Ok, so after reading a lot of posts on here with people's opinions on these games, I feel compelled to at least give a small write up for these picks.
Packers -3: The one centers on my belief that GB's defense is going to disrupt what has become one of the most potent offenses in the league. Dom Capers has taken his defensive scheming to new heights. He's blitzing at least one DB in one quarter of snaps in the postseason. Clay Matthews is always roaming. In week 17, they had 5 sacks and 2 INTs. Cutler works best with plenty of time, and is WELL below average under pressure. Sure he had a great game against Seattle's 27th ranked pass defense that barely blitzed the whole game. On top of the mistakes they're going to force Cutler to make, they've been much improved against the run in recent weeks. Despite averaging 109.1 rushing yards allowed in all games played this season, they've allowed only 87.8 yards per game in their last 5. (Against the Falcons, Eagles, Bears, Giants and Pats, three of which were top ten rushing offenses: not the Bears) So that's my feeling when the Bears are on offense and the Packers on defense.
When the Packers are on offense, it will also be tough going. There's little question that the Bears have a solid defense, but the Packers actually match up very well against them. Rodgers is one of the best at producing positive plays from blitzes. He's possibly the best in the league out of the pocket. The Packers have only recently been able to run the ball anything close to effectively. More importantly is that they do not expect the run to be a real producer, and scheme accordingly. Meanwhile the Bears excel at rushing the passer and stopping the run. So the Packers have the best guy to produce facing an excellent pass rush, and a scheme designed to get around facing an excellent rush defense.
Special Teams will no doubt be an area where the Bears will have a big edge, and I expect them to have a significant edge in field position, likely because the Packers will not kick to Hester. I do not think this will be enough of an edge to let them win.
Steelers -3: Coming tomorrow.
0
Ok, so after reading a lot of posts on here with people's opinions on these games, I feel compelled to at least give a small write up for these picks.
Packers -3: The one centers on my belief that GB's defense is going to disrupt what has become one of the most potent offenses in the league. Dom Capers has taken his defensive scheming to new heights. He's blitzing at least one DB in one quarter of snaps in the postseason. Clay Matthews is always roaming. In week 17, they had 5 sacks and 2 INTs. Cutler works best with plenty of time, and is WELL below average under pressure. Sure he had a great game against Seattle's 27th ranked pass defense that barely blitzed the whole game. On top of the mistakes they're going to force Cutler to make, they've been much improved against the run in recent weeks. Despite averaging 109.1 rushing yards allowed in all games played this season, they've allowed only 87.8 yards per game in their last 5. (Against the Falcons, Eagles, Bears, Giants and Pats, three of which were top ten rushing offenses: not the Bears) So that's my feeling when the Bears are on offense and the Packers on defense.
When the Packers are on offense, it will also be tough going. There's little question that the Bears have a solid defense, but the Packers actually match up very well against them. Rodgers is one of the best at producing positive plays from blitzes. He's possibly the best in the league out of the pocket. The Packers have only recently been able to run the ball anything close to effectively. More importantly is that they do not expect the run to be a real producer, and scheme accordingly. Meanwhile the Bears excel at rushing the passer and stopping the run. So the Packers have the best guy to produce facing an excellent pass rush, and a scheme designed to get around facing an excellent rush defense.
Special Teams will no doubt be an area where the Bears will have a big edge, and I expect them to have a significant edge in field position, likely because the Packers will not kick to Hester. I do not think this will be enough of an edge to let them win.
Steelers -3: Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. The Steelers have 5 legitimate threats, and are far from a shutdown unit across the middle and in seam routes. I expect the Steelers to spread the field, and take advantage of the Jets weaknesses with the depth of their receiving corps. When Antonio Brown can be a difference maker (i.e. his near 60 yard catch against the Ravens, setting up the winning TD), you know Pitt has really hit its stride offensively. I think they are a much better unit right now than even 6 weeks ago when they played the Jets last and lost. Also, the Jets can be run on. Mendenhall has put up 99/1 previously on only 17 carries.
On the other side of the ball, I'd say the only reason the Jets were able to put up 22 points against the Steelers was the fact that Polamalu was out. The Steelers defensive unit has proven time and again that they are much stronger with him than without him. It's actually kind of funny that Jets supporters are citing the previous win as evidence that they will win on Sunday, when the only reason they won last time was the fact that the Steelers were resting Polamalu for the post-season. Sanchez will have to do a lot more than he has for me to believe he can perform against a top level defense. Keep in mind his great performance last week was against the 30th ranked pass defense in the league! Jets fans are in for a rude awakening more reminiscent of their streak of three games without an offensive TD on Sunday.
As for special teams, as with the other game, I'm supporting the team without the edge, but I see such a big edge on both of the other situations that I do not think ST plays with make the difference in the game.
0
Steelers -3: Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. The Steelers have 5 legitimate threats, and are far from a shutdown unit across the middle and in seam routes. I expect the Steelers to spread the field, and take advantage of the Jets weaknesses with the depth of their receiving corps. When Antonio Brown can be a difference maker (i.e. his near 60 yard catch against the Ravens, setting up the winning TD), you know Pitt has really hit its stride offensively. I think they are a much better unit right now than even 6 weeks ago when they played the Jets last and lost. Also, the Jets can be run on. Mendenhall has put up 99/1 previously on only 17 carries.
