Pete Prisco's NFL Wild Card Weekend odds, picks: Colts pull off road upset, Cowboys edge Seahawks
The NFL ( National Football League ) playoffs are here, which means the intensity rises on the field and also when it comes to picking the games.
There are only four games this week and four next week, then two and then one.
That means the margin for error is slim.
I expect a few upsets this week, and maybe a wild ride in the playoffs with a long shot even making the Super Bowl.It also means focusing in on the games is a little easier. I usually do well in the postseason when it comes to making picks, so let's hope that trend stays true.
Wild Card Weekend will be fun. Let's hope the picks are good to go with it.
NFL Playoffs tv schedule : National Football League
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore (-2.5)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET (CBS, stream the game here)
The Ravens beat the Chargers in Week 16 in Los Angeles thanks to an impressive defensive performance and a nice game by quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens ran for 159 yards in that game, averaging 4.5 per rush. I don't think that will happen again. That was the first time the Chargers saw the Ravens and their scheme with Jackson, which can be tough the first time you see it. I think with a grasp of it, the Chargers will handle it better.
The Baltimore defence had an impressive game in the first meeting, limiting Philip Rivers to 181 yards passing and picking him off twice. Rivers will be better here and offensive line, which was dominated in the first meeting, will be stouter.
I think the Chargers will win a low-scoring game, with a late sack-fumble play by Joey Bosa to ice it.
Pick: Chargers 19, Ravens 16
Philadelphia at Chicago (-6) : National Football League
Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Eagles are a hot team right now behind Nick Foles, but this is a big challenge heading to Chicago to face the Bears' No. 1-ranked scoring defence.
Foles and the passing game will be challenged here by a Chicago defence that was first in the league in passing yards per play. It helps that pass rusher Khalil Mack makes things tough for any quarterback. But the Eagles offensive line has played better down the stretch, which will be key here.
The Chicago offence has had moments where it's been impressive, but it's limited in terms of being able to line up and run the football. That could be a trouble spot for Mitchell Trubisky against an Eagles defence that is playing better lately.
Despite that, I think the Bears will find a way to generate enough offence to win a close game and advance to the Divisional Round. The Eagles will make it interesting, though.
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