NFC
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New York Giants (-3) vs. Atlanta Falcons – This game is about as even as they come. And the 3 point betting line suggests that the odds makers think just that.
The edge however lies with the home team as Atlanta, who plays in a dome, must play outdoors in what figures to be a chillier Sunday afternoon.
So, look for the Falcons to try and run the ball with RB Turner to set up the passing game, which should find success against a less than stout Giants secondary.
There will be opportunities for WR Julio Jones or WR Roddy White to hit the big play.
When New York has the ball, the Giants will use the pass to set-up the run. The Falcons play a lot of zone so look for Eli to use the short to mid range passing game before getting Bradshaw and Jacobs involved.
And once the Falcons bring their Safeties closer to the line, the Giants will target Nicks and Cruz deep, where they’ve been deadly all year.
The contest will be close throughout but look for New York to secure the win in the 4th quarter by more than a FG.
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers (-8.5) vs. Denver Broncos – Even with the large spread, it’s just very difficult to go with Denver right now. Tim Tebow is playing horribly and likely will not top 100 yards passing this week.
Pittsburgh’s defense is fast enough to keep him contained while getting after him, which makes Tebow a very likely candidate for a turnover which is returned for a TD.
When Pittsburgh has the ball, QB Ben Roethlisberger’s bad ankle and all, expect them to find success down the middle of the field with S Brian Dawkins out. He’s been a big loss to the Broncos D over the three game losing streak and leaves a HUGE hole in the secondary.
That will open up the running game for RB Isaac Redman and the passing game to WR Mike Wallace, WR Antonio Brown and TE Heath Miller.
It was a nice, magical, some say supernatural run while it lasted, but the Broncos season comes to an end on Sunday.
Look for the 17-3 Steelers romp as they advance to round 2
