Wild Card Sunday Locks
Ravens (-3.5) @ Titans: O/U 54
Rematch of last year’s divisional round match where the Titans absolutely spanked the Ravens. Lamar Jackson finished the last month of this season finally resembling his MVP form from last year. Still, this team is fairly one dimensional, and if their ground game gets shut down, their air attack doesn’t strike fear into many opponents. That being said, the Titans have not been able to stop anyone, particularly through the air. I expect a lot of points in this one.
I’m going with the Titans getting 3.5 points. It’s kind of confusing to me why they’re the underdogs here. The Titans beat them last postseason and this regular season, and they’re home. 34–30 Titans.
Picks: Titans +3.5 (Deadbolt), Over 54 (Deadbolt)
Bears @ Saints (-10.5): O/U 48
Mitchell Trubisky completely turned around this Bears offense when he was reinserted into the starting lineup. They’ll have their hands full against this Saints team though, who not only have a powerhouse offense of their own, but have been consistently strong defensively all season as well. The Saints haven’t played many games at full strength this season, but it appears that they will have all of their weapons for this one.
I’m going Saints laying 10.5 points. It’s a ton of points, and the Saints have disappointed big time in the playoffs in recent years, but I think this team is different than in years past. This defense is fantastic. I expect them to contain David Montgomery, which essentially will shut down the Bears’ offense. Offensively, there’s so much talent on this team. Michael Thomas had 0 TDs in the regular season. I expect him to break through big in this one. 31–20 Saints.
Picks: Saints -10.5 (Padlock), Over 48 (Padlock)
Browns @ Steelers (-6): O/U 47.5
For the 2nd time in 2 weeks, these AFC North rivals square off. This time the Steelers will be at full strength, but the Browns will be without their head coach due to Covid. The Browns have impressed all season long, primarily due to their two-headed monster in the ground game with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The Steelers limped to the finish line in the regular season following their 11–0 start to the season. They have shown no ability to run the ball whatsoever, which puts a ton of pressure on their very skilled passing attack.
I’m going Browns getting 6 points. I trust their offense much more than I do the Steelers offense. The loss of their head coach makes this pick a bit tougher, but ultimately I see this game as a team that dominated on the ground against a team that can’t run the ball. To me, that makes the pick fairly simple. 24–23 Browns.
