NFL Wildcard Playoff Picks

It wasn't the end to the regular season that Ol' Joe had hoped for. I went a lame 2-2 ATS in Week 17 and my season record ended up at 31-35-2 ATS. That's quite a money loser. Over the last couple seasons I've recovered a lot of cash with solid runs through the playoffs; I need another big playoff run to finish the year in the black.

NY Jets (+2.5) at Cincinnati

The Jets took apart the Bengals last week and they should do it again this weekend. I know last week's 37-0 drubbing was against most of the Bengals' backups, but look what the Jets did when Carson Palmer and the regulars were in there. Palmer completed 1-of-11 passes for zero yards. Zero! Throw in that Chad Ochocinco is nursing a knee injury and may be sidelined and the Jets' defense should carry New York to a win. Take the Jets +2.5.

Philadelphia at Dallas (-3)

The Cowboys totally dominated the Eagles last week and as long as they can avoid the playoff jinx that has been dogging them for a number of years they should do it again. Dallas is 2-0 against the Eagles this season, and considering how badly they wrecked Philly last week I'd be a fool to bet against them making it a perfect 3-for-3. In their last six games against the Eagles the Cowboys are 4-2, and at home this season they were 6-2 SU. Look for the Cowboys to christen their new stadium with a playoff win. Take Dallas -3.

Baltimore at New England (-4)

Wes Welker or no Wes Welker, I think the Patriots have this one in the bag on Sunday. The Patriots get home-field advantage in the matchup and that has been huge for them this season. New England was a perfect 8-0 at Gillette Stadium compared to 2-6 on the road. The Ravens were also a poor road team this season at 3-5. Back in Week 4 the Pats dropped the Ravens 27-21 as a 1.5-point home favorite. Take New England -4.

Green Bay (+2) at Arizona

To me, this game was the hardest to figure out. The Packers slammed the Cardinals 33-7 last week, but the Cardinals barely played their starters and Matt Leinart did nothing with the Arizona offense. With Kurt Warner at the helm there's no way the Cardinals will suffer that kind of beatdown again. That being said, I'm still going to take the Packers because of their defense. If you look at the Cardinals' losses most of them are due to turnovers. Against the Packers' No. 2-ranked defense even Warner will be picked off at least a couple times, leading to great field position and easy scores. It won't be another rout, but take Green Bay +2.

Overall Season Results:
SU: 48-21
ATS: 31-35-2