Jan. 21 AFC/NFC Championship Predictions

After the first two rounds I am 1-3 on over/under and against the spread picks in this seasons NFL playoffs, but 2-0 on teasers. This week I am making predictions for both games, although I am not personally recommending playing game either game against the spread or over/under straight up.

Now with news about Tom Brady being questionable for Sunday, there is a lot of uncertainty around what to expect in the AFC Championship. Even though I am not personally making wagers on either game individually, for fun I am giving my predictions.
My personal recommendation is a two team +7 parlay. Hopefully our record will move to 3-0 on teasers in this NFL postseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars (12-6) at New England Patriots (14-3)  3:05pm EST

Lines: New England -8  O/U 45

Before Tom Brady was listed as questionable I had the Patriots covering here. Since 2014 the Patriots are 8-1 straight up in their last nine playoff games. The Patriots are also 5-0 against the spread in their last five playoff games overall.

Brady’s status could all be smoke and mirrors, nevertheless it is enough for me to stay away from the Patriots covering by more than a touchdown at the moment.

Looking at the total here, the under is 5-2 in the Patriots last seven AFC Championship games. The under is also 7-3 in Jaguars last ten games as a road underdog between 3.5 and 10 points.

I recommend teasing this +7 points and taking the under 52 points.

Get Sports Strong Prediction: New England 24 Jacksonsville 20 

Minnesota Vikings (14-3) at Philadephia Eagles  (14-3) 6:40pm EST

Lines: Minnesota -3.5  O/U 39

I expect a close low scoring game here. The under is 3-1 in the Eagles games since Nick Foles took over for the injured Carson Wentz.  The under is also 10-2 in the Viking’s last 12 road games against teams with a winning home record.

I am using this my second part of a team two teaser UNDER 46 points.

Get Sports Strong Prediction: Minnesota 20 Philadephia 17

Recommendation: Two Teaser +7 Jacksonsville at New England UNDER 52 points and Vikings at Eagles UNDER 46 points)