Sunday Divisional Playoffs
By Kevin Rogers
The NFL playoff weekend wraps up in Chicago and New England as two heavy favorites will try to move on to the conference championship. The Jets and Patriots' war of words continues while New York looks to avenge a 42-point loss at Foxboro in early December. The day begins in the Windy City with the second-seeded Bears attempting to avoid an upset at the hands of the upstart Seahawks.
Seahawks at Bears
The biggest buzz to come from Wild Card weekend took place at Qwest Field with Seattle knocking out the defending Super Bowl champion Saints as 9½-point underdogs, 41-36. Many people didn't give Pete Carroll's team a shot after finishing the regular season at 7-9, but Matt Hasselbeck's four touchdown passes propelled the Seahawks into the Division Playoffs against the Bears.
Chicago won the NFC North with an 11-5 mark, including a 5-3 record at Soldier Field. The Bears had an outside shot of grabbing home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, but Atlanta's blowout victory of Carolina in Week 17 locked the Bears into the second seed. The key to the Bears' success falls on the shoulders on Jay Cutler, as Chicago owns a perfect 7-0 SU and 5-1-1 ATS ledger when the quarterback throws at least two touchdown passes. On the flip side, the Bears are 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS when Cutler tosses two interceptions or more (the one win came over Minnesota in Week 10 when he threw three touchdowns).
The Seahawks' best offensive performance of the season came last Saturday against New Orleans by racking up 415 yards and 41 points. Past Hasselbeck's huge game, Marshawn Lynch rushed for 131 yards and a seismic 67-yard touchdown scamper to put the victory away. Despite allowing 404 yards to Drew Brees, the Seahawks dug themselves out of an early 10-0 hole to pick up their first playoff win since 2007.
Few fans could forecast after Seattle's Week 6 victory at Chicago that these two teams would meet up again down the line. However, the 23-20 road triumph by the Seahawks as six-point underdogs showed Seattle can win away from Qwest Field. Hasselbeck threw for 242 yards and a touchdown, while limiting the Bears' running game to 61 yards. The biggest number that stuck out from that game was Chicago's inefficiency on third down, failing to convert on 12 opportunities.
Seattle is the hottest 'over' team in the league by cashing in nine of the last 10 games, including the easy 'over' against New Orleans. The Seahawks have been just as efficient in the 'over' department on the highway by going 6-2. Chicago began the season with an 8-2 'under' run, but the Bears played in plenty of high-scoring affairs down the stretch and ended with a 5-1 'over' clip.
The Bears compiled a 2-4 ATS mark as a home favorite this season, including the SU losses to the Seahawks and Redskins. Since those consecutive losses, Chicago ran off wins in seven of nine games with the only defeats coming to New England and Green Bay. In reality, the setback to the Packers in Week 17 meant nothing as the Bears were locked into the second spot already, but still had opportunities to win in a 10-3 loss.
Chicago is listed as 10-point favorites across the board, the first time the Bears are laying double-digits this season. The total is set at 41 as temperatures are expected to be in the low 20's with a chance of snow flurries. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM EST and will be televised nationally on FOX.
Jets at Patriots
The taunts and insults have flown around all week leading up to the third round between these AFC East rivals. Actually, most of the bad blood and words have come from the Jets' side, as New York tries for its fourth road playoff win in five tries after last Saturday's last-second triumph at Indianapolis.
Nick Folk's 32-yard field goal at the gun gave the Jets a 17-16 victory over the Colts, avenging last season's AFC Championship loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for two touchdowns, while Mark Sanchez spread the ball around and limited mistakes to give the Jets another shot at the Patriots.
New England has been sitting pretty over the last two months with eight consecutive wins following the embarrassing road loss at Cleveland in Week 9. The Patriots' offense delivered at least 31 points in each of the last eight victories, while knocking off the Steelers, Colts, Packers, Bears, and Jets in this stretch.
