Pilfo's Divisional Parlay
January 14th 2011 - Pilfo             

Pitt -3 / Chicago -10 / N.E. -8.5

The Steelers at home in the playoffs after a well deserved rest due to the bye week. And only minus 3? This is a must play. I know these 2 teams usually play a very close game but the Ravens have been struggling on offense all year. The Steelers defense just doesn't give up any real yards on the ground which means that Flacco will need to throw the ball and Flacco on the road against a decent team is not a good bet. Big Ben will get the job done as he usually does in the playoffs. After Tom Brady I believe Ben should be 2nd in the MVP voting. Look at his stats closely and you will realize just how good he has been this year.
Prediction: Pitt. 27-10

Those mediocre Bears just keep shocking their fans this year. The Bear defense is really awesome this year and very under-rated. More importantly the Bears have no significant injuries and will face a Seattle team that beat them earlier in the year. When these teams first met Lance Briggs did not play and Peppers was a bit banged up. Since then the defense has come together as a unit. I don't think the Seahawks will be able to move the ball much and the Bears will benefit with good field position all game.
Prediction: Chicago 27-0

I give Rex Ryan credit for one thing this week and one thing only. He has single handedly kept the spread of this game under 10. After the Pats crushed the Jets 45-3 the Bears put up 38 points on the Jet defense. The powerful Jets defense, although a solid unit, is not as good as their reputation shows. The Pats will score often again on them. The Jet offense is close to pitiful so don't over-think this one.
Prediction: New England 38-10