Free NFL Playoff Picks for January 2008


June 10, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The guys at BodogLife were giving out some free NFL playoff picks for the opening weekend of games, so we figured we would let our readers in on what they have to say.  Each week they give our four applicable trends to help people with their NFL betting, so let’s see what’s on top for the wild card matchups.

Bet with your Checking Account at Bodog!

1.  The Jags should run all over Pittsburgh’s tradition
It seems strange to see the Steelers as underdogs at Heinz Field, especially after Mike Tomlin’s bunch went 7-1 in front of the home crowd this season.  It’s important to note however, that the one loss did come at the hands of Jacksonville only three weeks ago when the Jags ran for 216 yards behind the Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew attack.  That number was pretty impressive when you see that Pitt held opponents to just 89.9 rushing ypg, and they never get embarrassed like that in front of their hometown crowd.  The problem is that injuries have really changed the face of the team, with Willie Parker out and the defense decimated.  Pro Bowl end Aaron Smith is out, backup cornerback Bryant McFadden has reinjured his ankle, Troy Polamalu is doubtful with a knee injury, and linebacker Clint Kriewaldt is out.  That should hamper the Steelers ability to stop the run.

2.  The Collins magic runs out for the Redskins this weekend
Todd Collins has filled in admirably for Jason Campbell down the stretch, looking more like a 13-year starter than a journeyman who took ten years between starts.  His numbers are gaudy with passer ratings of 144.6, 124.8, and 104.8 in his last three games, but we don’t think things will come that easy for him this weekend in Seattle.  Qwest Field gives the Seahawks a decided advantage with the noise the fans produce, which could give trouble to Collins in calling audibles and getting the snap off.  The defense was astounding at home with 29 of their 45 sacks and 23 of their 34 turnovers coming in front of the home crowd.  They lost just one game at home and held opponents to less than ten points on four different occasions.  A lot has been made about Shaun Alexander struggling, but Matt Hasselbeck is capable of carrying the team on his back.

3.  The Bucs will key in on Brandon Jacobs
This matchup between Tampa Bay and New York will be loved by defensive enthusiasts, but the key to the game will be Brandon Jacobs.  Jacobs is one of the biggest backs in the league, and he’s bigger than most of the Bucs defensive lineman so you can bet the Giants are going to want to pound the ball down their throats.  That should keep Eli Manning out of third and long, which they will have to in order to avoid the Bucs defense that was no. 1 against the pass and had grabbed 15 more turnovers than their opponents.  Tampa’s defense was also third in scoring defense because they take away the big play.  That lack of big play ability though is only going to matter if the Giants stay out of third and long, so stopping Jacobs is of the utmost importance.

4.  Playoff caveat – stay away from quarterbacks making their postseason debut
The last two postseasons have shown why this is important.  In 2006 it was Tampa Bay’s Chris Simms, New York’s Eli Manning, and Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer.  All three of these guys went down in their first game.  Last year, it was Dallas and San Diego falling victim with Tony Romo and Philip Rivers under center.  This year you have to look at Vince Young and the Titans.  He’s already a little banged up with a hamstring injury, and the Tennessee offense will be having a hard enough time as it is against San Diego’s tough defense.  The Chargers haven’t won a playoff game since 1994 and are 0-2 with LaDanian Tomlinson in the backfield.  Look for LT to avenge those two losses.

Related Articles You May Be Interested In:

Filed Under NFL