NFL Playoff Picks 2012: Easy Money Bets for Championship Round

Take the following bets this weekend, and make some money on the NFL before it vanishes into the offseason. 

These are going to be two exciting and well-played games, and each has a bet that is easily exploitable. Check it out. 

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots 

Play: Over 50

The Patriots haven't had a game total less then 50 since they beat the Chiefs 34-3 in Week 11. Meanwhile, the Ravens haven't had a game total hit the 50-point mark since they beat the Bengals 31-24 in Week 11.

Something has to give, and it is going to be the Ravens' low-scoring games. While the Ravens defense has been playing lights-out football, they have not seen many high-powered passing attacks. 

Baltimore has played just one team that finished in the top nine in passing yards. That was the San Diego Chargers in Week 15.

In that game, Philip Rivers easily shredded Baltimore's defense for 17-of-23 passing with one touchdown, no interceptions and 270 yards. 

Those numbers would have been bigger had the Chargers not built such a big early lead. Tom Brady will be able to inflict similar damage, and with the Patriots' questionable defense, the Ravens will be able to stay within shouting distance.

The 10 points the Patriots allowed to the Broncos in the divisional round is the first game they have held an opponent under 20 since that Week 11 game against the Chiefs.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Ravens 24

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

Play: Giants -2.5

Much has changed since the 49ers beat the Giants 27-20 in Week 10, and most of those changes have been with the Giants. 

The 49ers have been a dominant team led by a terrific defense all season. That defense has been as consistent as it has been great.

Meanwhile, the Giants defense didn't decide to start playing football until very recently. 

The Giants just held the mighty Packers to 20 points. They have allowed just 12.5 points per game over their past four. This is in stark contrast to the 24.25 they allowed in the four games leading up to the first time these two met. 

New York's defense will be able to keep the pressure on the 49ers and allow Eli Manning to go to work on a secondary he already torched for  311 yards and two touchdowns.

Prediction: Giants 27, 49ers 17

Betting Lines according to Football Locks