NFL Picks Against the Spread 2018: Divisional Round Playoff Games

Before the Divisional Round of the 2018 NFL playoffs kicks off, let’s have some fun by taking a look at the lines for today’s games. (Click here for Divisional Round picks without regard to the spread.)

Here are suggestions when trying to beat the odds. You can find all of today’s NFL betting lines and more via SB Nation. My record this season is 113-103-9. Let’s get to the picks.

Divisional Round Games

Altanta Falcons (-3) at Philadelphia Eagles: It’s been said a billion times by now ... the Eagles are the first ever No. 1 seed to be underdogs in their first playoff game. Most aren’t giving the Eagles a shot to win this game. A majority of the public money is on the Falcons. Despite this, the line hasn’t moved much since it opened at Falcons -2.5. The feeling here is the line will drop once the smart money comes in on the Eagles today. Don’t wait until then. Fade the public now and bet on Philadelphia. Matt Ryan vs. Nick Foles is a big mismatch, yes, but the Eagles’ defense and home crowd will give Philly a shot in this one. I’m taking the Eagles outright. PICK: Eagles +3

Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots (-13.5): Last week’s win over the Chiefs didn’t change how I feel about this Titans team. They’re still pretty bad, which is evident in the line here. 13.5 points is a lot, but are you really going to be against a pissed off Patriots team at home? New England is going to be out with something to prove after last week’s ESPN article. They’re going to smash the Titans. PICK: Patriots -13.5

Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers (-7): This is a tough one. The Jaguars won by a final score of 30-9 when these two teams last played in October. Ben Roethlisberger threw FIVE interceptions in that game. Hard to imagine he does that again. Still, this No. 1 ranked Jags defense will be tough to crack. Especially with Antonio Brown questionable to play. But do I really want to count on Blake Bortles in this game? The guy could easily throw a pick six or two. I’m going to roll with the Steelers here because I think they play better than they did when these teams last met. I could really go either way with this one so I have to give the tie to the home team that’s been in this moment before. PICK: Steelers -7

New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings (-4): This has the makings of a real good game. The Saints lost to the Vikings when these two teams played in Minnesota in Week 1, but so many things have changed since then. Sam Bradford was the Vikings’ starting quarterback. Adrian Peterson was the Saints’ primary running back. Despite the fact that things have changed, I think the result could be the same. Minnesota’s defense is just so good, especially at home. Case Keenum versus Drew Brees is a big mismatch on paper, but I just think the Vikings’ offense will be able to do enough against a Saints defense that’s not invulnerable. PICK: Vikings -4