The Submit’s Dave Blezow makes his picks and predictions for Sunday’s NFL divisional playoff video games.
SUNDAY
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-6) over Los Angeles Rams; Beneath 44: One other sport with tons to contemplate. Let’s begin with Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards — together with two touchdowns of 70-plus yards — within the Eagles’ 37-20 victory over the Rams at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 24.
Barkley probably gained’t hit that quantity once more, however know there hasn’t been a lot of a studying curve in terms of stopping him. He had 109 yards vs. the Packers, then 119 within the second assembly. He rushed for 66 after which 167 vs. Dallas. And 146 then 150 vs. Washington. He confronted the Giants solely as soon as.
For all of the success the Rams protection had in opposition to Darnold with 9 sacks and a scoop-and-score, it’ll be completely different on the Linc with all the eye that can must be paid to Barkley.
Although McVay and Stafford are nearly as good because it will get as a coach-quarterback tandem, not less than on the far aspect of Reid-Mahomes, the Rams are in a brutal situational spot.
They performed Monday evening, needed to journey house to L.A., then cross nation to face a more-rested crew. Additionally, the forecast of low 30s with rain or snow is just not excellent for Stafford, who has performed nearly all of his video games indoors.
Eagles, 27-16.
BUFFALO BILLS (+1) over Baltimore Ravens; Beneath 51.5: It’s straightforward to fixate on the primary assembly, a 35-10 Ravens rout on the Inside Harbor in Week 4, and cease there.
In any case, Derrick Henry ran for an 87-yard landing on the Ravens’ first play from scrimmage, then caught a 5-yard landing cross from Lamar Jackson. He completed with 199 yards speeding.
Much like Barkley, familiarity is just not the important thing to stopping Henry. Take into account the Steelers confronted him thrice since mid-November, and Henry rushed for 65, then 162, then 186.
I consider the Ravens are the higher crew, prime to backside, at this stage of the season. However they’re not unbeatable, and there’s one thing psychological about taking a crew that’s undefeated in its constructing as a house underdog. Sure it’s just one level, nevertheless it could possibly be greater than that motivationally.
Josh Allen has accomplished some magical issues this season, together with his landing cross/catch/dive within the snow to beat the Chiefs. If it’s his time, it’s his time.
Payments, 24-23.
Betting on the NFL?
LOCK OF THE WEEK: Lions (Locks 8-9 in 2024-25).
LAST WEEK: 5-7 (2-4 sides, 3-4 Over/Unders).
Why Belief New York Submit Betting
Dave Blezow’s one of many longest tenured NFL handicappers on the Submit with picks relationship again 31 years. He gained the Submit’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most just lately in 2023.