The Head vs. The Heart
Well yesterday was a disaster. With the Cowboys missing a push by 1 point and the Chiefs making a mockery of the spread. Going to try to bounce back today and end the weekend on a good note.
Record for the 2019 playoffs: 3-2-1
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (-4)
Sunday, Jan 13 – 1:05 EST
The Head:
The league’s best home team vs. the league’s best road team. The Patriots went 8-0 at home this season, and though you could argue that they don’t deserve it, they’re hosting this game as the AFC’s No. 2 seed. The Chargers are the team that probably should be the No. 2 seed, and they impressed the entire season on the road. They went 7-1 on the road during the regular season, including wins in Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City. Teams don’t do that.
Any other year, this wouldn’t be a question. The Patriots are the Patriots, and they basically have been for 20 years now. The Philip Rivers’ 0-7 record vs. Tom Brady has been well documented.
But something’s different this year. The Chargers are the real deal. The Patriots’ 21st-ranked defense isn’t gonna hold, even in the New England snow.
I’ve ridden the road team in every single game so far this postseason. It was golden last week – a shitshow yesterday. Might as well finish the weekend out.
Pick: Chargers +4
The Heart:
It’s the Patriots. At home. In January.
Pick: Patriots -4
What do I actually think? I’m sticking with the road teams. These Patriots are finally different. Take Los Angeles +4.
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints (-8)
Sunday, Jan 13 – 4:40 EST
The Head:
This is not going to be a repeat of the regular season match-up, when the Eagles were humiliated 48-7. That game represented the low-point of their season. It was also a game that Nick Foles spent pacing the sidelines and sitting on a long piece of metal.
Most of the Saints’ best players have had two weeks off, between the bye and Week 17 loss to the Panthers in which the Saints’ starters barely made appearances. I say they’re rusty.
This Eagles team has wanted this rematch since the previous match-up ended (which was admittedly about halfway through the second quarter). Not only has Nick Foles transformed the Eagles’ offense, but he’s somehow transformed their defense as well. If they lose, they’re losing by fewer than 8 points.
Remember that stupid gimmick where Sean Payton brought in the Lombardi Trophy on a pile of cash to show to the players? I think the Saints have forgotten whose property that currently is.
Pick: Eagles +8
The Heart:
The Eagles are winning the Super Bowl.
Pick: Eagles +8
