2022 NFL Conference Championship Picks

If Brady actually retires, Jimmy Garoppolo would be the only other quarterback 

left in the NFL with multiple rings

Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Kansas City Chiefs - The Bengals did beat the Chiefs earlier in the season.   Joe Burrow and the Bengals may be getting a little bit underrated here although the Chiefs are certainly more than capable of making it a high scoring game.  Still, hard to imagine that the Bengals get blown out given their good offense which can run the ball with Joe Mixon.  Plus Burrow has been pretty good despite his lack of professional playoff experience although perhaps he can continue coming through in the clutch like he did in college.    

San Francisco 49ers (+3.5) @ Los Angeles Rams - The 49ers are playing very well right now and present a tough matchup for the Rams.  They beat the Rams to close out the season to secure a playoff spot.  And they just beat the Packers at Green Bay not to mention another road victory against Dallas.   Yes the Rams did not have a lot to play for in this game but it is certainly a toss up.  There will also be a lot of 49ers at this game at Los Angeles.  

NFL Divisional Round Against the Spread - 2-2

Week 18 Straight Up- 1-3

2021 Against the Spread- 149-126-1

2021 Straight Up- 161-99-1

2021 Locks - 10-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2022 Divisional Round Picks

Tom Brady has more wins as a Buc(5) then the Cowboys 

do since their last Super Bowl in 1996

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans (-3.5) - Derrick Henry returns.  Question of course is Derrick Henry really truly 100% healthy or is he being rushed back. The Bengals have been playing well although the Titans are excellent in bye week situations and may be getting underrated a bit .  Still the Titans record against the spread coming off a bye is 8-0.

San Francisco 49ers (+5.5) @ Green Bay Packers - This is probably one of the last teams the Packers wanted to see in a divisional round.  The Packers did take care of the 49ers but barely and that was before Deebo was truly unlocked.  It's hard to bet against Aaron Rodgers at home but the 49ers could make a game of it.   Still the Packers could make life more difficult for Jimmy G who struggled a fare bit in the 2nd half against Dallas.  And winning at Lambeau is much harder than winning in Dallas.  

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) - This is a rematch of when these two teams played earlier in the season where the Bills dramatically blew out the Chiefs.    The Chiefs are a much better team since then although he Bills have actually been playing beter as well.  It's tough to go against Mahomes in an all out win scenario although the Bills have been running the ball game not to mention Josh Allen's great play.  This game is truly a toss up in my mind although I will side with the Chiefs here only because they have homefield.  

Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers(-3) - I think I underestimated the Bucs because they were playing without Leonard Fournette.  But it looks like Vaughn is a real deal running back who can plug and play.   The Bucs also seem to have enough offensive weapons to weather the storm without Godwin.   The Rams played out of their minds last week against the Cardinals although they may have been the worst team there.   The Bucs may have a better plan to contain Kupp although if Beckham gets going the Rams could be a tough out.  Interestingly enough, Brady will go against Sean McVay for the 1st time since their super bowl matchup and this time McVay will have a better quarterback in Stafford.  Actually think this almost a tossup game with the Bucs favored by 3 and 1/2 points.  

NFL Wild Card Against the Spread - 4-2

Week 18 Straight Up- 5-1

2021 Against the Spread- 147-124-1

2021 Straight Up- 164-98-1

2021 Locks - 10-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2022 Divisional Playoffs Picks

San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys (-3)-  Jimmy G gets his chance at redemption.  While the 49ers have successfully managed to win some games that some of not expected them to win.  Still, Dallas does have more offensive weapons.  Although Diggs is really going to have to do a good job on Deebo Samuels.  The Cowboys should win this game but it would not be surprising if Mike McCarthy gets outcoached by Kyle Shanahan.  

Jamarr Chase in his rookie season is looking to help the Bengals

win a playoff game which they haven't done since 1991

the longest active drought in the NFL (via Field Yates)

 Las Vegas Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals (-6) - The Raiders are one of those teams that just keep on winning and managed to boot the Chargers out of the playoffs with an overtime win.  Derek Carr may struggle a bit in the colder weather.  The key to game will be keeping Joe Burrows protected. 

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills (-4.5) - The Bills look to repeat their performance against the Patriots beatdown.  Wind should not be a factor like it was when the Patriots beat them earlier in the season.  

Philadelphia Eagles (+8) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tom Brady looks to get revenge against the last NFC team to beat the him in the playoffs along with Rob Gronkowski.  Still the Bucs are dealing with numerous guys missing including Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Leonard Fournette, and Ronald Jones.  The Bucs do play better at home.  Interestingly enough the Eagles have beaten Washington twice and the Saints who have beat the Bucs.  

Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams(-4) - The Rams have reeled a bit going into the playoffs but not as much as the Cardinals.  Arizona is certainly capable of pulling off the upset as they did a few weeks earlier in knocking off the Cowboys.    The Cardinals also blew out the Rams earlier in the season.  Still DeAndre Hopkins is out and James Conner is banged up which should allow the Rams to pull out ahead.   

The Steelers are expected to activate Juju Smith Schuster

(via Rappaport)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-12.5) -  The Steelers somehow made the playoffs.  The roadmap is there for the Steelers to make this competitive if they can run the ball effectively with Najee Harris.  

Week 18 against the Spread - 10-6

Week 18 Straight Up- 12-4

2021 Against the Spread- 143-122-1

2021 Straight Up- 159-97-1

2021 Locks - 10-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2021-22 Week 18 Picks

Antonio Brown allegedly 

broke COVID protocol by sneaking into a hotel 

(via NBC Sports)

Green Bay Packers  @ Detroit Lions (+3)  - Green Bay is resting their starters as indicated by this line and the Lions will play for their pride o close out the season.  

