The NFL wild card round had some surprise upsets over the weekend. Here is how the NFC games turned out and what to expect in the next round.
Seattle Seahawks 41, New Orleans Saints 36
The Seahawks were the first NFL team to make the playoffs with a losing record. They earned plenty for bookmakers with a surprise win over the defending Super Bowl champion Saints. Seattle (-10.5) was the biggest home playoff underdog in the history of NFL odds and was the only home team to win over the weekend. The Seahawks trailed twice in the game, but rallied back under quarterback Matt Hasselbeck who threw for 272 yards and four touchdowns, setting a franchise playoff record. Those betting the over sat comfortably as the teams scored a collective 44 point in the first half and broke it midway through the third quarter. Seattle will have to do a better job on defense against Chicago on Sunday after allowing 450 yards against the New Orleans.
Play of the Game: Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch broke half of a dozen tackles and rumbled for a 67-yard touchdown to seal it in the fourth quarter.
Money Line (odds provided by Titan Bet)
Seattle: 15/4
Chicago: 3/20
Point Spread: Chicago -10
Over/Under: 40
Green Bay Packers 21, Philadelphia Eagles 16
Green Bay knows how to stop Michael Vick. The Philadelphia quarterback was 27 yards away from victory in the waning seconds on Sunday, similar to Week 1 when he was 42 yards away. The Packers stopped him on both game-winning drives. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had one of the best performances of the weekend. Despite throwing for only 180 yards, he finished with three touchdowns and helped his cause to be recognized among the elite NFL quarterbacks with his first playoff victory. Running back James Starks finished with 123 yards on 23 carries in his postseason debut. The real hero of the day was Green Bay’s defense, which held the Eagles to just 18 first downs. I said if Vick could evade Green Bay’s front line, the Eagles would win. That didn’t happen as Vick was sacked twice and knocked down numerous times. Vick finished with 292 yards passing and 33 yards rushing with two touchdowns but his interception in the fourth quarter (Philadelphia’s only turnover) proved to be the difference. Eagles kicker David Akers also missed two field goals. If Green Bay’s defense keeps limiting receivers like DeSean Jackson to two catches for 47 yards, the Packers stand a chance against Atlanta on Saturday. Keep that in mind for the next over/under.
Play of the Game: Michael Vick was leading the Eagles down the field in a game-winning drive, but Packers cornerback Tramon Williams picked him off in the end zone with 33 seconds left to seal the win.
Money Line (odds provided by Titan Bet)
Green Bay: 23/20
Atlanta: 7/10
Point Spread: Atlanta -2.5
Over/Under: 45.5