Sunday 1/6/2019 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NFL PREDICTIONS 3RD JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Chicago Bears opened the door for the Philadelphia Eagles to defend their Super Bowl crown with a suffocating performance against Minnesota in the regular-season finale. The third-seeded Bears bid to shut that door just as swiftly on Sunday when they host the sixth-seeded Eagles at Soldier Field in Chicago in an NFC wild-card game.


Mitchell Trubisky took a giant step forward following last year's rookie season, recording a franchise-best four games with a 120-plus quarterback rating while throwing for 24 touchdowns and rushing for three more as Chicago elevated from the NFC North's outhouse to the penthouse. Coach Matt Nagy stressed for Trubisky "to not change. For him to continue to do just what he does (and) don't put any extra added pressure on himself." Quarterback Nick Foles thrived under that glaring spotlight last season, guiding the "underdog" -- albeit top-ranked -- Eagles to three straight wins while securing Super Bowl MVP honors for himself in the process. The 29-year-old Foles (ribs) participated fully in Thursday's practice for Philadelphia, which returns to the postseason in consecutive years for the first time since the 2009-10 seasons and bids to become the first repeat Super Bowl champion since the 2003-04 New England Patriots.


TV: 4:40 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Bears -6 O/U: 41


ABOUT THE EAGLES (9-7): While Alshon Jeffery relished his meeting against his former team last year, Sunday's contest carries more weight since it's a playoff tilt as opposed to another battle against the Bears. "I don't have any feelings, honestly. It's a playoff game," said the 28-year-old Jeffery, who spent the first five years (2012-16) of his career in the Windy City. "... We're playing the Bears, but if we were playing anybody else, I still couldn't wait to play this game. I'm excited to be in the playoffs." Jeffery enjoyed one of the best postseasons in Eagles' history last winter, rolling up 219 receiving yards and three touchdowns in wins over Atlanta, Minnesota and New England. Pro Bowler Zach Ertz set an NFL record this season for catches (116) by a tight end to go along with a career-best 1,163 receiving yards.

ABOUT THE BEARS (12-4): Chicago's bread and butter is an aggressive defense that is ranked No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed (17.7), yards per play permitted (4.78), passing yards per play (5.29), takeaways (36) and interceptions (27). Trade acquisition Khalil Mack recorded 8.5 of his club-best 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles at Soldier Field, helping the Bears to a 7-1 mark at home this season. The running game slowly gained traction, with rugged Jordan Howard boosting his touchdown total to a career-high nine with four in the last three games -- including a pair in Sunday's 24-10 victory versus the Vikings (as the Bears were +6 point underdog at intertops). Versatile Tarik Cohen provided a potent threat out of the backfield with 1,169 scrimmage yards (725 receiving, 444 rushing), becoming one of five Bears to earn Pro Bowl honors this season.


EXTRA POINTS


1. Philadelphia Pro Bowl DT Fletcher Cox notched three of his team-leading 10.5 sacks in Sunday's 24-0 win over Washington.


2. Chicago TE Trey Burton, who gained famed as the "quarterback" of the Philly Special in Super Bowl LII, had five receptions in each of his last two contests.


3. Philadelphia CB Rasul Douglas reeled in two of his club-best three interceptions in the last four games.


PREDICTION: Bears 24, Eagles 17

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NFL PREDICTIONS 3RD JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Los Angeles Chargers finished tied with the best record in the AFC but one loss over the final six games cost them a chance at the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Instead, the Chargers have to open the postseason on the road and will get a chance to avenge a Week 16 defeat when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.


Although Los Angeles lost 22-10 -- a deceptive margin after a late fumble was returned for a score -- in the first matchup versus the Ravens (as the Chargers were -4 point favorite at intertops), it will take a 7-1 road mark into the rematch in Baltimore. "We love coming into your place -- whichever team you may be -- and doing our thing," Chargers rookie safety Derwin James said. "Our motto around here is 'Any squad, any place,' that's what we say around here." The Ravens went 6-1 down the stretch after turning the offense over to rookie Lamar Jackson, who will become the youngest quarterback to start a playoff game. "It's just a name -- 'the playoffs,'" Jackson said. "You're trying to get the championship now. It was for us to get in it, and we're in it now, so we want the big thing. We want the big thing now."


TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -3. O/U: 42


ABOUT THE CHARGERS (12-4): Philip Rivers had one of the finest seasons of his 15-year career, posting a passer rating of 105.5 while throwing for 4,308 with 32 touchdowns versus 12 interceptions, but Baltimore picked him off twice and held him to a season-low 181 yards. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in Week 16 in his first game back after missing the previous three with an ankle injury, but he said this week that he feels much healthier entering the rematch. Keenan Allen is the favorite target of Rivers with 97 receptions for 1,196 yards and leads a talented receiving corps that could see the return of tight end Hunter Henry, sidelined since May with a torn ACL. Melvin Ingram, one of seven Chargers named to the Pro Bowl, and fellow defensive end Joey Bosa combined for 12.5 sacks for the NFL's No. 9 defense.

ABOUT THE RAVENS (10-6): Jackson relied just as much on his legs as his arm since taking over for an injured Joe Flacco, but he threw for a season-high 204 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers, who held him to a rushing low of 39 yards in his seven starts. Running back Gus Edwards moved into the starting lineup at the same time as Jackson and had three 100-yard games while never rushing for fewer than 67 yards, including 92 on 14 carries at Los Angeles. Kenneth Dixon had at least eight carries in all five games in December, rushing for 289 yards on 47 attempts, but neither John Brown, Michael Crabtree or Willie Snead has seen regular targets with Jackson at quarterback. Baltimore features the league's No. 1 overall defense, ranking fourth against the rush (82.9 yards), fifth versus the pass (210.0) and second in points allowed (17.9).


EXTRA POINTS


1. Rivers can become the fourth QB to post a passer rating of at least 115.0 in three straight playoff games.


2. Jackson was 4-0 at home, including three games with at least 90 yards rushing.


3. Gordon scored nine touchdowns in six road games this season.


PREDICTION: Chargers 20, Ravens 19

Charlotte Hornets vs. Phoenix Suns Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NBA PREDICTIONS 5TH JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Charlotte Hornets entered their longest road trip of the season on a sour note and were unable to turn the tide in the opener of the six-game trek against Western Conference teams. They will try to bounce back against the worst team in the West when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.


Three days after an embarrassing 122-84 home loss to Dallas on Wednesday, Charlotte began the trip with a 123-110 setback at West-leading Denver to fall to 4-12 on the road. It will try to improve upon that mark against a Suns team that showed signs of progress with a recent 5-2 surge but has since lost five in a row to begin a season-high seven-game homestand. Opponents are averaging 125 points during the string, and the Los Angeles Clippers had a 55-36 advantage on the glass in Friday's 121-111 win at Phoenix. "After a day of practice, of going over it, we just didn't come out mentally ready," Suns guard Devin Booker told reporters. "Same old problem that we're still looking for the solution for."


TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Arizona (Phoenix)


ABOUT THE HORNETS (18-20): A bright spot in Saturday's loss was the 16-point, 12-rebound effort by center Bismack Biyombo, who was making his first start. "I think he gave us great energy, a presence down inside," coach James Borrego told reporters of the veteran big man. "We need that from him every single night." Biyombo has recorded 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting over his last two games after producing a total of 20 over his first 11 contests this season.


ABOUT THE SUNS (9-31): Booker scored 23 points and T.J. Warren added 20 in the loss to the Clippers, but rookie center Deandre Ayton was held to a season low-tying four while attempting just three shots - more than nine below his average. "You know (coach) Larry Brown used to say, 'You need the touches, you go get it,'" coach Igor Kokoskov told reporters of Ayton's quiet outing. "(Three) touches? It's on all of us." Phoenix finishes its homestand against Sacramento on Tuesday before playing 15 of its next 21 on the road, where it owns a 4-15 record.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Hornets G Kemba Walker is averaging 16.5 points - nearly nine below his season mark - on 32.3 percent shooting over his last two games.


2. Booker has scored at least 20 points in each of his 11 contests since returning from a hamstring strain.


3. Charlotte has won three straight meetings.


PREDICTION: Hornets 117, Suns 115

Washington Wizards vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NBA PREDICTIONS 5TH JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Oklahoma City Thunder are winners of three straight after earning a rare victory in Portland on Friday and continue to hang out among the leaders in the Western Conference. The Thunder will try to make it four consecutive wins when they begin a four-game homestand by hosting the Washington Wizards on Sunday.


