The 2016 NFL playoffs return for the Conference Championship Round this weekend. All four home teams advanced through the Divisional Dound, a week after all four road teams won in the Wild Card Round. This marks the first time since 2004 that the top two seeds in each conference advanced.
New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos (Line: NE -3)
The Patriots look for revenge after losing 30-24 to the Broncos in November. The Patriots are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games, while the Broncos are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six home games. The Broncos have dominated this series lately, going 5-1 SU and ATS at home, but I think the Patriots are going to rebound in this one. I'd prefer getting the Patriots at 2.5, but with Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and Rob Gronkowski all expected to play, I'll take my chances.
Pick: Patriots -3
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers (Line: CAR -3)
This is a tough one to figure out. The Panthers are 15-1, and held off a late Seahawks run to cover last week. The Cardinals did everything they could to hand their playoff game to the Packers, but won in overtime. I think Arizona is more likely to play like they did last week than Carolina is to play like they did in the fourth quarter. I could see any result happening in this game, but I'm going to have to stick with the public on this one.
Pick: Panthers -3
Editor's Note: David Fucillo is a member of Team OddsShark and the Sportsbook at the end of 17 weeks for our team in the Sportsbook SuperContest. Picking five teams a week (ATS) during the NFL regular season, Fucillo finished with 53 out of a possible 85 points (62 percent), and tied for 24th overall in the record field of 1,727 SuperContest entrants. Each week during the NFL playoffs, the SBNation writer will bring you his picks for the weekend’s action.