The 45-3 December drubbing of the Jets on the chilly Monday night in Foxboro proved once again the Patriots don't let up off the gas pedal. New England jumped out to a quick 17-0 first quarter lead, while Tom Brady picked apart the Jets' secondary with four touchdown passes. The Patriots' defense confused Sanchez all night, while intercepting the former USC star three times to easily cover as four-point favorites.
New York's Week 2 victory over New England seems like years ago at this point, as Randy Moss was actually contributing to an NFL team at the time. Moss' one-handed touchdown catch gave the Patriots a 14-7 advantage, but Folk's field goal before the half cut the deficit to 14-10. Sanchez tossed a pair of short touchdowns in the second half to give the Jets the 28-14 outright win as three-point home underdogs.
The Patriots are 9-1 to the 'over' the last 10 games, while allowing four of their last five opponents to seven points or less. For a team that finished the regular season at 14-2, New England was listed as a nine-point favorite only three times, including twice against the hapless Bills. The only other occurrence as a long favorite came in Week 15 when the Packers played without Aaron Rodgers and the Pats escaped with a 31-27 victory as 14-point 'chalk.'
The low-scoring Wild Card win over the Colts was the first 'under' on the road for the Jets this season in nine tries. New York is a profitable 7-5 ATS as a road underdog under Rex Ryan, but two of those losses have come in blowout fashion in Foxboro. Since a five-game ATS winning streak through September and October, the Jets are just 5-6 ATS, while going 1-4 ATS off a cover the last two months.
New England is listed as a nine-point favorite at most spots with several 8½-point numbers hanging out there. The total is set between 44 and 44½, with temperatures hovering in the high 20's and low 30's around gametime. Things get underway at 4:30 PM EST at Gillette Stadium and will be televised nationally on CBS.
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NFL Playoff Betting: Seahawks at Chicago Bears
By: Stephen Nover
Burned last week by wagering against Seattle?
It is tempting to go against 8-9 the Seahawks again Sunday when they meet rested Chicago at 10 a.m. PT on FOX in a division round NFL playoff matchup.
The Seahawks pulled a stunning upset beating New Orleans, 41-36, as 9 ½-point home underdogs.
Now the Seahawks are 10-point underdogs. The ‘over/under’ is 41. The spread is similar to last week. There’s a big difference though: Seattle is on the road.
The Seahawks are 5-19, 7-17 ATS the past three seasons away from Qwest Field, the loudest outdoor stadium in the NFL.
Jay CutlerSeattle lost and failed to cover in six of its eight road contests this year. Most of the Seahawks’ road losses weren’t close either. Seattle’s average road defeat was by 18.6 points a game.
If you discount a 34-13 away victory against San Francisco, the Seahawks averaged 14 points on the road this season.
An early start time isn’t beneficial either to Seattle, which is 5-15 in non-division road games that begin at 10 a.m. PT since 2005.
Seattle did, however, defeat Chicago at Solider Field, 23-20, in Week 6 as six-point ‘dogs. The combined 43 points went ‘over’ the 37 ½-point total. It was Seattle’s most well-rounded victory and marked its lone win against a playoff team during the regular season.
That victory should give the Seahawks some confidence, especially following their win against defending world champion New Orleans.
Aging Matt Hasselbeck surprised the Saints by throwing four touchdowns. Hasselbeck will be making his 11th playoff start.
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has never started a playoff game during his five years in the league. Quarterbacks making their first start in the playoffs since 2003 are 5-19.
Cutler threw 23 touchdown passes in 15 games, but was picked off 16 times. The Seahawks sacked Cutler six times in their victory. Cutler attempted 47 passes in that game as the Bears ran just 12 times.
Expect a much more balanced Chicago attack this time.
Since Week 9, following their bye, the Bears have played much better going 7-2 after opening 4-3. There were a number of key factors for the turnaround.
Before their bye, the Bears ran just 38.8 percent of the time. After their bye, Chicago ran 50.8 percent of the time. Matt Forte had a strong season rushing for 1,069 yards and catching 51 passes for 547 yards, while accounting for nine touchdowns.
The Bears also made several changes in their offensive line to tighten pass protection. Cutler, always streaky, had a passer rating above 100 in four of his last five games.
Star linebacker Lance Briggs also got healthy after missing the Seahawks game. Briggs, linebacker Brian Urlacher, still a force at 32, and defensive end Julius Peppers give the Bears the three best defensive players on the field for this matchup.
The Bears have nine players with playoff experience on defense, but only three on offense.
Chicago ranked fourth in fewest points allowed at 17.9 per game, ranked third in takeaways with 35 and was ninth in total defense giving up 314.3 yards per contest.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll has had to play musical chairs with his battered offensive line all season. The result was the Seahawks finishing 31st in rushing and 28th in total offense. Seattle didn’t have a 100-yard rushing performance until Marshawn Lynch ran for 131 yards on 19 carries against New Orleans last week.
Seattle was out-scored by 97 points, the fifth-worst scoring differential in the league. The Seahawks also were out-gained by 1,183 yards, an average of 73.9 yards per game.
The forecast is for temperatures in the teens with a 20 percent chance of snow and seven mph winds.
NFL Poolies' Cheat Sheet: Divisional Round
By Shawn Hartlen
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears (-10)
Why Seahawks cover: They only managed two road wins all season but one of them was a Week 6 victory over Chicago at Soldier Field. That was one of the few games in which Matt Hasselbeck didn't throw an interception, largely because the Bears couldn't contain Mike Williams (10 catches, 123 yards). Jay Cutler can be forced to makes mistakes when he is playing from behind, and if the Seahawks can keep the Bears' offense off the field, that's what just might happen. The road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
Why Bears cover: They plan to utilize a run heavy attack to tire out the Seahawks' defense and keep Matt Hasselbeck off the field, something New Orleans couldn't do with their two top running backs out. Seattle finished the season ranked 27th against the run and could have problems shutting down Matt Forte who had a great second half of the season.
Total (41): Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
New York. Jets at New England Patriots (-9.5)
Why Jets cover: They were smart and rested LaDainian Tomlinson down the stretch so the former San Diego Charger would have fresh legs during the postseason. The plan worked like a charm against Indianapolis (82 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries). The 31-year-old tailback, (102 total yards) was a key component in the victory over the Patriots in Week 2, and will need to rekindle that magic so the Jets can control the game on the ground and not have to leave it solely on the shoulders of quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Why Patriots cover: Everyone remembers their Week 13 embarrassment of the Jets that saw them hang a 42-point victory on Rex Ryan's squad as measly 4-point favorites. So, what's different from that and their road loss at New York earlier in the season? The Patriots have been unstoppable in the second half of the season going 8-0 (6-2 ATS) all while never scoring less than 31 points in a game and holding opponents to 15.6 points per game during that stretch. The Jets are 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 meetings and the home team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.
Total (44.5): Over is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings.
Sunday Divisional Playoffs
Seahawks (8-9) @ Bears (11-5) - Seattle's nine losses are all by 15+ points, but they did upset Bears 23-20 (+6) in Week 6, sacking Cutler six times, holding Chicago without an offensive TD after game's first drive. Seahawks came off a bye in that game, now Bears are coming off bye- NFC #2 seeds are just 5-4 in last nine playoff openers, but four of five wins were by 22+ points. Chicago is 5-3 at home, but just 2-4-1 as a favorite. Seattle allowed 34-40-38 points in its last three road games, giving up 13 TDs on 31 drives. Since 1990, NFC #4 seed (worst of the division winners) is 1-13 SU in this round, with 10 of 13 losses by 10 or more points.
Jets (12-5) @ Patriots (14-2) - Jets won first meeting 28-14 in Week 2 (+3), in game Pats led 14-10 at half; Jets outrushed NE 136-52, were +3 in turnovers. Patriots won rematch 45-3 (-3.5) in Week 13, going +3 in turnovers, averaging 9.5 yards/pass attempt. Pats won last eight games (6-2 vs spread); #1 seeds in AFC actually lost this game three of last five years, but Belichick is 2-0 in this round when #1 seed, winning by 3-11 points. Jets are 7-2 on road this season, losing 38-34 at Chicago in Week 16. Over last seven years, #5-6 seeds in AFC are 3-4 SU in this game, with losses by 3-3-11-17 points.
