NFL Playoffs Lopsided Matchups
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – What’s the most lopsided matchup of the Divisional Round of the 2014 NFL Playoffs? Look no further than today’s first game.
View Trev Rogers’ Expert Picks
Saints running game vs. Seahawks rushing defense
The Saints proved last week that they can win a road playoff game in “not so great” weather conditions. It looks like the below freezing temps in Philly last week would be more welcome than the rain and 35 mph winds expected in Seattle on Saturday. The Saints rushed the ball 36 times last week, spreading the carries around to Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson and Darren Sproles, for a total of 185 yards on the ground. The new found focus on the running game gave the Saints over 34 minutes of possession time, allowing them to control tempo and chew clock. One would have to imagine that the Seahawks defense will never allow 185 yards on the ground this weekend.
While the Seahawks offense can become stagnant at times, the defense always gives it a chance to win, only allowing an average of just 273.6 YPG (ranked #1) and 14.4 PPG (ranked#1). The unit already stymied Drew Brees earlier this season, and would love nothing more than to do it once again. The Saints fell behind quickly in their Week 13 loss to Seattle and ran the ball just 17 times for a whopping total of 44 yards. With the weather expected to impact the passing game, the Saints only option to move the ball on the ground, may lead them right into the heart of the Seattle defense.
Seattle is 9-1 SU & ATS the L/10 times it was installed a chalk in the 3.5 to 9.5-point range, but lost outright on this very same field the last time it was asked to cover an 8-point spread. New Orleans is 3-0 SU & 2-1 ATS the L/3 times it sought revenge against the same opponent, and it’s got the experience, firepower, and moxie to go into Seattle and hand the NFC’s top seed a crushing blow in front of the 12th Man. But will it?
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