NFL 2015 NFC Wild Card (Packers vs Redskins)

This NFL Wildcard matchup comes down to whether the Green Bay Packers can score 24 points. In the last 8 games, Green Bay's opponents have scored 23 or fewer points in 7 games. The Packers are 4-4 during this stretch.

In the first 8 games of the season, the Packers were 6-2 and scored 24 or more points 6 times. Their only loss when scoring over 23 points was to the Carolina Panthers.

The Washington Redskins performed along these same lines. In the last 8 games, Washington's opponents have scored 23 or few points in 5 games. The Redskins are 6-2 during this stretch.

For the Redskins, the defensive turnaround coincided with that of the offense, specifically Kirk Cousins. In the first 8 games, Cousins threw 10 Touchdowns and 9 Interceptions. He threw 19 TDs and 2 INTs in the last 8 games.

Can the Packers defense contain or rattle Cousins to get the much needed Interceptions? This matchup is a classic "pick them" -- Green Bay At Washington (PK; 47).

Though the numbers tilt to the Redskins (.947), the Redskins lost 5 games to non-playoff teams. The Packers lost 2 games to non-playoff teams.

So, I take the Packers (OVER). Pick wisely, and check out the pick for the other playoff games.

NFL 2015 NFC Wild Card (Seahawks vs Vikings)

The Seattle Seahawks lost six games this season. Two of these losses were to the St. Louis Rams, a division rival that seemed to have Seattle's number.

The other four were to teams that made the playoffs. In three of those four losses, the Seahawks led or tied going into the fourth quarter. In the other game, division rival, the Arizona Cardinals dominated the Seattle for most of that game. The Seahawks returned the favor in Week 17.

This playoff matchup is a repeat of a Week 13 contest where the Seattle Seahawks demolished the Minnesota Vikings. The final score was 38-7, and justifies the outlook for this meeting: Seattle At Minnesota (+4; 39.5).

The Vikings defense will determine this game. The Vikings have lost five of six games when they gave up 20 or more points. In their other 10 games, all wins, the opponent scored less than 20 points.

Minnesota also led at the half in all these games, except once when they were tied with the Chicago Bears. This was their only come from behind victory -- they trailed at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Seahawks have scored 29 or more points in 7 of 8 games, and have not scored less than 17 points in a loss. So, can the Vikings offense support its defense with 21 points?

The numbers favor the Seahawks (.737) because they have the defense to match their explosive offense.

So, I take the Seahawks (OVER). Pick wisely, and check out the pick for the other playoff games.

NFL 2015 AFC Wild Card (Steelers vs Bengals)

Heading into their Week 14 matchup, these two teams were my choices to come out of the AFC. With them facing each other in a Wild Card game, this lessens that likelihood. The next key factor is the injury, during that game, to Quarterback Andy Dalton which has caused the Cincinnati Bengals to be the underdog at home. 

Pittsburgh At Cincinnati (+3; 45.5) is an early referendum on AJ McCarron. Since McCarron replaced Dalton during the game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals have won two and lost two. The loss to the Denver Broncos is why they did not earn a bye.

As a starter, McCarron's play has been steady but his lack of experience and big strike capability will likely hinder the Bengals in these playoffs.

Even with Dalton starting, the Steelers have had success against the Bengals -- a record of 6 Wins and 2 Losses coming into this season. Early this season, the Steelers lost to the Bengals in a low-scoring affair. Since that game, Pittsburgh has scored 28 or more points, on way to a 6-2 record.

For Cincinnati, its defense has been the steady force since that game. The Bengals defense has held opponents to under 21 points in 7 of 9 games. To beat the Steelers, the Bengals will need to score 24 or more points.

Against the Spread (ATS) this game is a toss-up - a battle between Bengals defense and Steelers offense.

So, I take the Steelers (OVER) because the Steelers defense is not likely to give up over 21 points to AJ McCarron. Pick wisely, and check out the pick for the other playoff games.