NFL FOOTBALL PICKS ATS - FREE WEEKLY EXPERT PREDICTIONS

The Patriots get the automatic edge betting the side in this game given their experience on the NFL’s biggest stage. However, the big question when it comes to the total line is will the game turn into a shootout as the current 56.5-point betting line suggests.

Even after shutting out the high-powered Chiefs in the first half of AFC title game, the Patriots gave up 31 points. I think it is going to take more than 30 points to beat the Rams this Sunday in a game that once again goes OVER.

Like what we have seen in both conference championship matches, this game will also likely be settled on the final possession. This contest may have shades of the first meeting between these two sides in 2002 with a late New England field goal deciding the outcome. Either way, Brady gets his sixth ring, and the Patriots cover while he does so.

This game will likely be settled on the final possession. One can expect to see a lot of scoring here by virtue of quick strike drives predominantly through the air. This game should see both teams eclipse the 30-point threshold and as a result, puts the Over at the current number is well within reach.

Kansas City looked like one of the best teams in the NFL all season long, and that didn't change in their first playoff win. The Chiefs will have home-field advantage for this game, and all signs point to them reaching the Super Bowl. But, as long as the Patriots still have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, I refuse to bet against them. They have done this too many times, and they know how to win on the road in the playoffs.

This is the rematch that everyone has been waiting for. The total line suggests another track meet between these two high-powered offenses. However, each team's defense has been able to step up its game when necessary. Each side also has the ability to move the ball on the ground to also keep the scoring lower than expected.

Beating the Saints SU in the Superdome is a tall task, but I am taking the Rams and the favorable 3.5-point spread to cover.

The Saints have been able to establish themselves as the team to beat in the NFC this season, especially playing on their home field. However, betting against the Eagles right now comes with some added risk given their current form.

I would still pencil in New Orleans for next week’s NFC title game, but I am taking Philly and the eight points to keep things interesting enough to cover.

The Patriots will do what they are known to do in the playoffs and raise their game to an elite level that none have been able to replicate on a consistent basis. With an extra week of preparation to their advantage and a true home-field edge, the Patriots will easily cover this line and win by at least a touchdown.

I went with Seattle last week in a game between two evenly matched teams. Give credit to the Cowboys for winning that game, but they do not have the firepower on offense to hang with the Rams on the scoreboard in this week’s matchup.

They're favoring the Chiefs at home this weekend -5.5, but don't be surprised if we see the Colts sneaking out of Arrowhead with a victory. As great as Andy Reid is at head coaching, he has struggled in the playoffs with a record of 11-13, 1-4 in his time with the Chiefs. We'll see if Patrick Mahomes can be the difference. We like the chances.

Chicago should win this game at home behind one of the best defenses in the league. However, betting against Foles leading the Eagles in the postseason has proven to be a losing proposition. I cannot see the defending champs going down without a fight in a game that will remain much closer than most experts have predicted.

W

We’re looking forward to seeing Eric Weddle host his former team after playing eight seasons for the Chargers. The Chargers have an advantage at the quarterback position, as Rivers brings poise and leadership to the table. It remains to be seen how big of a spotlight Lamar Jackson can handle playing in the playoffs his rookie season. It’ll be interesting to see if the Ravens revert back to a proven playoff quarterback like Joe Flacco if Jackson struggles. Expect the Chargers defense to keep a QB spy in on most plays and look to limit the read option, which is what the Ravens like to do with Jackson.

This should be a good game right through the fourth quarter between two teams that match up extremely well against one another. I anticipate a low scoring game that should probably stay UNDER the current 43-point line with each defense helping to dictate the pace of play.

When it comes to my ‘best bet’ for Saturday night, I will take Seattle on the road (SU and ATS). Past postseason failures will continue to haunt the Cowboys.

For years, many have heralded in quarterback Andrew Luck as a rising star with the potential to be an MVP. After putting together a career year with a 98.7 QBR (67.3% pass completion percentage, 4,593 passing yards, 39 touchdown passes, and just 15 interceptions), the stage is set for Luck to make his claim as he is the architect of the Colts’ run to the post-season. Houston’s 28th ranked passing defense (260.4 yards per game) will be indeed accommodating and Luck will take advantage to lead the Colts to victory.

The Colts have been one of the hottest teams in the AFC over the second half of the season, but getting past Tennessee on the road with so much on the line for either side will be a tall task. This game comes down to Luck's ability to move the ball downfield and score points against the Titans' stout defense.

My lean would actually be towards the Titans playing at home, but my ‘best bet’ is the UNDER on the 44-point total line.

The Vikings are favored at -4 at home this week, as this is set to be one of Week 17’s most anticipated matchups.

The energy brought to the table by Foles at quarterback has also ignited a defense that gave up its fair share of big plays this year. Washington is playing at home against a bitter division rival, but I would still question how much intensity it will be able to muster on Sunday.

Philly does what it needs to do by winning SU while covering the 6.5 points on the road.