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Picks against the spread Sunday

The Post's Dave Brezow makes his picks and predictions for Sunday's NFL divisional playoff games.

Sunday

Philadelphia Eagles (-6) vs. Los Angeles Rams; Under 44: Another game with a lot to consider. Let's start with Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards, including two touchdowns of over 70 yards, in the Eagles' game against the Rams on Nov. 24 at SoFi Stadium.

Barkley won't reach those numbers again, but know that there wasn't much of a learning curve when it came to stopping him. He gained 109 yards against the Packers and 119 yards in the second matchup. He scored 66 points and rushed for 167 points against Dallas. and 146 and 150 against Washington. They only played against the Giants once.

The Rams defense had success against Darnold with nine sacks and one scoop and score, but things will be different at the rink as Barkley will have to be a focus.


Jalen Hurts and the Eagles defeated the Rams earlier this season. USA TODAY Sports (via Reuters Con)

McVay and Stafford are a great coach-quarterback tandem, but the Rams are in a tough spot, at least on the far side of Reid-Mahomes.

They played Monday night, flew home to Los Angeles, and then had to travel across the country to play a more rested team. Also, the forecast for temperatures in the low 30s and rain or snow is not ideal for Stafford, who has played most of his games indoors.

Eagles, 27 wins, 16 losses.

Buffalo Bills (+1) vs. Baltimore Ravens; less than 51.5: It's easy to focus on the first game in the Inner Harbor in Week 4, a game the Ravens lost 35-10, and stop there.

In the end, Derrick Henry ran for an 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens' first play from scrimmage and caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson. He finished with 199 yards rushing.

As with Barkley, the key to stopping Henry is not familiarity. Consider that the Steelers have played him three times since mid-November and Henry has rushed for 65 points, then 162 points, then 186 points.


If the Bills have any hope, they'll need to stop Derrick Henry.
If the Bills have any hope, they'll need to stop Derrick Henry. Getty Images

I believe the Ravens are the better team from top to bottom at this stage of the season. But they're not invincible, and there's something psychological about hosting an undefeated team at home. Yes, it's just one point, but motivationally it can be more than that.

Josh Allen has done some magical things this season, including the touchdown pass/catch/dive in the snow to beat the Chiefs. If it's his time, it's his time.

Bills, 24-23.


Do you want to bet on the NFL?


Lock of the Week: Lions (2024-25 Lock 8-9).

Last week: 5-7 (2-4 sides, 3-4 over/under).


Why trust New York Post Betting?

Dave Brezow is one of the longest-tenured NFL handicappers in the post, having been drafted 31 years ago. He won the Post's NFL betting rankings in 2021 and most recently won the playoffs in 2023.

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