Oklahoma City won in Portland for the first time since 2014 with Friday's 111-109 triumph as Paul George and Russell Westbrook led the way. "I thought about that yesterday when I landed," Westbrook told reporters of the losing streak at the Trail Blazers. "Hell yeah. So, it's a personal thing for me." Westbrook plays with an edge that seems to make every game a personal thing and will find the motivation against the Wizards, who are 4-17 on the road while suffering through a disappointing season. Washington opened its three-game trip with a 115-109 setback at Miami on Friday to stretch its road losing streak to eight in a row.


TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Washington-plus, FS Oklahoma


ABOUT THE WIZARDS (15-24): Shooting guard Bradley Beal continues to step up since All-Star point guard John Wall (heel) was ruled out for the remainder of the season and kept Washington in the game on Friday with 33 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. "We could've made some more shots," Beal told reporters. "Definitely down the stretch we missed some easy ones. I think we did enough to win the game. I think effort wise, defensively, rebounding, we did a good job of (limiting their offensive rebounds) as much as possible." Tomas Satoransky is starting at point guard in place of Wall and struggled at Miami with eight points, three assists and a pair of turnovers in 33 minutes.


ABOUT THE THUNDER (25-13): Westbrook managed a triple-double in a win at the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday but was just 3-of-20 from the floor as his jump shot consistency remains at work in progress. The former MVP was better on Friday with 31 points on 13-of-28 shooting and flirted with another triple-double at nine rebounds and seven assists. "He tried to get downhill and he made some really good passes and got some guys some shots," Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan told reporters of Westbrook. "He got his areas a few times and made some of those shots. I think he did some good things."


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Wizards SF Otto Porter Jr. is 1-of-8 from 3-point range in two games since returning from a 10-game absence due to a knee injury.


2. George is averaging 33 points in four games since returning from a quad injury.


3. Oklahoma City earned a 134-111 victory at Washington on Nov. 2 behind 23 points and 12 assists from Westbrook.


PREDICTION: Thunder 126, Wizards 112

Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NBA PREDICTIONS 5TH JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Miami Heat are back above .500 and see no reason to go back to being a team that hovers around the break-even point. The Heat will try to put some distance between themselves and .500 when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.


Miami squandered a pair of opportunities to move above .500 since Christmas but finally accomplished the feat by earning a win at Cleveland on Wednesday and knocking off the Washington Wizards 115-109 at home on Friday. "Let's just take off," Heat center Hassan Whiteside told reporters after being asked about moving above .500. "I think it's on defense. Defense is the key with us and that's what's really going to get us there. We've got a lot of defenders and that's what's going to be the key for us." The Hawks are not quite at the same point on the competition curve and were swept on a three-game road trip, capped by a 144-112 loss at Milwaukee on Friday. "They're playing with an edge and we saw that tonight," Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters of the Bucks. "We just didn't have it. That's part of growing pains and that's part of our growth, to understand that you have to go through these things. It's encouraging to see a group that had been through this come out and play with an edge."


TV: 6 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)


ABOUT THE HEAT (19-18): Miami won eight of its last 10 games and did the bulk of that damage with small forward Justise Winslow serving as the team's point guard. Winslow collected 13 points and 10 assists in Friday's triumph - his sixth straight game scoring in double figures. "I'm asking him to do a lot for this basketball team. There is a lot on his plate," coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters of Winslow. "He's playing a new position, trying to get us organized, trying to get us to our game, to our strengths and then find places where he can be aggressive. And then yes, of course, I'm still asking him to be near the top or at the top of our list on our defensive numbers and charts."


ABOUT THE HAWKS (11-27): Atlanta was never in the game on Friday after falling behind 43-14 at the end of the first quarter but continues to develop its young roster and placed seven scorers in double figures in the loss. Rookie point guard Trae Young collected 13 points and 10 assists for his fifth double-double in the last 12 games and third-year small forward DeAndre' Bembry scored a team-high 19 points off the bench while scoring in double figures for the third time in four games. Second-year power forward John Collins is one of 17 NBA players averaging a double-double at 18.5 points and 10.2 rebounds.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Hawks C Miles Plumlee (knee) sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.


2. Heat SG Dion Waiters (ankle) sat out Friday after making his season debut on Wednesday as the team eases him back into action.


