NFL Winning Picks

As post-season play marks the wintery end of the NFL season, there’s only one pick that really matters to NFL fans, regardless of betting lines. Who will walk away as Super Bowl XLVI Champions?The Bet Here is: Atlanta FalconsFlying under the radar while still amassing 13 wins during the regular season. The Falcons are reminiscent of the 2009 New Orleans Saints in that balls just seem to bounce there way, boasting a host of uncanny wins in close games. Like last year’s Saints, the Falcons are attempting to bring the city of Atlanta its first Lombardi Trophy (or first championship of any variety for that matter, since the 1995 Braves World Series Title). With the aptly named Matty Ice now with 3 years under his belt, still steady as ever with the score tight, the Falcons make a habit of mistake free football, which helps their “bend don’t break” defense stay effective, even if not statistically among the league’s stronger units. Between Michael Turner’s almost fumble free workhorse load and Ryan’s limited interceptions, it’s tough to derail the Falcons’ well-calculated offense. Though methodical stroll is more apt to describe the offensive tempo, receiver Roddy White, who leads the league in receptions, offers playmaking ability, alongside the pass-catching consistency of Tony Gonzalez, to add another dimension to this balanced offense.The Falcons’ superb home mark, 20-2 in Matt Ryan’s career, combined with home field advantage up until the main event, should ensure an inside track to at least make the second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history (first since 1998).Who will they meet: New England Patriots (more…)

Predicted Winner w/Points Underlined

9/9 New Orleans (-6.5) MinnesotaExpect a similarly close content to last year’s overtime NFC Championship game, even without Sidney Rice out, as perhaps the New Orleans defense was a little lucky last year.

• The Pick: Saints to win, but Vikings beat the spread.

9/12 NY Giants (-7.5) CarolinaThe Giants suddenly potent passing attack, with the emergence of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham should force the Panthers to pass just to keep up and limit their dangerous ground game. With Matt Moore entering his first year as the ordained starter and the original Steve Smith missing the entire preseason, that’s not a good thing.

• The Pick: Giants to win and cover.

9/12 Atlanta (-2.5) PittsburghAtlanta fans know as good anyone what it’s like to pin your hopes on Byron Leftwich to lead a team. Hopefully, for Steeler Nation’s sake, Big Ben is back sooner than later.

• The Pick: Falcons to win and cover.

9/12 New England (-5.5) CincinnatiThe Bengals could struggle to find their identity in the first few weeks. A successful rushing team a year ago, it’s highly doubtful the T. Ocho Show sees it that way. Look for the always prepared and ever-dangerous Patriots to take advantage at home.

• The Pick: Patriots to win and cover.

9/12 Tampa Bay (-2.5) ClevelandRule of thumb: Always pick against Jake Delhomme to carry a team, especially on the road. Now with Jerome Harrison instead of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in his backfield, it could be a matter of quarters, not games before Delhomme gets the hook.

• The Pick: Bucs to win and cover.

9/12 Jacksonville (-2.5) DenverWith Brandon Marshall gone, Demaryius Thomas hurt and Knowshon Moreno not yet at full strength, it’s anyone’s guess how the Broncos expect to score. Look for MJD and the Jags to run over Denver at home.

• The Pick: Jaguars to win and cover.

9/12 Indianapolis (-3.5) HoustonLast year the Colts edged out the Jags by 2 in week 1. Two years ago, they took the loss at the hand of the Bears. Not to say the Colts are slow starters, but a dangerous Houston team at home will keep it close.

• The Pick: Colts to win in a nail-biter, Texans to beat the spread. (more…)