NFC and AFC Championship Game Plays of the Day

The Packers vs. Bears and Jets at Steelers.

Two huge games today.  The four teams playing the best at the end of the season meet in cold weather in Chicago and Pittsburgh to decide who will be playing in this years Super Bowl.

NFC Pick: Packers and Over

The game is in Chicago, but it doesn't matter.  These two teams haven't played a game this big since the 1940's.  What the Packers have is the hottest quarterback in the land and the best team defense.  Those two factors will win you a championship.  

The Packers are 3.5 point favorites heading into the game, they also are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

The Pack is also 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, and I've been impressed, but I'm not totally sold on Bear's quarterback Jay Cutler yet. 

The Bears also are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0. 

This game could be real close heading to the 4th quarter, but that's when I love Aaron Rodgers.  Take Green Bay, give the 3.5.

The total in this game is 42.5.  Conventional wisdom may say with the weather being cold and good defenses, take the under.  I think both of these teams and move the ball, and at least one of them will score a lot.  Take the OVER.

AFC Pick: Steelers and Under

Oh those Steelers and Jets.  It is a even matchup through and through.  Except for one thing, many Steelers have been here before and experience matters in a game like this.

The line currently has the Steelers giving 4.  I think that is about right, but I like Pittsburgh by a razor thin margin. 

Both teams have trends in their favor, but here are two to chew on. The Steelers are 9-0 ATS in their last 9 games in January and are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 playoff home games.  Strong trends and a strong team.  I like Big Ben, Hines Ward and the Steelers D.  Take the Steelers, give the 4.

The total here is 38.  Kind of low, but you should expect low with these teams.  In this series, the under is the play, with the under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings between these teams.  Take the UNDER and enjoy the football today.