The NFL Playoffs are underway and you need help with your money. These Parlays are your Best Picks Against the Spread (ATS). Ride with our three team, six point teasers. NFL Predictions Wildcard Weekend. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.
TODD:
The regular season is over and the playoffs are set to begin this weekend. The postseason is a new season, which means when picking games against the spread for the playoffs, we are going to play by some different, fun rules.
First, unlike the regular season where we picked two games, we are going to each select parlays for each playoff round. A parlay is a bet with multiple parts in which ALL parts need to hit for the bet to be a success.
For the first round, with four games being played, we’ll pick a three-team, six-point teaser. That means we take three games and are able to shift the point spread six points in our favor for each contest. But all three games have to be winners for the teaser to win.
I am also interested in hearing the one game you do not add into your teaser and why you have the least feeling for it.
Pittsburgh Steelers +3.5 (from -2.5) at Cincinnati Bengals
Seattle Seahawks +0.5 (from -5.5) at Minnesota Vikings
Washington Redskins +5 (from -1) vs. Green Bay Packers
That is my wildcard parlay. This is a weird first round because of how many road favorites there are. I like two of the road favorites, Pittsburgh and Seattle. I would like each straight-up, but getting an extra field goal for the Steelers is nice, especially with AJ McCarron likely playing quarterback for the Bengals.
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My last piece of the teaser is Washington at home. Green Bay is an enigma. I don’t quite trust it to win any game but wouldn’t be surprised if it defeated the Skins on the road. I like getting that cushion on the spread.
The game I omitted was KC at Houston. I obviously think KC is better, but the Chiefs are three-point favorites despite being on the road. The smart side would be taking Houston +9. I just wouldn’t have confidence doing that.
DAN:
Favoring road teams is a messy game of tears, especially in the playoffs. It’s true that the Wildcard matchups tend to be closer, and many home teams are not in fact better teams, especially this season. But I’m sorry, you are truly playing with fire my friend. Have you watched the Steelers of late? How about the Vikings?
Here are my picks for our Wildcard Parlay.
Cincinnati Bengals +8.5 (from +2.5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Minnesota Vikings +11.5 (from +5.5) vs Seattle Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs +3 (from -3) at Houston Texans
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Momentum means everything this time of year, and anytime a team gets more than a touchdown at home, don’t hesitate to snatch up the points. Starting in Cincinnati, I’m running away with 8.5 points and laughing all the way. Pittsburgh struggled against the Ravens, and needed Cleveland’s help to win its final game. They are not shutting down the Bengals’ offense, no matter who is at quarterback. I like Cincinnati to snap its playoff drought, so receiving over a touchdown in what is likely a close game is an easy decision.
The same logic applies in the Vikings game. Minnesota has looked dominant of late. So have the Seahawks, who man-handled the Vikings during the season. But Minnesota is at home and getting 11.5 points. Even if Seattle wins this game, it won’t be by ten or more points. This is too many points to pass up.
Following your logic, I love taking Kansas City up a field goal against Houston. The Chiefs’ win streak has been impressive, and I don’t see the Texans snapping it. Take the better team and the three points.
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I avoided the Packers versus Redskins game because my heart and my mind were fighting over the outcome. My heart says Green Bay will win, should win, and must win. Washington won a bad division and never looked great doing it. Then my mind kicks in and says how Washington dominated its final games to make the playoffs, while Green Bay fell backwards into a Wildcard berth. Redskins up five or Packers up seven? I like Green Bay, but not enough to include in the parlay.