NFL Prop Picks: Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons Tips 1/13/13
Last Updated: January 8th, 2013 byThe Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks are set to continue the 2013 NFL playoffs, and as a part of our analysis of the Divisional betting lines, we are taking a look at some of the best NFL props on the board for this crucial clash.
Russell Wilson Over/Under 16.5 Completions: When you really think about what Wilson has had to do over the course of the last few weeks, there hasn’t been a whole heck of a lot. The defense has done a ton, the offense has relied upon RB Marshawn Lynch, and in the end, that has been enough to get the job done in comfortable fashion. Still, Wilson knows that he is going to have to make some plays as the postseason wears on, and this is going to be a much tougher task than advertised. That being said, he is going to have no choice but to throw it, and if he knows what’s good for him, he won’t be taking nothing but those long shots right down the field. That means some shorter completions, and that should mean that he is going to average more than four completions per quarter. Especially if the Seahawks have to play this game from behind late, as the oddsmakers are insinuating, this could ultimately be a slam dunk of a play. Russell Wilson Over 16.5 Completions (-115)
Marshawn Lynch Over/Under 101.5 Rushing Yards: Same concept. Sure, Lynch has five straight games with at least 100 yards (one of which didn’t get beyond 101.5 rushing yards, just for the record), and sure, he is going against a defense that routinely allows a ton of rushing yards per game. But these are the playoffs, and the Falcons have been preparing to stop the run now for two full weeks, knowing that they were going to have to go against either Adrian Peterson, Alfred Morris, or Lynch in their first playoff game. Don’t be shocked if Atlanta puts eight in the box, or maybe even more, just to stop Lynch, and that would force Wilson to put the ball in the air. If the Falcons succeed, the Seahawks could end up getting blown out. If they fail, odds have it, it’s Wilson that’s beating them. We’ll take our chances that the Falcons do everything that they can to stuff up the run. Marshawn Lynch Under 101.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
Will Richard Sherman Intercept a Pass?: We hate playing props like this one, but the odds are definitely on our side for Sherman to pick off a pass in this game. He did so in seven games this year (eight total INTs), and he is going to be matched up with a receiver that is going to get at least 8-10 targets when push comes to shove, regardless as to whether he is dealing with WR Julio Jones or WR Roddy White. Sherman picked off a pass in three of his final four regular season games, and now, he gets to go against a quarterback in QB Matt Ryan who has thrown five interceptions in his three career postseason games. It’s just too nice of a price to pass on for what might be a 50/50 proposition. Richard Sherman To Intercept a Pass (+220)
Tony Gonzalez Over/Under 5.5 Receptions: Gonzalez caught 93 passes this year, averaging 5.8 per game, and this is a nice matchup for him. The Seahawks have been weak in the slot this year, as they have kept Sherman and DB Brandon Browner matched up on the outside with wide receivers for the mass majority of the season without shifting them into the slot. We have to figure that those two are going to stay blanketed on WR Julio Jones and WR Roddy White for the whole game, and that’s going to leave a safety or a linebacker to cover Gonzalez. Gonzo knows what he is doing here in the second season, and he has still got the abilities to be one of the best tight ends that football has to offer. We wouldn’t be shocked to see him log six receptions by halftime in this one, as he is going to often times act as the security blanket when White and Jones aren’t open. Tony Gonzalez Over 5.5 Receptions (-115)
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