Seattle Seahawks (+1) vs. NE

Deflategate is somewhat behind us and the Super Bowl is here. The sports books have this game very evenly matched, although late money this week was going on the Patriots.

When New England has the ball. Look for the Patriots to work in their TEs into the match-up. Rob Gronkowski needs to be a major target and the wild card is backup TE, Tim Wright. The Patriots know they’ll have limited success attacking the Seahawks outside.

They also won’t be able to run the ball. Therefore, the attack must run through their TEs which is a position that has given the Seahawks trouble this year. However, that will be a difficult strategy to keep up over four quarters and against a relentless Seahawks D. The lack of a run threat means Brady will have pressure in his face much of the evening and will be forced to get rid of the ball earlier than he would like.

When Seattle has the ball. They will pound the rock. Justin Forsett had a lot of success against the Patriots run D and Marshawn Lynch is significantly better than Forsett. Seattle will pound the ball but New England will know this and load up the box. CB Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner can lock up the Seahawks outside threats pretty well so Belichick will not have to double anyone.

TE Luke Willson could be a nice sleeper because he has a knack for getting open and making big plays. The Pats Safeties are good, but not great. Expect things to start slow for the passing game but pick up when Wilson incorporates his version of the read option. His ability to make plays out of the pocket and extend them is uncanny and will give the Patriots D all sorts of problems in the 2nd half.

It’s a fairly even matched game but when the clock hits 0:00, look for Seattle to repeat as champions with a 24-14 or 27-17 win. Brady will have trouble with the Seahawks pass rush and Seattle is the more physical team.

Top pick

1. Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) vs. Car – The Panthers should win and enter the game in pretty good shape health-wise. The Cardinals are forced to play QB Ryan Lindley which is a depressing thought. However, Arizona’s D will be ready to play and will force Cam Newton into mistakes. Expect a close game which Arizona may pull out in the end. Either way, Carolina won’t be covering the point spread.

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2. Detroit Lions (+7) vs. Dal – The Cowboys come in strong, finishing 8-0 on the road. They haven’t fared as well at home. The Lions D will challenge Romo and this running game all afternoon. Matt Stafford is good for a few mistakes but this will be close throughout and could go either way. If Stafford shows some maturity then the Lions may steal one on the road.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Bal – The loss of RB Le’veon Bell is big, but Pittsburgh still has enough firepower to beat the Ravens at home. Baltimore does not enter this game playing their best ball and will go out in round 1.

4. Indianapolis Colts (-3) vs. Cin – The Bengals will likely be without WR AJ Green who has a concussion. That is a huge loss. They’ll pound the rock with RB Jeremy Hill but will face another aggressive defensive plan like they faced earlier when shutout 27-0 to the Colts. Expect QB Andrew Luck and Co. to get the job done again.

Detroit Lions (-8.5) vs. Chi – The complete implosion in Chicago makes this the top pick of the day. QB Jimmy Claussen will start in Jay Cutler’s place and the Lions D will be ALL over him. Detroit will blowout the Bears and easily cover the point spread.

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Carolina Panthers (-3) vs. Cle – Sorry Johnny, it’s a steep learning curve in the NFL. The rookie QB will struggle again mightily against a subpar D.

Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5) vs. Was – RGIII is a welcome sight for an Eagles team reeling after two losses. The Eagles will win by double digits.

Indianapolis Colts (+3.5) vs. Dal – See money line bet.

Rounding Things Out

Seattle Seahawks (-7.5) vs. Arz – Bruce Arians can only pull so many rabbits out of his hat. Ryan Lindley vs. a HOT Seattle defense is a scary proposition.

Denver Broncos (-3.5) vs. Cin – The Bengals have been embarrassed in primetime the entire year.

Oakland Raiders (+7) vs. Buf – Crazy things happen in the black hole. Expect the Raiders to play better than many expect.

Money Line Bet

Indianapolis Colts (+164) vs. Dal – The Cowboys are coming home after an emotional win against the Eagles. Home has not been their friend. On top of things, DeMarco Murray now has a broken hand and his ability to play is to be determined. Look for Andrew Luck and Co. to come into Dallas and win a high scoring game. The Cowboys D will have their hands full with the Colts passing game.