2009 Divisional Round Playoff Predictions

The Divisional Round Playoffs are here and I will be sharing a very important tip for all of you bettors out there.  Don’t get caught in the hype. During the 1st round of the playoffs every team that won, looked extremely impressive, and are fresh in peoples minds.   However there is a reason why these teams are playing in the first round, they are not as consistent as the teams that had byes.  People often bet on emotion, and what the remember last, and thats why people lose and the Guru wins.

I will break down each of the games for  you and why I think the Chargers, Colts, Saints, and Vikings will cover.  With that said, we are playing the percentages this week.  One of these teams will lose to a wild card team, but hey, 3 out of 4 ain’t bad.

For the year the Guru is making the right pick 64% of the time against the spread.

Jets(+7) vs Chargers

Like the Chargers for a few reason here.  One is that people are betting the Jets like crazy, especially the money line.  I could also see a lot of people doing a three team tease with the Jets getting 17 points.  Again, Vegas is out to make money, not give away money.  Here is why the Jets lose.  Jets passing defense vs Chargers passing offense.  Many people think the Jets have a fantastic pass defense, they do, mostly to one player Darelle Revis.  Outside of Revis there are some holes in the Jets secondary, if the Chargers offensive line can hold off that blitz they will pass all of over the Jets due to having so many weapons.  Lets go to the key match up Revis vs Jackson.  Darelle  Revis is 5ft 11″, Vincent Jackson is 6ft 6″, if Rivers throws up jump balls more than likely Jackson wins due to height advantage.  Also, one reason why the Chargers have not scored less than 20 points in a game all this year is due to taking advantage of match up issues that Antonio Gates presents.  When he runs a seam pass, and Sproles comes out of the back field the linebackers need to get it right every time, or its a huge gainer.  Watch for either Sproles or Gates to  have a huge day.

Cowboys vs Vikings(-2.5)

This is my favorite beat of the weekend.  The Giants have owned the Cowboys for the past couple of years.  Here is why, the Giants run the ball, and rushed the passer well.  Why is that important, the Vikings can run, and rush the passer better the Giants.  If you can put constant pressure against Romo, he makes big mistakes.  Watch for this to be a close game in the fourth quarter and a mistake by the Cowboys seal the deal as the Vikings cover.

Ravens vs Colts(-6)

Colts own the Ravens.  They have won the last 8 games in a row.  Plus how to you bet against Peyton Manning in the playoffs?  The Ravens have a great shot at winning this game if they can keep it close with their running game, but if the Colts get out to an early lead, it may force the Ravens to dump their running attack.  I think the Colts jump out early, Take the Colts lay the points.

Cardinals vs Saints(-7)

I think people are low on the Saints due to losing 3 in a row.  They did still win 13 games this year.  The first team to 50 will win this game.  To me its a crap shoot.  Take the Saints lay the 7.

Tags: Dar, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers