Wild Card Saturday Locks!
Seahawks @ 49ers (-9.5), O/U 42
Playoffs are here! Kicking us off is a divisional matchup between the Seahawks and the 49ers. The Seahawks limped into the postseason with some help from some questionable officiating in Week 18. They looked great for the first half of the season, but then have looked extremely pedestrian the last month or two. They’re offense is reliant on Kenneth Walker getting going which would set up the play-action to their lethal duo of WRs in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Defensively, they struggle.
The 49ers are the hottest team in football. Transitioning from Jimmy G to Brock Purdy did absolutely nothing to cool them off. They’ve won 10 straight. Offensively, they have dynamic weapons everywhere and a scheme that is arguably the best in the league. Defensively, they are the best in the league. This is a dominant team with only one question mark: how will Brock Purdy do in the playoffs in those critical moments?
I’m not overthinking this and will lay the number with the 49ers. Yes, beating a team 3 times is difficult, but they’re the vastly superior football team. Weather may impact this game, but it could be argued that the weather could actually help them and hurt the Seahawks. I’ll take the under as well, but the better play is the Seahawks team total under since it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the 49ers put up 30.
Picks: 49ers -9.5 (Deadbolt), UNDER 42 (Padlock)
Chargers (-2.5) @ Jaguars, O/U 47.5
I love this game. Two different teams playing in the playoffs is fun. Two young, unproven QBs. Two fun offenses. A lot to like here. The Jaguars are hot. Following a rough start, they’ve won 5 straight to secure the AFC South title. They’re young and unproven, but have weapons, particularly offensively. Defensively, they’re also young, and have a big challenge ahead of them.
The Chargers are loaded with talent. Their main issue is their coach, who makes some incredibly questionably (to put it nicely) decisions. But Justin Herbert is trying to secure his status as an elite QB. A win here would go a long way in helping that.
I’m laying the points with the Chargers and taking the over.
