Wildcard Weekend Game Picks

Josh's Record: (165-74) (69.3%)
*did not pick season with spreads

Wildcard Weekend – with Spreads

Arizona Cardinals (11-5) (+5.5) @ Carolina Panthers (7-8-1) (-5.5)

Josh’s Pick: Arizona Cardinals +5.5

Although Carolina is on a four game win streak and coming off a big offensive performance against Atlanta in a “playoff” game, I don’t like them beating a credible defense like Arizona by more than -5.5. This game is somewhat similar to the Panthers matchup two weeks ago against the Browns where they won 17-13 while facing a solid overall defense and an unproductive quarterback. Carolina’s offense can be dangerous but is far from a sure bet in terms of frequent consistency. Arizona’s defense is one of the top units in the league and can definitely provide touchdowns or offensive scoring opportunities for Ryan Lindley and Co. to keep this game close. Ultimately I think the inconsistency and inexperience of Ryan Lindley will force Arizona to fall short of advancing to the divisional round.

Baltimore Ravens (10-6) +2.5 @ Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) -2.5

Josh’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens +2.5

These two teams almost always play each other close, and although Pittsburg is a superior team offensively, the absence of Le’Veon Bell makes me give Baltimore the slight edge. This is a very tough spread because if Pittsburgh wins by a field goal they beat the spread. However I think Baltimore has an excellent front seven and can rush the passer and force Ben Roethlisberger into an off outing. Le’Veon Bell was a big part in the passing game so his absence will be felt there as well, and I don’t think the Steelers will be able to make the adjustment with Ben Tate toting the rock.

Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1) +3.5 @ Indianapolis Colts (11-5) -3.5

Josh’s Pick: Indianapolis Colts -3.5

Andy Dalton comes into this game with an 0-3 record in the postseason. He still hasn’t proven that he can be dangerous in clutch situations and with his lead target AJ Green limited all week in practice and listed as questionable with a concussion, I don’t see him coming through in crunch time on Sunday. If the Bengals perform well offensively, I expect the reason to be because of their running game which has been for the most part solid all season long. Milking the clock and keeping Andrew Luck on the sideline is a good thing when you are the opposing team. I just think the Colts offense and Luck is too dangerous to pick against with only a -3.5 spread.

Detroit Lions (11-5) +7.5 @ Dallas Cowboys (12-4) -7.5

Josh’s Pick: Detroit Lions +7.5

I believe Dallas will win this game but not with the spread of -7.5. Matthew Stafford is 0-16 on the road against teams above .500 and I don’t see him snapping that streak in his second playoff appearance. I’m picking against the spread because has Detroit had a monster season on defense, and even held an Aaron Rodgers led offense to under 24 points twice in the same season (the Packers had a punt return for a TD last week).  For Dallas, Tony Romo has been as solid as they come this year and with the combined trio of Demarco Murray and Dez Bryant, their offense has been a well-oiled machine this year. I don’t necessarily think Demarco Murray will have his best outing against the formidable front seven of the Lions, but I expect Romo, Bryant and Terrence Williams to make some plays to give Dallas the win.