Good opening weekend with the bookmakers, hitting on three of four bets. And I can’t regret laying points with the Saints against Kirk Cousins. (Might be time to wonder if the Saints are ever getting back the final Sunday of the NFL season.) Four more games this weekend. Four more bets. (Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.)
Saturday 3:35 PM Central
Vikings at 49ers (-7)
Over/Under 44
The number one seed in the conference is laying LESS than a touchdown, at home, to the six seed. That’s how close all these teams are in the NFC. Kirk Cousins played way better in New Orleans than I expected and this Niners defense is nothing close to what it was over the first half of the season. Shootout. Bet: Over 44
Saturday 7:15 PM Central
Titans at Ravens (-9.5)
Over/Under 46.5
I’ve stared at this number all week and my choice is coming down to one player: Derrick Henry. Do I think he’ll be enough to beat the Ravens? No. But I think he’ll be enough to keep the game close. Bet: Titans +9.5.
Sunday 2:05 PM Central
Texans at Chiefs (-9.5)
Over/Under 51
Andy Reid just drew the worst team remaining in the playoffs. Andy Reid’s nemesis, Bill Belichick, is gone. The stage is set. This should be ho-hum, 31-14, coast into the AFC Championship game. Bet: Chiefs -9.5.
Sunday 5:40 PM Central
Seahawks at Packers (-4)
Over/Under 47
I don’t think much of this Packers team but man, what a match-up they drew here. Packers struggle defending the run but Seattle can’t run it. Seahawks struggle blocking the edge and the Packers have The Smiths. Green Bay’s offense will not have a ton of success against Seattle but they won’t need it. Bet: Under 46 (Because I’m not taking the Packers.)
