For the gambling degenerates, here are my NFL wildcard round picks. To note, the helmets indicate who I think will win the game, not cover the spread. At the end of the picks, I'll note a few teams that I like based on the spread.
Chiefs (-3) at Texans: The Chiefs have won 10 straight games and have outscored their opponents 278-128 during that span. That would be a point differential of +150. During that span, they are holding their opponents to 12.8 points per game. This is truly one of the best defenses in the NFL. Over the last three seasons, the Chiefs' defense has 140 sacks, they've scored 13 touchdowns, and registered two safeties. They make plays, while the offense doesn't turn the ball over and does just enough to put points on the board.
The Texans come in with a three-game winning streak of their own, but their defense is more of a one-man attack, while the Chiefs are more complete across the board. Give me Big Red the dominator.
Steelers (-2.5) at Bengals: As of Thursday, it's to be determined whether the Bengals' quarterback will still be A.J. McCarron, or if Andy Dalton will return to the lineup. Either way, the Bengals are in trouble.
The Steelers are going to score. They managed to be the third-ranked offense with Ben Roethlisberger out of the lineup for 4.5 weeks. In the four games Big Ben didn't start, the Steelers averaged 315.3 yards per game. In the 12 he started, they averaged 422.2, which would have been best in the NFL by a significant margin.
The Steelers are an offensive juggernaut, and it will be difficult for McCarron or a rusty Dalton to keep pace.
Seahawks (-5) at Vikings: The Seahawks have an amazing defense and a quarterback who has thrown 24 TDs and 1 INT over his last 7 games. I don't think there's any need to over-analyze this one -- the Seahawks are a better team and should win. The Hawks are a strong Super Bowl contender. Again.
Packers (-1) at Redskins: The Packers are extremely banged up heading into the playoffs, as noted by ESPN Packers beat writer Rob Demovsky:
If you'll note, not one of the starting five along the Packers' offensive line participated in practice in full on Wednesday. That is extraordinarily concerning for a Packers team that has struggled to protect Aaron Rodgers all season long as is.
Picks against the spread: Steelers (-2.5), Redskins (+1).
Last week, straight up: 10-6
Season, straight up: 163-93 (0.637)
Last week, ATS: 3-1
Season, ATS: 46-30-2 (0.605)