NFL 2014 Week 18 Predictions: Wild Card Weekend

Week 18 Predictions: Wild Card Round

Panthers -6.5 over Cards, 24-13

-It’s all about Ryan Lindley. Sorry Cards: fix that QB situation and move Fitz somewhere else and this team will be primed for a run at the playoffs again next year. For now, Carolina has been playing well for a month now and it is time to stop ignoring that.

Ravens +3 over Steelers, 21-20

-It is going to be a rainy, messy night in Steel City. Without Bell (most likely), I will take the Ravens to show up in this divisional matchup. The Steelers have been undoubtedly better than Baltimore this year, especially in the last 6 weeks or so. But the weather combined with the injury situations make this a different case.

Colts -3 over Bengals, 30-23

-I will take Andrew Luck over Andy Dalton in playoff games in almost all cases. With the injuries in Cincy right now, this was an easy choice. AJ Green won’t be 100% if he plays, and Jeremy Hill can only do so much. The Colts are going to be an overwhelming force down the field and try to contain the Bengals’ running in a close win.

Lions +7.5 over Cowboys, 23-21

-I honesty have no idea who wins this. It will be close, so I am taking the extra half point. In general you take the better defense when it is close. Combined with such a high line, my decision is made. The Lions can give that Cowboy offensive line some issues unlike many other teams, and I have no idea who covers Tate and Megatron. The Cowboys defense is going to be exposed soon, perhaps it is this week.

Easiest Prediction of the week: The Superbowl Champion isn't playing this weekend, so most of this doesn't matter. 

Record last week:

Straight Up: 9-6

By Spread: 9-6

Record this year:

Straight Up: 128-74

By Spread: 103-97

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 793-429
By Spread: 641-567