Sunday Divisional Playoff Preview
By: BoDog
They say any football team can win on any given Sunday. The NFL lines are a little more pessimistic. Both the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets are staring down the barrel at giant pointspreads in Sunday's Divisional Playoffs, but recent history is on their side. The Jets beat the San Diego Chargers (–7.5) last year to move on to the AFC Championship Game, and the Seahawks are coming off an epic Wild Card Weekend victory over the ex-champion New Orleans Saints (–9.5). Take nothing for granted this week.
Seattle at Chicago
Seattle's Wild Card win over the Saints was one for the ages. To find the closest comparison, you have to go all the way back to the strike-shortened 1987 campaign, when the Saints (12-3 in QB Bobby Hebert's rookie campaign) lost their first-ever playoff game to the Minnesota Vikings (8-7, but 8-4 in games without replacement players) as 7-point home faves. New Orleans was on the road this time and played like it, committing three false starts at noisy Qwest Field. The Seahawks won't have that advantage this Sunday.
What they do have is another opportunity to beat an overvalued team. According to the advanced stats at Football Outsiders, the 11-5 Saints ranked No. 10 in the league in efficiency during the regular season. The Bears (11-5 SU, 9-6-1 ATS) are even further down the list at No. 16. They've succeeded with much the same mix that got them into Super Bowl XLI: great defense, superior special teams, and a frustratingly inconsistent offense. Playing the role of Rex Grossman this year is Jay Cutler (23 TDs, 16 INTs), who's run hot and cold in his first season under offensive co-ordinator Mike Martz.
The Seahawks (7-9 SU and ATS) were even more maddening during the regular season, landing at No. 30 on the efficiency charts – only the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals were worse. QB Matt Hasselbeck (12 TDs, 17 INTs) had a very poor second half; he might be at the end of his NFL shelf life at age 35, but Hasselbeck was on form against New Orleans after taking Week 17 off. Does he have anything left in the tank? If so, Seattle has already proved itself capable of winning at Soldier Field, beating the Bears 23-20 back in Week 6 as a 6-point puppy. Sunday's NFL odds have Chicago laying 10 points (–105) with the mercury dipping below 20 degrees.
N.Y. Jets at New England
This AFC East rivalry is being played up like it's the Ravens-Steelers, but only one side's doing the talking. Jets coach Rex Ryan directed a few choice words toward his New England counterpart, Bill Belichick, and Jets CB Antonio Cromartie called Tom Brady a bad name. But the Patriots (14-2 SU, 10-5-1 ATS) just keep turning the other cheek. As well they should; the Pats are 9-point home faves in this matchup after destroying New York 45-3 in Week 13, also at Gillette Stadium. The Jets (11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS) were getting four points in that game.
Why such a large swing? The bye week is huge, but on top of that, millions of people watched the Pats eviscerate the Jets on Monday Night Football. They saw Jets QB Mark Sanchez (17 TDs, 13 INTs) have one of his worst games as a professional, chucking three interceptions to three different Patriots. Now the people are betting on New England at about a 3:1 ratio according to the consensus numbers. If we take a larger sample size than Week 13, the Jets are 2-2 SU and ATS since Sanchez and Ryan came to town, but New England won both its games at home by wide margins.
New York's betting value took a further hit on Wednesday when RT Damien Woody (knee) was put on injured reserve. The Jets' offensive line ranked No. 3 overall in run blocking during the regular season, and the 6-foot-3, 327-pound Woody was their best weapon. He won two Super Bowl rings and went to the Pro Bowl as a member of the Patriots. RG Brandon Moore also missed Wednesday's practice after reportedly hurting his back while lifting weights – he expects to play Sunday, but that's one fewer practice for Moore to jell with Wayne Hunter, Woody's replacement at tackle. There are a number of other Jets who will be playing hurt, and there's a 20 percent chance they'll be playing in the snow. Tough gig.
