Wild-card playoff picks

It was a nice finish to a sub-par (to say the least) season. Using the invented formula for the final week proved dividends in points, but only gave me a one game edge in overall record. Definitely something to look into next season.

As we go into the playoffs, we look back to what we learned over the regular season. And that is there is no such thing as a lock. Also, usually whenever a line seems out of whack and the betting public doesn't notice, the betting public usually is wrong. There are a couple of those this week.

Without using point totals, let's delve into the picks in order of my best to worst ...

INDIANAPOLIS minus-1 at SAN DIEGO (Saturday)
--> Like I said last week, the bookies have been in love with the Chargers. At first glance, this line may seem a little out of whack, with the Colts giving points on the road in the wild-card week. But dig a little deeper, and I think one point isn't nearly enough. The Colts haven't lost in the second half of the season, while San Diego has had to use all of its energy to catch the Broncos (no big feat). Now, it appears LT and Antonio Gates, two of their best three players, are dinged up. If they aren't 100-percent ready, Philip Rivers will get eaten alive. Peyton, meanwhile has something to prove in the playoffs, and I love Indy to make the championship game, especially if the Dolphins find a way to win and Indy heads to Tennessee.

ATLANTA minus-1 at ARIZONA (Saturday)
--> The bettors are leaning toward Arizona, which sort of surprises me. It seems the majority expects Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and the banged-up Anquan Boldin should roll over the Falcons defense. While I do think they will score 24-plus points, it's hard to see how the Cardinals will stop Michael Turner. Also, expect Matt Ryan to keep playing like he has all season -- unfazed by the fact that he's a rookie.

MINNESOTA plus-3 over PHILADELPHIA (Sunday)
--> I understand a couple of things on why it seems almost everyone loves the Eagles in this one -- Philly is hot, and there are few who trust Tarvaris Jackson. My answer: Horse Hockey. The Eagles are so overrated, and it is unfathomable to me how people can overlook their recent troubles in Washington and Cincinnati. The Vikings have been solidly consistent since their win in the Superdome on a Monday night in October. Don't be shocked if they win at Carolina next week, either.

MIAMI plus-3.5 over BALTIMORE (Sunday)
--> When have the Ravens been at their best this season? Except last week, they have been much better as an underdog. Also, this is just the second time all season they have been a favorite on the road (Week 13 at Cincinnati). Meanwhile, Pennington has done an adequate, if not superb, job the second half the season. I like the over in this one (37), as the Ravens' defense will spend more time on the field than they are accustomed to.

HOW DA CMMSH FARED IN WEEK 17: 11-5, 88 points
OVERALL FOR DA REGULAR SEASON (FINAL): 115-125 (.479), 1007 points (63 points per week)

FINAL TP sports pool standings: JLE 1282, WWB 1104, MLC 1099, Lopes 1072, LR 1059, Gene Pool 1011, PVW 1009, Me 1007, KVP 963, DJW 960, JRap 938