NFL Picks Against the Spread: Conference Championships

Season: 132-124-8          Last Week: 2-2          Playoffs: 6-2

Baltimore (+7.5) at New England

Because this spread is an overreaction line following New England's dominance of Denver and Baltimore's lackluster effort at home against Houston.

Because Joe Flacco can't look as poor as he did against the Houston defense against the New England defense.

Because this pick was made with me remembering Flacco's game-winning drive at Pittsburgh and not the performance he mailed in during the Sunday night game in San Diego.

Because of Ray Rice.

Because Baltimore doesn't believe it can keep it close, it believes it can actually win the game.

Because I picked them in a playoff pool, and would be forced to root for them no matter what, so I might as well pick them here.

Because of Ray Rice.

Because if the Jets won last year, why can't the Ravens keep it within a touchdown this year?

New York Giants (+2.5) at San Francisco

Because it's a bad sign that despite forcing five turnovers, San Francisco was trailing with 45 seconds left.

Because I want the already played out "Is Eli Elite?" storyline to continue for another three weeks.

Because if the Patriots win earlier in the day, the Giants will win. It has to happen.

Because it's scary to look at the stat line from San Francisco's wide receivers last week.

Because, hopefully, this game won't need to come down to a Lawrence Tynes vs David Akers battle.

Because the Giants have the better playmakers, and are riding the same wave they rode to Super Bowl 42.

Enjoy the games.

NFL Picks Against the Spread: Divisional Round

Season: 130-122-8          Last Week: 4-0

New Orleans at San Francisco (+3.5) 

While God will be focused on the game in New England later in the night, this could turn out to be the best matchup of the weekend.

If this game were in New Orleans, the 49ers wouldn't have a chance. At all.

But with it being in San Francisco, outdoors and on grass, I don't know who will win. But it will be close.

Denver (+13.5) at New England

I see the Broncos keeping it within two touchdowns as Tim Tebow threatens to single-handedly crash Twitter between the hours of 8 and 11 p.m. Saturday.

Also, if you took the odds-on favorite in my "Tim Tebow's first pass" prop bet last week, you would have cashed. (Cashed easily, I might add). Did you see how off target that throw was!?!?

Houston at Baltimore (-7.5)

Giving more than a touchdown with Joe Flacco is always tough, especially in the playoffs.

But if you do take the Texans, imagine how you'll be feeling around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, when Houston is down 13-0 on the road and T.J. Yates has completed five passes while throwing two interceptions at halftime.

New York Giants (+7.5) at Green Bay

The Giants return to Lambeau for the first time since knocking off the Packers in the 2007 playoffs for what will be a fun way to wrap up the divisional weekend.

(I know, I know. They played there last season. But now's not the time to bring that debacle up. Positive thoughts!)

And I'd also like to use this space to be the first person to let you know that this Giants team brings back memories of the team that won Super Bowl 42.

Enjoy the games.

NFL Picks Against the Spread: Wild Card Weekend

Season: 126-122-8          Last Week: 8-7-1

Cincinnati at Houston (-3)

With T.J. Yates just needing to exist in the two seconds between receiving the snap and handing it off to Arian Foster or Ben Tate, the Texans and their defense should be fine at home against the Bengals.

And if Houston wins, it'll allow me to cash in the following bet I made back in Week 1.

Will a red-headed quarterback win an NFL playoff game in 2011? NO (-1600)

Detroit at New Orleans (-10.5)

Never go against Drew Brees at night in the Superdome. Never go against Drew Brees at night in the Superdome. Never go against Drew Brees at night in the Superdome.

The best chance for the Lions would be if Ndamukong Suh injures Drew Brees, leading to the following prop bet being listed at sportsbooks.

Which professional wrestling move will Ndamukong Suh use to try and hurt Drew Brees Saturday?
A steel chair to the head (-110)
Hulk Hogan's leg drop (+250)
A baseball bat to the knee (+400)
The Undertaker's piledriver (+800)

Atlanta at New York Giants (-3)

The Giants could lose this game, or win against Atlanta and beat the Packers in Green Bay, and I wouldn't be surprised either way. Here's to hoping Atlanta doesn't look too closely at what Washington did in Week 15 at the Meadowlands.

Following a Giants win, who will Brandon Jacobs inevitably insult?
Green Bay's fans (+250)
Aaron Rodgers (+500)
The city of Green Bay (+650)
The state of Wisconsin (+1400)

Pittsburgh at Denver (+8.5)

Pittsburgh's last four games on the road:

Win over the Bengals, 24-17
Win over the Chiefs, 13-9 (Tyler Palko)
Loss against the 49ers, 20-3
Win over the Browns, 13-9 (Seneca Wallace)

Denver always plays better as an underdog, and Pittsburgh has had trouble covering as a large favorite this season. And they'll have trouble covering Sunday.

What will be the result of Tim Tebow's first pass?
Complete (+200)
Incomplete (-150)
Causes the people you're watching with to break out in laughter because of its inaccuracy (-300)

Enjoy Wild Card Weekend.