By Dalton Del Don
Last week I went 2-2, making me 3-5 during the postseason. Here’s my outlook for the Championship games:
Jets +8 at COLTS (Best Bet)
VIKINGS +3.5 at Saints
Comments: The Jets are no fluke, and turnovers could be the great equalizer, but this is a tough matchup for New York. Not getting down early could be imperative, or it could turn into a laugher in the second half. Of course, an upset wouldn’t truly shock, either. The Colts can defend the run pretty well when they focus on doing so. I don’t feel good at all backing the Vikings, who are probably the public side after they just undressed America’s team in the spotlight last week, but the dome setting mitigates the road factor, at least somewhat (except for the crowd noise). I’ll take the points, but this is a game I’d stay away from.
Jets
Vikings
Indy/NYJ 39.5 Over
NO/Minn 53.5 Over
I can’t help it, I have to ask: if you accept that the Dallas Cowboys, headquartered in quite probably the single most soulless and corporate city ever to arise in the history of man, owned by a troll, and supported in chief by one of the limpest group of bluebloods “fans” to ever grace a stadium (non-cricket division), are “America’s Team”, do you also accept that Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers? [g]
Matt Maring’s picks:
Colts
Vikings
Over
Over
I have to disagree with the vikings pick. While I understand that the vikings also play in a dome, the saints crowd right now has to be worth at least a field goal. Also, the vikings have been relying heavily on the pass, and we saw what a healthy saints D did to the potent cards offense last week.
However, I will agree with the colts pick. Despite the fact that the jets pass defense is very, very good, their offense is equally as bad. Without a huge game on the ground, the jets will be lucky to score any points. Having said that, I believe the jets could possibly win this game (if the defense gives them good field position), I wouldn’t go anywhere near this one.
Dreamweapon – Hahaha that’s good stuff. I wasn’t calling them “America’s Team” myself, just that they are assumed that by others. I certainly don’t agree. My main point was this: there are a few teams that bettors (the public) consistently back (Lakers, Yankees, Steelers, Colts) and the Cowboys are clearly one of them. And Miller High Life tastes like piss.
B Wright – Matt Maring knows the deal!
Regarding your picks, one thing jumped out – if you’re backing the Jets, I’m surprised you’d also go with the over. Of course, both could occur, but to me, it seems far more likely that if the Jets cover, it would be a lower scoring game.
scheub – I don’t like the Minny pick at all. I concede that. 100 percent of the people I respect ATS are backing N.O., which is interesting. Literally all of them.
Crazy insane stat:
Since 1970, there have been 78 Championship games, and when the line is fewer than 10 points, the team winning the game is a perfect 65-0-2 ATS.
So naturally, expect the Jets (or Vikes) to lose yet cover this week.
I really like the Colts in one half of a teaser, but unfortunately, I don’t feel confident in a second part.
Went 3-1 this week. The last drive of the 1st half by the Colts is what killed the Jets chances. Matt went a perfect 4-0 and is now thinking Vegas or Reno for the Super Bowl. We both agree on picking the Colts -5 but we are thinking under on 56 points. Your thoughts…
B Wright you went 3-5 last week making you .500 Wonder why you didn’t post that?
Shoot Jewru you keep better track than I do. Thank you and you are right that I am not battin .500.
I meant to say “now battin .500″
Ya I didn’t post my o/u thoughts last week here, but for what it’s worth I ended up backing the over on the Indy game but the under on the Minny one. Matt Maring dominated last week!
I really like the Colts, but I also assumed the spread would be around 3 points. It’s 5.5 and climbing right now, so apparently everyone else is all over them too. Gun to head right now I agree – Colts and the under.
Vegas won’t let you do this, but teasing both the Colts (to around a pick ‘em) and the under (62!) sounds like a fantastic bet if you ask me. Plenty of bookies will allow that, and maybe even Reno too (I need to check that).