National football League Wild Card Weekend, Day 2

As expected yesterday, Arizona held serve at home against the upstart Falcons.  Atlanta Head Coach Mike Smith, QB Matt Ryan, great rookie seasons.  You demonstrated for anyone watching that it is possible to rebound from the most severe organizational obstacles and immediately respond successfully in an incredibly unforgiving environment.  Well done and good luck next year because as quick as success can come, it can go in an instant.

In the night cap, unexpectedly, the 8-8 Chargers upset the visiting Indianapolis Colts 23-17 in overtime.  3 critical 3rd down conversions via the yellow flag escorted the Chargers down the field in OT before Darren Sproles broke through the dejected Colts D and into the end zone with the game winner.  Unfortunately it was the otherwise Super Human Sproles that earlier fumbled the ball into the end zone for a Colts touchback that doomed our selection of OVER the total of 49 1/2.  This game had the feel all night that it would go to OT at 24-24 and the FG to win it either way would take the total over, but Sproles fumble changed everything.

With Day 1’s recap out of the way, let’s get on with Day 2 which seems to have more of a ‘Main Event’ feel to it than yesterday.  

In game 1 today at 1 pm EST, the Baltimore Ravens make their second trip in to Miami this season.  The first time through was highly successful as they stuffed the Wildcat formation and beat a tough physical Dolphins squad.  This game should be a hard hitting grinder.  This has the potential to be an instant NFL classic and if you think Ray Lewis is usually fired up, focused, and ready to roll, then imagine how his motor will be going today as he returns to Miami, where he spent several formative years at ‘The U’.

The Line:  Baltimore Ravens - 3 1/2 and the total is 38 points

How we see it:  The Crew here at www.Picks4Players.com believe the Ravens will win the game, but several of us are justifiably concerned with the extra 1/2 point.   The 1/2 point ‘hook’ may end up being insignificant, but if you have an opportunity to buy the 1/2 point down to a spread of 3, then your afternoon may be a little more relaxing.  Our selection:  Baltimore -3 1/2 and UNDER 38

In Game 2, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, this afternoon at 4:30 pm EST The Philadelphia Eagles are a 3 point favorite over the NFC North Champion Minnesota Vikings and the greatest running back in the history of the sport, Adrian Peterson.  

What to watch for; The Eagles will roll in this one and cover the 3 point spread easily.  Peterson will get his share of yards and if he’s wearing his customary ‘AP skull cap’ that is see thru and remarkably resembles a condom complete with a reservoir tip, then look for him to explode (no pun intended) over the 100 yard mark in a losing effort.  McNabb will be solid and perhaps exceptional today.  Michael Westbrook will have a big day and look for WR DeSean Jackson to score 2 or 3 touchdowns today for the Eagles.  Minnesota, thanks for coming to the dance.  

Our Selection: Philadelphia -3  and OVER 41

Check back with us throughout the week as we get set for Round 2 next weekend.  Take care and thank you for all of the support,

from your team here at

www.Picks4Players.com