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars (+15.5) - The Jaguars have nothing to play for and look to secure the number 1 overall pick in a horrible season.  Still, the Jaguars did lose to the Colts by 6 points earlier this season.  

Washington Football Team @ New York Giants (+6.5) - The Giants have lost several  games by double digits since Daniel Jones went down with an injury.  That being said, the Giants did play division rivals like Washington close and did manage to play the Eagles close at home as well.  Of course the Giants offense is so bad that it is possible that Washington could run away with this one.  

Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) - In a meaningless game, the Vikings could do enough against the Bears.  

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans (+10.5)- The Texans look to close out the season strong against a Titans team they beat on the road this season.  Granted the Titans likely will win here to secure their playoff positioning.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5) @ Baltimore Ravens - Misery likes company- neither's teams chances for a postseason birth is very realistic and even though the Steelers have little to play for they probably will give an A+ effort in what could be big ben's last game.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns (+2.5) - Bengals may choose to rest their starters in this game as they have the playoffs all but locked up.

San Francisco 49ers (-3) @ Los Angeles Rams- The 49ers need a win to secure a playoff spot while the Rams have nothing to play for other than spoiler.

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Buccaneers (-8) -  Tampa Bay wants to get that bye although will have little play for.  The panthers are pretty awful though so even then it wouldn't surprise me if Tampa gets a win by a big margin  

Seattle Seahawks (+6.5) @ Arizona Cardinals - Seattle is eliminated and it could be Russell Wilson's last game in Seattle.  

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins (+7) - Miami came back to earth a little bit although perhaps they can make a game of it against New England.

New York Jets (+16.5) @ Buffalo Bills - The Jets may lay an egg as usual on the road although there were some positive signs at home which could lead to a closer divisional game.

New Orleans Saints (-4.5)(LOCK) @ Atlanta Falcons - This Falcons team is pretty awful and the Saints need to get a win to lock in that playoff spot.  

Los Angeles Chargers (-3) @ Las Vegas Raiders - The battle for a final playoff spot should be interesting.  I like the Chargers to hold on here on the road.

Week 17 against the Spread - 9-6-1

Week 17 Straight Up- 12-4

2021 Against the Spread- 133-116-1

2021 Straight Up- 147-93-1

2021 Locks - 10-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2021 Week 17 Picks

The DeShaun Watson-less Texans now have as many wins 

as the Watson led Texans last season 

via Omar Kelly

New York Giants @ Chicago Bears (-6)- The Giants appear to be a mess as Mike Glennon makes another start.  Due to injuries, the Bears are playing QB roulette as Andy Dalton suits up in this game.  The Bears defense is looking to slow down the Giants 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New England Patriots (-15.5)-  The Patriots should be due for a bounce back game after playing two good teams.  The Jaguars have struggled and will continue to do so without James Robinson. Trevor Lawrence was drafted number 1 but could end up losing to his third rookie quarterback this season.  

Los Angeles Rams (+3.5) @ Baltimore Ravens-  Huntley makes his return from Covid and could struggle against a strong Rams defense.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New York Jets (+13)- This could be a get right game for the Bucs against a putrid Jets team.  Mike Evans makes his return.  Although one can't discount the Jets pulling a decent performance at home.

Atlanta Falcons @ Buffalo Bills (-14.5)- The Falcons simply cannot protect Matt Ryan.  Perhaps the Falcons may finally move on from Ryan this offseason.  Devin Singletary has been carrying the running back workload and that success will likely continue against a poor Falcons running defense.  

Kanas City Chiefs @ Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) - The Chiefs could pull out a win although they have several players coming off of Covid.  Joe Burrow has been playing lights out although consistency has plagued him all season.  

Miami Dolphins (+3.5) @ Tennessee Titans - Two teams are playing really well here.  Right now, I'm going with the dolphins who had a wake up call after losing to the Jaguars.

Las Vegas Raiders @ Indianapolis Colts (-7.5) - Carson Wentz passes the Covid protocol and makes his return.  The Raiders have really struggled without Darren Waller.  

Philadelphia Eagles (-4) @ Washington Football Team - Washington actually kept it competitive with a practice squad QB last like around but they had a putrid performance from their defense in the 2nd half which continued into last weeks game against Dallas.  Perhaps Washington will play with more pride although it may be time to write them off with guys like Landon Collins and Antonio Gibson being out in this game.

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers (-5.5) -  The Broncos are ready for this season to end.  Their defense has actually had decent performances but the Chargers will try to get back on track with several players returning from Covid.

Houston Texans (+13.5) @ San Francisco 49ers - Mike Shanahan is coming off a loss and playing a team where he coached before.  The Texans have been getting underrated by the bookmaker especially Davis Mills.

Detroit Lions @ Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) - Russell Wilson needs a get right game right?  Still the Lions have been surging but one should expect that to come to an end this week especially without Jared Goff.

Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys (-5)- Dallas played lights against Washington.  Kyler Murray has struggled without DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals secondary has also been below average and will be without Wilson.

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (-7)-  New Orleans got blown out by the Dolphins last Monday Night but the Panthers have not been playing well.  Plus the Saints get back Taysom Hill.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (-6.5)(LOCK)- Dalvin Cook returns but Kirk Cousins is out due to the Covid protocol.  Rodgers is playing injured but looks to make himself evenackers attempt to even the series.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+3)- The Steelers defense has struggled lately although they did enough to slow down the Browns in their earlier meeting.  

Week 16 against the Spread - 11-5

Week 16 Straight Up- 12-4

2021 Against the Spread- 124-110

2021 Straight Up- 135-89-1

2021 Locks - 10-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110