Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is fairly split in this matchup, with 52 percent of wagers on the Broncos. When it comes to the total, 57 percent of wagers are on the over.

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Announcement

NFL Trends and Indexes - Divisional Round (Saturday, January 16 - Sunday, January 17)

NFL Trends and Indexes - Divisional Round (Saturday, January 16 - Sunday, January 17)

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