NFL Wild Card odds: Best bets against the spread

The grind of the NFL regular season is behind us, and the fun is just beginning in the handicapping world. Last week’s picks didn’t go quite according to plan thanks to an agonizing backdoor cover from the Baltimore Ravens standing between us and a winning week, but the postseason is “prime time” and we won’t be denied.

As a result of 17 weeks of picks, we have compiled a decent sample size, and while it isn’t the runaway success anyone would love, it is a winning rate nonetheless. Let’s recap where we stand to this point.

• Last Week: 2-3
• Season: 45-38-2

Now, it probably isn’t advisable to give out five picks for each playoff round, but the people want more volume and more volume they will receive. Let’s get to the choices for Wild Card weekend.

Houston (+3.5) over Kansas City

This is the pick that long-time readers absolutely knew was coming.

The Chiefs have won 10 (!) straight games on the way to the playoffs, and as a result, Andy Reid’s team enters as a road favorite in round one. While Kansas City is unquestionably better than anyone imagined three months ago, I’m not entirely sure that this level of respect is justified, and without that ridiculous winning streak, the line would be lower.

Hello, value.

The Texans won’t be fun to pick due to an offense that doesn’t inspire confidence, but home underdogs are always fun to roll with when it comes to handicapping. I’m backing J.J. Watt and that terrifying defense against Alex Smith (on the road in the playoffs!), Reid and the rest of the Chiefs.

Next: AFC Games