NFL Playoff Betting Odds and Bowl Matchups: Jan. 5
Atssportsline.com
The NFL playoffs are finally here! Let's start off 2013 with a couple of winners and don't forget, there's a bowl game as well and the Compass Bowl to start the day off. If you are into hoops, there's a full schedule of college basketball, as the student-athletes are finally back from exams and non-conference play.
Have a fun and profitable day!
Cincinnati (10-6 SU, 9-6-1 ATS, 6-10 O/U) at Houston (12-4 SU, 9-7 ATS, 7-9 O/U)
Last year: (1/7/12) HOUSTON (-4) over Cincinnati, 31-10. Houston has struggled in the last few weeks as QB Matt Schaub has just one TD pass the last four weeks. At home, Schaub has thrown for 13 TDs and just four picks. Cincinnati has not won a playoff game since 1990 and this might be their best bet. They have to stop the run and limit Arian Foster, while getting pressure on Schaub with DT Geno Atkins (12 sacks). Andy Dalton (3 picks last year) struggled against Houston last season in his first playoff game as a rookie. Houston is 5-0 ATS last 5 in series. Pro Football Line: Houston is a 5-point favorite. Total: 43.5.
Minnesota (17-13 SU, 10-20 ATS, 11-19 O/U) at Green Bay (22-8 SU, 15-15 ATS, 15-15 O/U)
Last game: MINNESOTA (+3) over Green Bay, 37-34. Green Bay won the first game on Dec. 2, 23-14 giving 7 at home. They are back at home where the weather is expected to become well-below-freezing. Minnesota has not even won a game outdoors this season as they won all three road games in a dome. Bug Green Bay has lost three straight home playoff games. Minnesota needs a strong game from Christian Ponder, who threw three TD passes last week against the Packers. If Green Bay's defense can't hold Adrian Peterson to under 200 yards, the Vikes will roll. Green Bay is 5-1 ATS last 6 at home in series. Pro Football Odds: Green Bay is a 7.5-point favorite. Total: 46.
Pittsburgh (6-6 SU, 7-4-1 ATS, 4-6 O/U) vs. Ole Miss (6-6 SU, 9-3 ATS, 5-6 O/U)
Hey, we have an actual non-BCS bowl where both coaches stayed put! Coach Paul Chryst is back after getting passed over for the Wisconsin job. Pittsburgh has won two straight to become bowl eligible and this is third straight bowl game in Birmingham. QB Tino Sunseri has not thrown an interception since Sept. 15 against Virginia Tech. Ole Miss won the Conerly Trophy as the state of Mississippi’s best player. Ole Miss went from 2-10 to 6-6 under first-year coach Hugh Freeze, who runs the spread offense. Ole Miss is 14-4 ATS last 18 vs. non-conference teams. College Football Odds: Ole Miss is a 3.5-point favorite. Total: 54.
Ohio State (11-2 ATS, 7-4 SU) at Illinois (13-2 SU, 5-7 ATS)
Last year: (Feb. 21). OHIO STATE (-15.5) over Illinois, 83-67. Ohio State lost to Duke and Kansas. They shot less than 30% from beyond the arc in both games. Deshaun Thomas leads the Buckeyes with 19.8ppg and 6.9rpg. Illinois fell to rival Missouri on Dec. 22 and lost at Purdue on Jan. 2, 68-61, giving 3. Guard Brandon Paul is an All-American candidate who put up 43 points in the Illini's last win over Ohio State on January 10, 2012 (79-74). Illinois is 5-16 ATS L21 vs. Big 10. College Hoops Odds: Ohio State is a 2.5-point favorite. Total: 141.