NFL Playoff Betting Odds and Hoops Preview: Jan. 12
Atssportsline.com
We've waited all week for the NFL playoffs to start again. Ok, last week was pretty predictable as all four favorites won and none of the games really came down to the final drive though Houston/Cincinnati was pretty competitive. Two of the games also were compromised by injuries to quarterbacks. The action should be tighter week, including Saturday, where the games are later. There are also some incredible college basketball games on Saturday with numerous games to bet on tv.
Let's get it started!
Baltimore (11-6 SU, 7-9-1 ATS, 9-8 O/U) at Denver (13-3 SU, 10-6 ATS, 10-5-1 O/U)
Last game: (12/16/12) Denver (-3) over BALTIMORE, 34-17. Denver has a week off and should be healthy to face the Ravens, who handled Indianapolis at home last week, 24-9, giving 7.5. Peyton Manning is an MVP candidate but will have to throw in 18 degrees and possible snow. That means more Knowshon Moreno against a Baltimore defense that returned LB Ray Lewis and S Bernard Pollard last week. Baltimore will need a big game from RBs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce to take pressure off of erratic QB Joe Flacco, who turned the ball over twice in their first meeting in Baltimore, including giving up a 98-yard pick six to CB Chris Harris. Baltimore is 7-2 ATS last 9 in series. Pro Football Line: Denver is a 9.5-point favorite. Total: 46.5.
Green Bay (12-5 SU, 10-7 ATS, 8-9 O/U) at San Francisco (11-4 SU, 9-7 ATS, 9-6-1 O/U)
Last game: (9/9/12) San Francisco (+6) over GREEN BAY, 30-22. San Francisco had a week off to prepare. In the first meeting, QB Alex Smith went 20-of-26 for 211 yards and two touchdowns with no picks. But Smith got injured and then was benched for the more versatile Colin Kaepernick. Green Bay is coming off a 24-10 home win over Minnesota in the wild card round. They were laying 10.5 because Minnesota QB Chris Ponder was injured and they went with Joe Webb, who completed 11 of 30 passes for 180 yards. Green Bay has to do a better job of defending the read-option. They struggled some against Webb, who rushed for 68 yards on seven carries. Green Bay is 5-1-1 ATS last 7 in series. NFL Odds: San Francisco is a 3-point favorite. Total: 44.5.
#8 Minnesota (15-1 SU, 10-4 ATS) at #5 Indiana (14-1 SU, 9-4 ATS)
Last game: (2/26/12). Indiana (+1) over MINNESOTA, 69-50. These could be the best two teams in the Big 10 though Ohio State may have something to say about it before it's all said and done. Minnesota has won 11 straight games and now they get a serious test on Saturday against the Hoosiers. Since an overtime loss to Butler on Dec. 15, Indiana has won five straight – including four by at least 23 points. Indiana is coming off road wins at Iowa and Penn State. Minnesota routed Illinois, 84-67 on the road, giving 2 on Wednesday. Trevor Mbakwe gives Minnesota an inside presence against 7-foot Cody Zeller. Indiana is 6-2 ATS last 8 in series. Hoops Odds: Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite. Total: NT.
#1 Duke (15-0 SU, 9-6 ATS) at #21 NC State (13-2 SU, 7-6 ATS)
Last game: (2/16/12): DUKE (-10) over NC State, 78-73. Duke gets a serious test against the pre-season favorite NC State. The Wolfpack haven't lived up to expectations but they are still very talented led by F Richard Howell. The top-ranked Blue Devil just lost sharpshooting senior Ryan Kelly to a right foot injury for an indefinite period of time. Duke has won eight straight games by at least 13 points, and lately they've locked down on defense in impressive fashion. Duke held Clemson to just 10 first-half points in a 68-40 home win Tuesday Quinn Cook led the way with 27 points. NC State has won nine in a row after an 83-70 triumph over Georgia Tech on Wednesday. Duke is 4-9 ATS last 13 Saturday games. College Basketball Odds: Duke is a 3.5-point favorite. Total: NT.