On the other side of the ball, I'd say the only reason the Jets were able to put up 22 points against the Steelers was the fact that Polamalu was out. The Steelers defensive unit has proven time and again that they are much stronger with him than without him. It's actually kind of funny that Jets supporters are citing the previous win as evidence that they will win on Sunday, when the only reason they won last time was the fact that the Steelers were resting Polamalu for the post-season. Sanchez will have to do a lot more than he has for me to believe he can perform against a top level defense. Keep in mind his great performance last week was against the 30th ranked pass defense in the league! Jets fans are in for a rude awakening more reminiscent of their streak of three games without an offensive TD on Sunday.
As for special teams, as with the other game, I'm supporting the team without the edge, but I see such a big edge on both of the other situations that I do not think ST plays with make the difference in the game.
Exactly what I thought. But seems like these are the four obvious picks. Who would dare bet against the hot Packers and Steelers at home? and Who would dare to bet over for these great defenses during cold ass weather with possibly snow getting in the way?
Only thing is........ logic, obviousness, and riding the public sometimes get destroyed.....
0
Exactly what I thought. But seems like these are the four obvious picks. Who would dare bet against the hot Packers and Steelers at home? and Who would dare to bet over for these great defenses during cold ass weather with possibly snow getting in the way?
Only thing is........ logic, obviousness, and riding the public sometimes get destroyed.....
I'm not playing the totals. I just said those were leans, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that I just don't trust either of these numbers.
I am adding a few player props though.
Heath Miller scores a TD +195
Antonio Brown rec yards o26.5 -120
Emmanuel Sanders o39.5 rec yards -120
Ben Roethlisberger TD passes over 1.5 +105
I obviously believe in the Steelers passing game once you get beyond Revis and Cromartie.
0
I'm not playing the totals. I just said those were leans, and the more I think about it, the more I realize that I just don't trust either of these numbers.
I am adding a few player props though.
Heath Miller scores a TD +195
Antonio Brown rec yards o26.5 -120
Emmanuel Sanders o39.5 rec yards -120
Ben Roethlisberger TD passes over 1.5 +105
I obviously believe in the Steelers passing game once you get beyond Revis and Cromartie.
i like the under in the NFC championship game as well. 6 of the last 6 games between these 2 teams has gone under. While the last 12 championship conference games has gone over 11 times
0
i like the under in the NFC championship game as well. 6 of the last 6 games between these 2 teams has gone under. While the last 12 championship conference games has gone over 11 times
GB Pitt SB is what all of NFL nation is banking on, imagine the ratings??? Imagine the money from a promotional aspect. Vegas is licking their lips. Wonder if refs are influenced???
Heard an interesting stat today, largest ever wagering SB was 2006 Seahags vs. Pitt. If GB and Pitt go, they expect it to eclipse that record.of $94.5 Million Dollars (pinky finger up to lips) for what I believe was only the state of Nevada (someone can clarify). Should be interesting, playing totals now as sides are hard to choose for me. Got my leans but damn its tough. BOL everyone.
0
GB Pitt SB is what all of NFL nation is banking on, imagine the ratings??? Imagine the money from a promotional aspect. Vegas is licking their lips. Wonder if refs are influenced???
Heard an interesting stat today, largest ever wagering SB was 2006 Seahags vs. Pitt. If GB and Pitt go, they expect it to eclipse that record.of $94.5 Million Dollars (pinky finger up to lips) for what I believe was only the state of Nevada (someone can clarify). Should be interesting, playing totals now as sides are hard to choose for me. Got my leans but damn its tough. BOL everyone.
After many years of wins and losses in these championship games, I've learned to expect the unexpected. Both favorites (which are also the overwhelming consensus picks this year) will not advance. Take the home dog that apparently no one is even considering, and the home favorite that is 90% in the playoffs the last ten years. Play both unders and worst case scenario you'll be 3-1 for the weekend.
0
After many years of wins and losses in these championship games, I've learned to expect the unexpected. Both favorites (which are also the overwhelming consensus picks this year) will not advance. Take the home dog that apparently no one is even considering, and the home favorite that is 90% in the playoffs the last ten years. Play both unders and worst case scenario you'll be 3-1 for the weekend.
If you choose to make use of any information on this website including online sports betting services from any websites that may be featured on
this website, we strongly recommend that you carefully check your local laws before doing so.It is your sole responsibility to understand your local laws and observe them strictly.Covers does not provide
any advice or guidance as to the legality of online sports betting or other online gambling activities within your jurisdiction and you are responsible for complying with laws that are applicable to you in
your relevant locality.Covers disclaims all liability associated with your use of this website and use of any information contained on it.As a condition of using this website, you agree to hold the owner
of this website harmless from any claims arising from your use of any services on any third party website that may be featured by Covers.
Hot Forum Topics
