This, for me, is the best weekend of football on the calendar.
We have two games each day. We have the best teams in the league in action. We have possible Cinderella stories. We have a little bit of weather.
We've got it all.
I love the Divisional Round, and this season is no different. We have great football games to really sink our teeth into. The question is: How do we make this weekend a profitable one? Have no fear, BlackJack is here — and he's going to do just that.
My picks for the following four games are below:
- Colts at Chiefs: Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET on NBC
- Cowboys at Rams: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET on FOX
- Chargers at Rams: Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET on CBS
- Eagles at Saints: Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET on FOX
So sit back, relax, enjoy the weekend and let's get some wins.
>> All odds as of Friday night. Download The Action Network App to get real-time odds and track your bets
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (-5.5)
Everyone in the world is on the Colts. They looked great against the Texans, and the Chiefs have historically struggled in the playoffs.
None of that matters this week.
This is a different Chiefs team than ones in seasons past. Patrick Mahomes is a truly elite quarterback, which is something they haven't had. Andy Reid, for whatever faults he might have, is outstanding off a bye week. Dome teams (Indy) in playoff games outdoors are 18-36-2 against the spread. Also, the Colts simply haven't played the caliber of teams the Chiefs have.
People have forgotten how unbelievable this Chiefs offense was.
THE PICK: Kansas City -5.5
Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams (-7)
This is my least favorite game of the weekend.
The Cowboys — as much as I have been reluctant to admit it — are a different offense since the Amari Cooper trade. Dak Prescott has been using his tight ends more efficiently, and everything is clicking for them. The defense has also played excellent behind a very strong front seven.
The problem is they still have Jason Garrett. And the Rams have Sean McVay. That right there is the biggest mismatch in this game.
I think the Rams win, but they have not been great ATS this season. I'll take the touchdown and hold my nose while I do it.
THE PICK: Dallas +7
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (-4)
I know how great the Patriots have been in the playoffs. I know how great they've been at home.
This matchup still stinks for them.
Tom Brady doesn't have a deep threat with Josh Gordon gone and Rob Gronkowski a shell of himself. The Chargers defend the underneath stuff better than most, and with Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa, they get pressure on the quarterback. And Philip Rivers might be having his best season with a full complement of receivers and backs.
This isn't going to be popular, but it's the right choice.
THE PICK: Los Angeles +4
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints (-8)
The Saints are my pick to win the Super Bowl, so I clearly think they will win this game. They're more well-rounded, rested and have an amazing home field advantage.
But the Eagles start Nick Foles. And this Eagles team is simply different with him under center. They play smoother offensively. They're also great at finding sources of motivation, like last season's dog masks. The Saints destroying them in Week 11 should do the trick to keep this within the margin.
The Saints win, but this number is too high.
THE PICK: Philadelphia +8
Let's get after it and TCB, baby!
