There’s an X factor out there, one player or coach who will have a major impact on each NFL Playoff game:
WR David Tyree had only four receptions for 35 yards and no touchdowns during the 2007 regular season. His 32-yard “Helmet Catch” off the top of his head helped the Giants upset the previously undefeated Patriots, 17-14, in Super Bowl XLII.
Before you place your boring old bet – Tom Brady throws for more than 300 yards and two touchdowns – think outside the box. BetBasics.com has these candidates for who will be the X-Factor this Saturday.
JAGUARS Pick ’Em over Chargers – The line moved from the Chargers giving a point to Pick ‘Em even though word out of L.A. is that star WR Mike Williams and DE Joey Bosa should play Saturday.
The Jaguars have one big-time advantage in this game and he won’t be wearing shoulder pads and a helmet. Doug Peterson has proven to be an innovative, aggressive coach. Philly Special anyone?
Peterson led the Eagles to a Super Bowl XXXI victory over, sorry New England fans, the Patriots. Chargers coach Brandon Staley will be coaching in his first playoff game. Uh-oh. We’re not predicting a trick play, although he wouldn’t be surprised if Peterson has a hold card under his play card.
Peterson will be prepared and decisive. Staley will be seeing ghosts every time he looks in the mirror. He simply doesn’t project confidence. Coaching is the difference in this Pick ‘Em game. Jacksonville swatted the Chargers, 38-10, in L.A. earlier this season.
The Loser is taking the Jaguars and the over (47.5) points meaning Jacksonville has to win, and the teams have to score 48 or more points. We got +264 at Caesars and wagered $15 for a $54.67 payoff, meaning we’d net $39.67.
49ERS -9.5 over Seahawks – This line moved from the Niners giving 10 to 9.5, which makes this an even sweeter play. Kudos to Pete Carroll who made the playoffs with a limited QB in Geno Smith, who makes three throws – the out pattern, the quick slant and occasionally a deep sideline ball – all pretty straightforward. He also has a rush defense that has allowed more than 230 yards three times.
The 49ers are this year’s Rams, having gone all in to win a Super Bowl. Unlike many teams, they’re getting healthy late in the season. WR Deebo Samuel and RB Elijah Mitchell returned last week. Mitchell scored two touchdowns in last week’s win over the Cardinals. San Fran has more weapons than an Apache helicopter (Thank you, Ted).
Samuel is the player to watch. He has 53 postseason touches (20 receptions; 53 rushes) in six games. He is the sphinx the Seahawks – really no team – can guard against. Yes, the presence of Christian McCaffrey might limit Samuel’s touches (for that matter, Mitchell’s presence will have that on McCaffrey) but Samuel is a big-moment player.
San Fran swept the season series, winning 27-7 at home and 21-13 in Seattle. Samuel had nine touches in the first game. He didn’t play in the second.
We took the 49ers, giving 9.5 points and Samuel to score a touchdown, at BetMGM at +300. With a $25 stake, (the amount we’re wagering), The Loser is looking at a $100 payoff, meaning a net of $75.
Tomorrow we look at the Sunday games.