Seahawks at Bears: What Bettors Need to Know
THE STORY: The Seattle Seahawks threw football bettors for a loop by outslugging the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in their Wildcard playoff game last weekend.
Marshawn Lynch's spirited 67-yard touchdown run in the closing moments of the fourth quarter sealed the fate of the Saints and opened the eyes of many who were willing to bury the Emerald City residents after they limped to the NFC West title with a 7-9 record. Next up for Pete Carroll and Co. are the NFC North champion Chicago Bears, who know just how potent Seattle can be. After all, the Seahawks went into the Windy City and posted a 23-20 victory as 6-point underdogs on October 17.
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX
LINE: Bears -10, O/U 42
This spread opened as high as -11 in favor of the Bears and has been bet down to -10 at most markets. The total has moved from its opening post of 40 points to 42, as of Saturday afternoon.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with high temperatures reaching 19 degrees. The winds in Soldier Field are expected to be light, blowing of speeds up to 10 mph out of the northwest from corner to corner.
ABOUT THE BEARS (11-5, 9-6-1 ATS): Jay Cutler will make his postseason debut Sunday. The strong-armed quarterback completed just 17 of 39 passes against the Seahawks earlier this season, albeit for 290 yards. The Seahawks' secondary was torched for 404 yards by Drew Brees, so Cutler could be in line for solid production as well. Chicago hasn't exactly been thumping teams on offense this season. The Bears have averaging 20.9 points per game and just 188.4 passing yards per contest. Matt Forte rushed for 1,069 yards and will need to keep the Seahawks honest in order to open the field for Cutler.
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (8-9, 8-9 ATS): Officially named the starter just two days before the team's Wildcard playoff game, Matt Hasselbeck made good on the decision by tossing four touchdown passes against the Saints. Although Hasselbeck is still nursing an injured hip, he is expected to start Sunday. The 35-year-old Hasselbeck completed 25 of 40 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown against the Bears in their Week 6 encounter. Mike Williams was his most trusted target in that game, reeling in 10 receptions for 123 yards.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Although Lynch was the talk of the town following his spectacular run last weekend, Seattle's rushing attack was ranked 31st in the NFL. Taken a step further, Chicago boasts the NFC's second-best rush defense, so any success Lynch has running the ball could greatly aid in the Seahawks' bid to record a second straight upset. Lynch rushed 17 times for 44 yards and a touchdown during Seattle's victory over Chicago in Week 6. Rookie left tackle Russell Okung will be matched up against veteran defensive end Julius Peppers.
RECENT HISTORY: Seattle benefited from a tenacious defense that sacked Cutler six times in the earlier meeting. Prior to this contest, the Bears had won three of four meetings against the Seahawks, including a 27-24 overtime triumph in the postseason on Jan. 14, 2007. Chicago went on to the Super Bowl that year, losing to the Indianapolis Colts.
KEY INJURIES: Seattle — OT Chester Pitts (head), OT Russell Okung (ankle), CB Kelly Jennings (leg); Chicago — LB Nick Roach (shoulder); CB Major Wright (leg); WR Earl Bennett (ankle).
LAST WORD: Cutler isn't the only high-profile member of the Bears making his postseason debut. Forte and, to a lesser degree, wideouts Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett will also test their mettle in the playoffs for the first time.
TRENDS:
- Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
- Seahawks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as road underdogs.
- Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last five playoff games.
- Over is 4-0 in Seahawks’ last four playoff games.
- Over is 4-1 in Bears’ last five playoff games.
Seahawks at Bears: What Bettors Need to Know
THE STORY: The Seattle Seahawks threw football bettors for a loop by outslugging the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in their Wildcard playoff game last weekend.
Marshawn Lynch's spirited 67-yard touchdown run in the closing moments of the fourth quarter sealed the fate of the Saints and opened the eyes of many who were willing to bury the Emerald City residents after they limped to the NFC West title with a 7-9 record. Next up for Pete Carroll and Co. are the NFC North champion Chicago Bears, who know just how potent Seattle can be. After all, the Seahawks went into the Windy City and posted a 23-20 victory as 6-point underdogs on October 17.
