2-0 on Ws, 1-1 ATS, 1-1 O/U
Ravens -3 over Chargers (+100), Under 43 (-110)
Welcome one and all to another softball playoff loss for the Rivers family.
I don’t ever think I’ve seen a veteran quarterback get pre-massaged excuses for losing a playoff game.
Fortunately, the forecast calls for a perfect 52-degree day today in Baltimore, so that excuse is out the window. This is actually the only one of the 4 games that defense can win, and this Baltimore defense should be up to the task. John Harbaugh will have a decided coaching advantage in this game, and the home field, and unless the Chargers score a ton in the first quarter the game will incrementally lean towards the Ravens as the game goes on, and they grind out the win. Lamar Jackson saves his miracles for next week. He wont’ need any today. Ravens 20, Chargers 13.
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Bears -6.5 over Eagles (-110), Over 41.5 (-110)
The Eagles have the narrative, the magic man, and the pedigree. Unfortunately, narrative and pedigree don’t put on pads. Khalil Mack does, and defensive players with the talent for immortality like Mack don’t pass up opportunities to squash hopes and dreams. I think Nagy takes his deep shots early against this bad Eagles’ secondary, using his defense as a buffer if Trubisky misfires and as a stranglehold if they connect. Foles is definitely going to show up to this game, but there’s no way the rest of the offense will physically be able to control the pace of the game against the Bears front for 60 minutes, and I think even at Philly’s best, that gives Chicago’s offense enough opportunities to pull ahead. I’m excited to see Mack on a big stage like this. It’s long overdue. Bears 27, Eagles 20.
3rd and 13 