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

Line: New York (-3.5) BaltimorePick with Points: BaltimorePick Straight-up: BaltimoreThough not quite against the grain enough to warrant an Upset Special, the Ravens will take the field at the New Meadowlands Stadium as slight underdogs when they square off against Rex Ryan’s Ravens, and this year’s darlings of HBO’s off-season show Hard Knocks. The head coach of Gang Green maintains the vaunted Jets D from a season ago will be just as fearsome with CB Darrelle Revis on the sideline, but excuse us if we aren’t quite so sold. With “Revis Island” suddenly open of air travel, look for Baltimore’s much improved passing attack to take advantage of both sides of the field. While the Jets contracted (emphasis on the ‘contract’) their defensive backfield, the Ravens spent the summer adding weapons. With WR Anquan Boldin moving from the desert to Charm City, Derrick Mason can finally play a more age-appropriate second fiddle in the receiving corps. The Ravens also brought in speedy wide-out Donte Stallworth; however, he will miss the early season with a fractured foot. QB Joe Flacco avoided a sophomore slump, actually improving on an already impressive rookie campaign in 2009 and should be positioned for a breakout year his junior year in the NFL. His numbers were no doubt aided by the dangerous RB Ray Rice coming out of the backfield, catching more passes than any other RB in the league, while providing a home run threat in the running game as well. (more…)