TV: Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX
LINE: Bears -10, O/U 42
This spread opened as high as -11 in favor of the Bears and has been bet down to -10 at most markets. The total has moved from its opening post of 40 points to 42, as of Saturday afternoon.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with high temperatures reaching 19 degrees. The winds in Soldier Field are expected to be light, blowing of speeds up to 10 mph out of the northwest from corner to corner.
ABOUT THE BEARS (11-5, 9-6-1 ATS): Jay Cutler will make his postseason debut Sunday. The strong-armed quarterback completed just 17 of 39 passes against the Seahawks earlier this season, albeit for 290 yards. The Seahawks' secondary was torched for 404 yards by Drew Brees, so Cutler could be in line for solid production as well. Chicago hasn't exactly been thumping teams on offense this season. The Bears have averaging 20.9 points per game and just 188.4 passing yards per contest. Matt Forte rushed for 1,069 yards and will need to keep the Seahawks honest in order to open the field for Cutler.
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (8-9, 8-9 ATS): Officially named the starter just two days before the team's Wildcard playoff game, Matt Hasselbeck made good on the decision by tossing four touchdown passes against the Saints. Although Hasselbeck is still nursing an injured hip, he is expected to start Sunday. The 35-year-old Hasselbeck completed 25 of 40 passes for 242 yards with one touchdown against the Bears in their Week 6 encounter. Mike Williams was his most trusted target in that game, reeling in 10 receptions for 123 yards.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Although Lynch was the talk of the town following his spectacular run last weekend, Seattle's rushing attack was ranked 31st in the NFL. Taken a step further, Chicago boasts the NFC's second-best rush defense, so any success Lynch has running the ball could greatly aid in the Seahawks' bid to record a second straight upset. Lynch rushed 17 times for 44 yards and a touchdown during Seattle's victory over Chicago in Week 6. Rookie left tackle Russell Okung will be matched up against veteran defensive end Julius Peppers.
RECENT HISTORY: Seattle benefited from a tenacious defense that sacked Cutler six times in the earlier meeting. Prior to this contest, the Bears had won three of four meetings against the Seahawks, including a 27-24 overtime triumph in the postseason on Jan. 14, 2007. Chicago went on to the Super Bowl that year, losing to the Indianapolis Colts.
KEY INJURIES: Seattle — OT Chester Pitts (head), OT Russell Okung (ankle), CB Kelly Jennings (leg); Chicago — LB Nick Roach (shoulder); CB Major Wright (leg); WR Earl Bennett (ankle).
LAST WORD: Cutler isn't the only high-profile member of the Bears making his postseason debut. Forte and, to a lesser degree, wideouts Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett will also test their mettle in the playoffs for the first time.
TRENDS:
- Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
- Seahawks are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as road underdogs.
- Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last five playoff games.
- Over is 4-0 in Seahawks’ last four playoff games.
- Over is 4-1 in Bears’ last five playoff games.
Tips and Trends
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears
SEAHAWKS: Seattle is riding an emotional high, as they are coming off one of the most shocking upsets in playoff history. The Seahawks knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion Saints 41-36 SU. At gametime, Seattle was a double digit underdog leading up to the improbable win. Seattle is just 8-9 both SU and ATS overall this season. The Seahawks have had the same exact result both SU and ATS in each game they've played this season. Seattle is just 2-6 both SU and ATS on the road this year. Seattle is 6-8 ATS as the listed underdog this season. QB Matt Hasselbeck was amazing last week, and he'll look to continue that form against a tough Chicago defense. Hasselbeck has thrown for 3,000 YDS this season, including 12 TD's. Despite having the NFL's worst rushing offense, RB Marshawn Lynch sure looked good last week. Against Chicago this afternoon, the running lanes will likely be far smaller. Defensively, Seattle allows 25.4 PPG this season, a factor that looms large heading into today. The Seahawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played in January. Seattle is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game. The Seahawks are 7-19-1 ATS against a team with a winning record. Seattle is 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games as the road underdog. The Seahawks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win. Seattle is 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games following a SU win. The Seahawks are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 road games against a team with a winning home record.
