Football expert Phil Steele is the owner and publisher of Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, regarded as the college football bible. Get in-depth coverage of college and pro football 24/7/365 at PhilSteele.com.
PATRIOTS (-6¹/₂) over Colts: In the Andrew Luck era, the Colts have faced the Patriots three times and have lost by 25, 21 (in last year’s divisional round) and by 22. While the Colts have been impressive in each of their two playoff wins this year, this will be their fourth road game in five weeks while New England (including the bye) has been at home for the past four weeks. The Patriots struggled to establish the run last week against the Ravens, but in their last two meetings vs. Indianapolis, the Patriots have out-rushed the Colts by a combined 478-88! Excluding the meaningless season finale vs. Buffalo, the Patriots have averaged 39 ppg in their last seven home games while winning by an average of 19 ppg.
SEAHAWKS (-7¹/₂) over Packers: These teams began the season at CenturyLink Field, with the Seahawks dominating 36-16 while having a 398-255 yard edge, and it is tough to imagine the outcome being much different this time around. Seattle has now won and covered seven straight games, winning each by double-digits. In those seven games, its defense is allowing just eight points and 225 yards per game. On the other side, Aaron Rodgers continues to be limited with a calf injury and the Green Bay offense averaged just 21 ppg game away from home this year.
Last week (NFL): 0-2
Season: 16-22