Verb's Playoff Pick 6

Here at Jumping Offsides, I think we have played out Jim Mora's "Playoff" quote by now. If you listen to the podcast we say it at least once a week.

Well Jim, I'm going to use it one more time!

Playoffs!

That's right fans, its playoff time in the NFL and that means there are only 4 games this weekend. They will all be very very good however.

Since there are only 4 games that means I have to pick a team in every game and since well I usually give a Bonus Over/Under pick which equal the extra point in a real game I am going to go for two since its the playoffs and pick the Over/Under in each of the games too.

This sounds like fun but this could be a disaster for my record. Once the season is all over I will give my final record for my picks and see if I would've made you guys some money throughout the whole season if you would've listened to me.

I think I am going to have to finish strong to really get some respectability in the sports betting world.

Anyway, its playoff time and I am going for two!

Atlanta @ Arizona

The Points Spread: Pick 'em

The Over/Under: 50.5

This Analysis: Atlanta is coming in hot and is one of if not the biggest surprise of the year this year. Matt Ryan is a rookie quarterback making his first playoff start ever. Michael Turner has been a beast this season but Arizona's defense has given up the most touchdown passes of any defense in the NFL this season. Matt Ryan could obviously have a huge day today. On the Arizona side, what was once arguably considered the best offense in football has sputtered a bit recently. Atlanta's defense is ok against the pass but nothing special. This game could quickly turn into a shootout. Anquan Boldin needs to become a serious part of the offense again for Arizona to be successful today.

The Pick: I think Arizona wins this shootout 38-31, which means I am taking the Arizona and the Over here.

Indianapolis @ San Diego

The Points Spread: Indianapolis is favored by 1

The Over/Under: 50.5

The Analysis: Is this the San Diego team that everyone thought we should've seen at the beginning of the season when some people were picking them to go to the Super Bowl? I don't know but I know they are playing their best football of the season. Philip Rivers might have been the starter in the Pro Bowl if this team had a better record. LT looked much better against Denver then he had throughout the rest of the season. That's all good and stuff but they are playing the hottest team in football in my opinion. I know San Diego won 4 in a row or something to get in but they needed help. Indy just won 9 in a row and won their way in a few weeks ago. Peyton Manning has been named MVP again and now he is the second 3 time winner of the award. Once he found his groove he is still impossible to stop. He has had trouble with San Diego in the past however, so it will important for him to get off to a good start. The running game really hasn't been there but they will need it tonight. Also the defense it will be important that the defense gets off to a good start as well.

The Pick: Indianapolis goes on the road and wins 31-23. Therefore, take the Colts and the Over.

Baltimore @ Miami

The Points Spread: Baltimore is favored by 3.5

The Over/Under: 37.5

The Analysis: If Atlanta isn't the biggest surprise this year then Miami is. Chad Pennington has been great in Miami and the Wildcat formation has done wonders for that offense. The defense is great at causing turnovers and with Joe Flacco making his first playoff start and the game being in Miami, the turnover battle may be the key to this game. The two teams played back in week 7 and that game was also in Miami and Baltimore won that one 27-13. I think if Joe Flacco can manage the game for the Ravens like he has done all season and let the defense do the work the Ravens will have a good chance of winning. That has been the strength of this team all season and the reason they made the playoffs. The running game will be a key today too because that will take some of the pressure off of Flacco. Between McClain and McGahee, the Ravens will have to establish a serious ground game early.

The Pick: Baltimore 24-10. Therefore take the Ravens and the Under. Best Bet!

Philadelphia @ Minnesota

The Points Spread: Philadelphia is favored by 3

The Over/Under: 41

The Analysis: I know this seems like a foregone conclusion but Adrian Peterson is going to have to get going early for this game to even be close. The reason I say this is that in the New York game he really didn't do anything except break one really long run. Philadelphia's run defense is pretty good so its going to be important for Peterson to get some respectable yardage in the first quarter. Tarvaris Jackson has done a pretty good job of avoiding turnovers since his return to the lineup and tomorrow night won't be any different. The Vikings will be without Ray Edwards and Pat Williams. This may hurt and it may not. If Andy Reid continues running the ball it will but if he drops McNabb back 40 or 50 times it may not play a huge role in the outcome. Jared Allen will have to get pressure on McNabb. Andy Reid is going to have to at least try to run with Westbrook and Buckhalter just to keep the Vikings honest. McNabb is going to have to avoid turnovers as well as it will be important to keep the offense on the field and Peterson off it. This may be the best game of the weekend!

The Pick: Philadelphia 27-23. Therefore take the Eagles and the Over.

I know, that means I have no upset special this week. If I don't think any of the underdogs are going to win, I really keep pick an upset.

Enjoy the weekend fans! It's going to be a good one and check back with me next week as I will pick 6 and go for two once again.