Top pick
1. Denver Broncos (-7) vs. Ind – The Colts are playing on house money in the 2nd round. They can’t run the ball nor defense the run very well, and beat an undermanned Bengals team to get here. Their season will end this weekend. Denver is well rested, gets some key members back on D (LB Brandon Marshall), and will destroy Indy’s defense with its run / pass attack. Look for the Broncos to easily cover the point spread.
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2. Seattle Seahawks (-10.5) vs. Car – These teams have met each of the last two seasons and each contest has been close. Each contest has also been in Carolina. This one moves to Seattle. Look for the Seahawks D to bear down on Newton all evening and force mistakes while limiting points. Seattle will win by more than two TDs.
3. Baltimore Ravens (+7) vs. NE – The Patriots will win this game. The success Baltimore had against New England in the playoffs came before the Patriots went out and got a legit D. They have one now and CB Revis lets Belichick do a lot of things. But Baltimore matches up well against the Patriots strengths and this should come down to the wire again.
4. Green Bay Packers (-5.5) vs. Dal – The only way this should remain close is if Aaron Rodgers injury is worse than the team is letting on. Otherwise, this is a mismatch. The Packers offense will dominate the Cowboys D and control the clock. On the other side of the ball while the Cowboys will have success on the ground, Green Bay’s D is opportunistic – especially at home, and will force one or two key turnovers.
