Saturday, January 12
Indianapolis @ Kansas City (-5½) -- Hottest team in the AFC right now, taking on an inexperienced, albeit exceptionally talented QB in a home that hasn't been all that much an advantage for the Chiefs.
My pick: Indianapolis 31, Kansas City 26
My bet: INDY (+5 1/2) ** BEST BET OF THE WEEKEND **
Dallas @ LA Rams (-7) -- Two teams loaded with exceptionally young talent, and (again) a homefield advantage that might not be the biggest advantage. The key is whether the Cowboys can control both the clock and supposedly a healthy Todd Gurley. I'm guessing not.
My pick: LA Rams 34, Dallas 23
My bet: RAMS (-7) ** SECOND BEST BET OF THE WEEKEND **
Sunday, January 13
LA Chargers @ New England (-4) -- The Chargers have logged 11,000 miles of air travel in the last three weeks. The Patriots have logged none. They haven't left Boston since December 17th. The dynasty may have a few kinks in the armor, but not enough to topple them... yet.
My pick: New England 31, LA Chargers 24
My bet: NEW ENGLAND (-4)
Philadelphia @ New Orleans (-8 1/2) -- The best homefield advantage in all the NFL is in the Bayou. Brees having an even better arsenal than he's had in years, and a defense that will be keenly focused on righting some wrongs from the last postseason.
My pick: New Orleans 30, Philadelphia 20
My bet: NEW ORLEANS (-8 1/2)