NFL Game Picks For The Divisional Playoff Round

After a strong year of best bets vs. the point spread, we find ourselves now at the most exciting weekend of the NFL season: the divisional playoff round.

Here's who Pro Football 101 likes:

Best Bets:

1. Baltimore Ravens (+3) vs. Tennessee Titans.

The best bet of the weekend actually might be the under in this game: 34. This has all the makings of an unbelievable defensive game, as that is where the strength lies for both of these teams. Both the Ravens and Titans will look to pound the ball and take pressure off of the QBs—rookie Joe Flacco and veteran Kerry Collins—while both pass defenses will limit the opposition's ability to do much through the air. But in the end, expect a low-scoring game with the Ravens hanging around long enough to pull out the mini-upset.

Next in Line:

2. San Diego Chargers (+6) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the Chargers now adopting DC Ron Rivera's attacking defensive philosophy, San Diego's defense mirrors that of Pittsburgh. But the Steelers are still far more effective at getting to the QB and creating turnovers.

On the flip side, the Chargers' offense is hitting on all cylinders, while the Steelers have had trouble sustaining drives and scoring points down the stretch. Look for San Diego to keep this game very much with in reach and have a good shot to pull out the upset late. Remember, while they're 0 for infinity playing in Pittsburgh during the regular season, they are 2-0 when it matters most: the playoffs.

3. Carolina Panthers (-10) vs. Arizona Cardinals.

If the Cardinals can get their offense going—both passing and running—they have a shot at the upset, but it's a long shot. Rather, we see the Cardinals keeping things close until the half and then Carolina, led by RB DeAngelo Williams and WR Steve Smith in particular, taking over and pulling away late for a double-digit victory. Arizona's other East Coast trips this year just don't inspire much confidence.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (+4) vs. New York Giants.

The last time the Eagles came into the Meadowlands, in Week 14, they dominated the Giants and handed them their only home loss of the season. That was against a team dealing with injuries and the Plaxico Burress fiasco. This week, all hands will be on board, so expect the Giants to get back to running the football and playing stout defense. And while the Giants will win, they'll do so in very close fashion, just like how most of these matches between the two end.

Money Line:

1. Baltimore Ravens (+130) vs. Tennessee Titans.  See the best bet for analysis.