Last weekend, I got crushed. The NFL playoffs have ruined us, and I have made an executive decision that my season-long record and my playoff record are now separate entities. This is what we call coping, because I’m not doing well. But we move forward.
All lines are from our good friends at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.
NFC Championship: Rams at Seahawks
There are certain times when it is very clear that one of the conference championship games is going to determine which of the remaining teams is actually the best team. Of the three games remaining, the two best teams aren’t going to be playing in the Super Bowl. They’re playing this weekend. I would be stunned if the winner of this game does not win the Super Bowl.
Seattle has been unbelievable all year. Their defense is awesome. Their coach is awesome. They have home-field advantage. Sam Darnold has earned everyone’s respect, even if he hasn’t earned everyone’s trust.
With that said, Stafford is in such a different tier than Darnold. And McVay, as great as Mike Macdonald is, I think McVay is the second-best coach in the NFL.
I have felt like the Rams are the best NFC team throughout most of the year and the best team overall the last few months. I know what their best game looks like. I’ve seen them play their best defensive game of the season against Seattle when they forced four interceptions. I’ve seen them play their best offensive game of the year against Seattle when Stafford threw for 450 yards.
I believe this is the Rams’ year. I like the Rams +2.5.
Nick’s Pick: Rams +2.5
AFC Championship: Patriots at Broncos
Between the shakiness of the Patriots’ offensive line, how loose Drake Maye has been with the football, the crowd noise in Denver, and this being Drake Maye’s first career road playoff game – this is a game that could be played in the teens.
If it’s a game that’s going to be played in the teens and I’m getting 5.5 points with the home team, I’ll take those points.
Stidham only has four career starts. He hasn’t started a game in two years. All of that is horrifying. However, he’s 29 years old, he’s experienced, Sean Payton made it a priority to go get him, and his first career start ever came against a really good Niners team where he put up 300 yards and threw for three touchdowns.
I think Drake Maye is more likely to turn the ball over in this game than Stidham is. I think the Patriots win, but I think the Broncos cover the spread.
I think this is a 17-13, 21-17, 17-14 type of game where New England wins. I’ll take Denver plus the points.
Nick’s Pick: Broncos +5.5
Damonza’s Teaser
This one’s a little weird. This one’s more man-made.
Damonza’s teaser for Championship Sunday includes New England teased up to +2.5, the Rams at +10.5, and the under in the Rams-Seahawks game at 55 points.
Teasers in the playoffs are hard. You don’t have a lot of options here. It’s just a rough one.
Touchdown Genie
Last week, I gave out a three-leg Touchdown Genie parlay of Davante Adams, Josh Allen, and Puka Nacua. Those three guys all did not score a touchdown.
So this week, I’m keeping it simple. Kyren Williams anytime touchdown +125. That’s what I’m going with.
Nick’s Pick: Kyren Williams Anytime Touchdown (+125)
Enjoy championship weekend. Talk to you guys soon.
Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in FL. Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC, in all other states. Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling? In FL, call 1-833-PLAYWISE. In IN, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1‑800‑GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA)