Seahawks are 2-10 ATS last 12 games played on grass.
Over is 9-1 last 10 games overall.
Key Injuries - LB Lofa Tatupu (concussion) is probable.
Projected Score: 10
BEARS: (-10, O/U 41) Chicago has had an outstanding season, and their reward is a home game for the chance to go to the NFL Championship game. The Bears have revenge on their minds, as they were beaten earlier this season by the Seattle. The Bears are 11-5 SU and 9-6-1 ATS overall this season. Chicago is 5-3 SU and 4-4 ATS at home this year. Chicago is 3-4-1 ATS as the listed favorite this season, with today being the 1st time this season the Bears are a double digit favorite. The Bears are averaging 20.9 PPG this season, with many of those points coming in their past 6 games. QB Jay Cutler has thrown for 3,274 YDS and 23 TD's this season. RB Matt Forte has rushed for more than 1,000 YDS this year, including 6 TD's. The biggest reason Chicago was so good this year was their defense. The Bears were relentless on defense this year, playing like they had in years past. Chicago allowed just 17.9 PPG this year, 3rd fewest in the NFL. The Bears only allowed 90.1 rushing YPG this season, 2nd fewest in the NFL. The Bears are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. Chicago is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on grass. The Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win. Chicago is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against the NFC. The Bears are 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a SU loss. Chicago is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as the listed home favorite. The Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 playoff home games.
Bears are 6-2-1 ATS last 9 games overall.
Under is 14-3 last 17 games following a SU loss.
Key Injuries - DB Major Wright (leg) is probable.
Projected Score: 24 (UNDER-Total of the Day)
New York Jets at New England Patriots
JETS: That sound you hear is the New York Jets players talking trash. The Jets have been going after the entire New England organization through the media. Coach Ryan has publicly stated that this game is about him and Coach Belichick. New York is coming off a playoff road win over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets are 12-5 SU and 10-7 ATS overall this year. The Jets are 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS on the road this season. New York is 4-2 both SU and ATS as the listed underdog this season. Tonight represents the largest underdog number they've faced all year long. QB Mark Sanchez needs to manage the game well for the Jets to have any chance of winning. The Jets averaged nearly 150 YPG rushing this year, thanks to the 2 headed monster of RB's LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene. Defensively, New York allowed just 19 PPG, the 6th fewest in the NFL. The Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played in January. New York is 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games against the AFC. The Jets are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 road games. The Jets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win. New York is 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games as the listed road underdog. The Jets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Jets are 5-2 ATS last 7 playoff road games.
Over is 5-1 last 6 games as the listed road underdog.
Key Injuries - WR Brad Smith (groin) is probable.
Projected Score: 24 (SIDE of the Day)
PATRIOTS: (-8.5, O/U 45) New England is playing as well as they ever have, which is really saying something. The Patriots have won their last 8 games, scoring more than 30 PTS in each contest. New England enters the playoffs with a 14-2 SU and 10-5-1 ATS overall record. The Patriots are undefeated at home, going 8-0 SU and 4-3-1 ATS. New England has been the listed favorite in all but 2 of their games, and they are 1-2 ATS as a favorite of more than a TD. New England split the season series with the Jets this year, but they simply hammered the Jets 45-3 SU just over a month ago. QB Tom Brady leads the NFL's most explosive offense, as the Patriots average 32.4 PPG. Brady threw for 3,900 YDS and 36 TD's this season in another banner season. WR Wes Welker had 86 receptions for 848 YDS and 7 TD's this year. The Patriots defense only allowed 19.6 PPG during the regular season, 8th best in the NFL. The Patriots are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 home games against a team with a winning road record. New England is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. The Patriots are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as the listed favorite. New England is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win. The Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 playoff games. New England is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 playoff home games.
Patriots are 4-0 ATS last 4 games against the AFC East.
Over is 5-0 last 5 games as the listed home favorite.
Key Injuries - TE Aaron Hernandez (hip) is probable.
Projected Score: 27