NFL Championship Sunday
AFC Championship Game
Indianapolis Colts (H) vs New York Jets (Colts by 8.5, Total 40 opened 7 and 41)
This line has been creeping out since it has opened. I think a lot of this move is the public, with only the strong New York money keeping this line from exploding. I never like going with the popular choice, but I am going with the Colts -8.5. I think they have such a superior offense with NFL MVP Peyton Manning leading the way. As great as the Jets defense has been, I think he is too good to get shut down. The Jets have been relying on their running game and rooking running back Shonn Greene. I don’t see them having the same success against a very good Colts rush defense. I have been wrong 2 weeks in a row, but I don’t feel Mark Sanchez is ready to lead his team to the Super Bowl. I think the Colts defense and the crowd noise distrupt his play and he will turn the ball over. I think the extra week of football and the travel catches up with the Jets today as the Colts will win the battle at the line of scrimage. As for the total, I would take the Under 40. I don’t love it as a couple of big plays could blow that total up, but I don’t think the Jets score much today.
NFC Championship Game
New Orleans Saints (H) vs Minnesota Vikings (Saints by 3.5, Total 54, opened 4.5 and 54)
Again I think I am with the public here as I am taking the Vikings +3.5. I am on the Brett Favre bandwagon as I think he plays another excellent game. I really like the Vikings defense and think they can slow down the Saints attack. I think Adrian Peterson has a big game running the ball for the Vikings and they will win the battle at the line of scrimage. The total is a tough one with so many offensive weapons on that fast turf, but I am going to take the Under 54. I think these two defenses are strong and the Vikings will get the running game going and work on the clock and try to keep Drew Brees and company off the field.
Colts -8.5 (3 out of 5)
Under Colts/Jets 40 (1 out of 5)
Vikings +3.5 (2 out of 5)
Under Saints/Vikings 54 (1 out of 5)
