For the first time I can ever recall the NFL playoffs open with 4 home dogs in week one. I'll post the current lines and speculate on the games. Give me your opinions.

Atlanda @ Arizona current line +1 opened at +3 O/U 51

I was surprised to see AZ get support in the books, but the wiseguy money must have come in on AZ to move the line 2 points. This is a tough line with a true rookie starting for Atl but you gotta like his poise so far.

My pick is Atlanta as recently first year starters and rookie starters have fared better in the playoffs than in years past. AZ played in a soft division and got beat by most quality opponents it played. Atl played in a tough division and has a few quality wins. I'm going Falcons in this one even at +1

Indy @ San Diego current line +1 opened at +1 O/U 51

The best QB this season against one of the best ever matchup. Also the two teams no one wants to play. Both are on winning streaks, but san diego snuck in while the Colts grabbed control and won 9 straight to get in. This will be the best game in the opening weekend, but in the end I think the team I picked to start the year is going to run the AFC. Yep, an 8-8 team in the superbowl.

Sunday:

Baltimore @ Miami current line +3.5 opened at +3 O/U 38

Small support for Baltimore in this one but again a true rookie starter in the playoffs on the road no less. I see Baltimore putting up 10 points in this one. But the game manager Pennington leads a late FG drive for the win and 4th FG of the game for the Phins. This game will be ugly with a ton of 3 and outs, I just think the veteran QB will do a little less (damage) and win it. The under is intriguing as well in a game that could be marred with missed opportunities.

Philly @ Minnesota current line +3 opened at +3 O/U 42

Ah I want to say Minny is one and done, but alas AP will run on that Eagles D. Another low scoring game and Donovan has never impressed me (not that TJACK has). Philly bows out on 3 picks from McNabb (even sharper gets one tossed right too him). It will get ugly late as McNabb presses and Minnesota will win this one by at least 7.


There you have my predictions....4 home dogs, 3 home winners. Strangely the only one I will actually have money on is Atlanta. I've been riding them for most of the season so I'm not going to stop now. I'm likely going under in that game as well since the number is so danm high and I think Atlanta will run run run. The other 3 totals are ugly numbers and I won't touch them. I don't even have an opinion on 2 of them.