EARLY SUPER BOWL LINE

I found a peculiar bet with my book today -- they have an early Super Bowl line posted. And I couldn't resist...

NFC  +3  AFC

DeVoodoo's pick: NFC

Frankly, I don't understand the rationale behind this line whatsoever. Even if we assume for a moment the Colts will represent the AFC (though a Jets upset could very well happen), they'll play one of two excellent teams from the NFC. Whether it's Brett Favre's Vikings or Drew Brees's Saints, I like the chances of both those teams against the Colts (and especially so if they end up playing the Jets). So why not take the underdog points? 

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jets v. Colts(H)  1st HALF  O/U @ 20

DeVoodoo's pick: UNDER

Jets QB Mark Sanchez might throw three passes in the first half. The Jets will pound and pound and pound away at the Colts undersized defenders with their power running game. I also expect the Jets defense to keep Manning and company in check. At least at the start of the game. 

Vikings v. Saints(H)  1st HALF O/U @ 27

DeVoodoo's pick: UNDER

I'm taking another first half 'under' based on two assumptions: A) The Vikings will try to establish the run, and B) The Vikings pass rush should slow down the Saints aerial assault just enough to keep the scoring lower than usual. 

DIVISION ROUND

Cardinals/Saints(H)  O/U  @ 57

DeVoodoo's pick: UNDER

The two biggest offensive powerhouses go head to head in the comfy confines of a dome. Sounds like a pinball game, right? When everything looks too perfect, I generally bet the other direction. 

Ravens  +6  Colts (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Ravens

I'm not feeling great about this bet. I think the Colts will play inspired to shake off all the criticism they received during their self-imposed, late season slide. That said, I feel compelled to take the points in a game that could align perfectly to the Ravens strengths -- running the ball and defense. 

Cowboys  +2.5  Vikings (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Cowboys

The Cowboys are clicking. The Vikings are slipping. I expect the Cowboys' menacing pass rush to be the determining factor in this game. 

Jets  +7  Chargers (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Chargers

The Jets are playing on borrowed time. And they've gotta travel 3,000 miles to do it. The dream will fall apart for New York this weekend with a resounding thud. 

WILD CARD WEEKEND

Jets +3 Bengals (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Bengals

Last week's blowout loss to the Jets will mean one of two things for the Bengals come Saturday: A) The Bengals will carry self esteem issues into this week's match-up and get creamed again, or B) They'll galvanize and regroup to crush the Jets.

I'm betting the latter.

Eagles TEAM O/U @ 20.5 v. Cowboys (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: OVER

My favorite play of the weekend. The Eagles have an elite offense. Last week's fiasco against the Cowboys will stoke the fires of McNabb & crew. I'm not sure if Philly will win or cover the spread, but if they lose, a lack of points won't be the reason.

Packers +2 Cardinals (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Packers

I like this game for pretty much one reason -- I get the sense it's destiny for Green Bay and Minnesota to meet again this year. For that to happen, the Packers have to beat the Cardinals.

Ravens +3.5 Patriots (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Ravens

This is not the Patriots of yore. History is affecting this spread too much. And the Pats have no one to replace the immeasurable presence of WR Wes Welker.

WEEK 17 ADDITION

Chiefs +12.5 Broncos (H)

DeVoodoo's pick: Chiefs

Looks like the Broncos will be missing WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Sheffler due to coach-imposed suspensions. I think the Chiefs will push hard to close the season on a strong note. Twelve-plus points is an appealing point buffer.