3. Atlanta took each of the first two meetings this season, including a 123-118 home win on Nov. 3.


PREDICTION: Heat 108, Hawks 99

Orlando Magic vs. LA Clippers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NBA PREDICTIONS 5TH JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Orlando Magic are going through some ups and downs on their current road trip, though so far the downs are outweighing the ups. The Magic will try to bounce back from another discouraging loss when they make the fourth stop of a six-game trip by visiting the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.


Orlando began its trip by getting run off the floor in a 125-100 loss at Charlotte but bounced back by crushing Chicago 112-84 on Wednesday, only to squander a 19-point, first-half lead and drop a 120-103 decision at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. "We were just lazy, undisciplined and soft," Magic forward Aaron Gordon told reporters of the defense against the Timberwolves. "We didn't have it tonight on the defensive end and it's not OK at this point in the season." The Clippers snapped a two-game slide with a 121-111 win at Phoenix on Friday and gave most of the credit to their effort on the defensive end. "We had a tremendous defense," center Marcin Gortat told reporters. "We tried to communicate more and play harder than the last few games. When you play good defense, the offense starts rolling."


TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Orlando), FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)


ABOUT THE MAGIC (17-21): Orlando put up 68 points in the first half on Friday but watched that number drop to 35 after the break as struggles on the defensive end bled over to the offense. "We didn't have nearly the defensive effort or mentality that we needed," Magic coach Steve Clifford told reporters. "And when things started to slip away, we stopped running the same quality of offense. (The Timberwolves) picked up their ball pressure, they were more physical, and they pushed us out, and that's when you have to be disciplined about running your stuff, playing for each other and moving the ball, which we didn't do." Orlando was also crushed 63-42 on the glass in falling for the sixth time in the last nine games.


ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (22-16): Los Angeles was once again led on the offense end Friday by small forward Danilo Gallinari, who scored 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting to go over 20 points for the eighth time in the last 10 games. The 30-year-old, who averages 19.6 points and is shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc, added a season-high six assists at Phoenix. Gortat's 18 points and 13 rebounds on Friday both marked season highs for the veteran, who has drifted in and out of coach Doc Rivers' rotation this season.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Magic SF Jonathon Simmons (ankle) collected six points, seven assists and six rebounds off the bench on Friday after missing the previous two games with an ankle injury.


2. Clippers G Lou Williams is averaging 24 points over the last six games.


3. Los Angeles eased to a 120-95 win at Orlando on Nov. 2 behind 28 points from Williams.


PREDICTION: Clippers 122, Magic 106

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NBA PREDICTIONS 5TH JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Los Angeles Lakers are finding life without superstar LeBron James a little difficult with losses in four of the last five games. The Lakers will again be without James when they open a two-game road trip by visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.


James, who suffered a groin injury in a win at the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day and is expected to be reevaluated next week, was on the bench watching as Los Angeles suffered a 119-112 home loss to the lowly New York Knicks on Friday. Joining him on the absentee list was veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, who is out at least a month after undergoing finger surgery, and second-leading scorer Kyle Kuzma (18.3 points), who suffered a lower back contusion in a loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday and is questionable for the road trip. The Timberwolves are dealing with their own injury issues but got point guard Jeff Teague (ankle) back from a nine-game absence on Friday and watched him collect 23 points and 10 assists in a 120-103 win over the Orlando Magic. Teague was one of six players to score in double figures for Minnesota as it overcame a 19-point, first-half deficit by turning up the defense after the break.


TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles), FS North (Minnesota)


ABOUT THE LAKERS (21-18): Los Angeles was outscored 33-20 in the fourth quarter on Friday without James around to stabilize both ends of the floor. "It was us," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters of the fourth quarter. "We fouled. I think they shot 20 free throws in the fourth quarter. ... We have to start making some of these open shots. But that's still not the main reason we lost tonight. We stopped making those extra passes." Small forward Brandon Ingram and point guard Lonzo Ball are trying to step up in the absence of James and Rondo and combined for 11 turnovers in Friday's setback.


ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (18-21): Minnesota surrendered 68 points in the first half on Friday but cut that number to 35 after the break but got a boost off the bench from power forward Anthony Tolliver and benefited from Teague's strong return in coming back for the win. "We eased into the game, and you can't do that," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. "But once we got going, we made a couple hustle plays. That will usually ignite you. Once we did that, the defense got going." Tolliver was out of Thibodeau's rotation for over a month and a half before logging 26 minutes in a loss at Boston on Wednesday and pushing to 30 on Friday while burying 3-of-5 from 3-point range.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Timberwolves C Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 29 points and 15 rebounds on Friday for his sixth straight double-double.


2. Los Angeles C JaVale McGee is averaging 13.7 points and 9.7 rebounds in three games since returning from a bout with pneumonia.


3. The teams split the first two meetings, with Minnesota earning a 124-120 home win on Oct. 29.


PREDICTION: Timberwolves 117, Lakers 109

Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 2019-01-06
NBA PREDICTIONS 5TH JANUARY 2019 BY GRACENOTE

The Brooklyn Nets will try to stay perfect in the new year when they carry a two-game winning streak into a matchup with the host Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon. The Nets opened a three-game road trip with a 109-100 win at Memphis in Friday, avenging a double-overtime loss earlier in the season and winning for the 11th time in their last 14 games overall.


"It was great to get a win on the start the road trip: Just got to keep going," guard D'Angelo Russell told reporters. "We're winning. I haven't won a lot in this league, so for me to get that type of success I'm going to stick with it." Russell recorded at least 22 points and 10 assists in each of his last two games and five others scored in double figures at Memphis as Brooklyn improved to 9-10 on the road. The Bulls have dropped three in a row, including the first two of their three-game homestand. Zach LaVine scored 31 points but Chicago fell 119-116 in overtime to Indiana on Friday, sinking to 5-15 at home.


TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, YES (Brooklyn), NBCS Chicago


ABOUT THE NETS (19-21): As the wins pile up, Brooklyn is beginning to establish an identity, and Friday's hard-fought victory over a physical team desperate for a win displayed a new-found toughness. "Now we're catching our groove, playing more physical," veteran forward DeMarre Carroll told reporters. "Last year we weren't that physical, just got beat on the boards. Now we've got more guys that don't mind getting hit." Carroll finished with 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting and is averaging 16.8 while making 14-of-28 3-pointers over his last five games.


ABOUT THE BULLS (10-29): Kris Dunn complemented LaVine's big game with 16 points and a career-high 17 assists in Friday's loss while Lauri Markkanen had 29 points, as Chicago's three big building blocks put forth a promising effort. "Everybody had it going," Dunn told reporters. "There have been multiple games where [the core three] kind of had it, but this was one of those games where all three played at a high level. It's just tough that we couldn't come up with the win." LaVine was injured and Markkanen struggled to eight points in last month's 96-93 loss to the Nets, but Dunn had a season high-tying 24 points.


BUZZER BEATERS


1. Bulls PF Jabari Parker scored four points in 14 minutes Friday after sitting out the previous nine games.


2. Nets C Jarrett Allen has two straight double-doubles and recorded exactly two blocked shots in four consecutive contests.


3. Brooklyn has won four straight meetings.


PREDICTION: Nets 105, Bulls 100

Ravens favored, but book likes Chargers' odds in NFL wild-card round
Patrick Everson

Lamar Jackson and Baltimore held on for a Week 17 win over Cleveland to claim the AFC North and punch their playoff ticket. The Ravens opened -2.5 for a Sunday home game against the Chargers.

After a wild 17 weeks of regular-season play, it’s time to look ahead to wild-card weekend in the NFL. We check in on the opening lines and early action for next weekend’s four playoff games, with insights from Derek Wilkinson, supervisor at The SuperBook at Westgate in Las Vegas.

Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens (-2.5)

Los Angeles tied for the best record in the AFC, yet is the No. 5 seed and on the road to open the postseason. The Chargers (12-4 SU, 9-7 ATS), who lost a tiebreaker to Kansas City for the AFC West title, finished the regular season with a 23-9 victory at Denver as 7-point favorites.

Baltimore won six of its last seven games to overtake Pittsburgh and win the AFC North, earning the No. 4 seed in the process. The Ravens (10-6 SU, 8-8 ATS) had to win Sunday to reach the playoffs and got a huge scare, thwarting a Cleveland rally to win 26-24 as 7-point home faves.

“This is a situation where we like the ‘dog,” Wilkinson said. “We initially discussed having the game as a pick or even favoring the Chargers by a point, but the other markets like the Ravens. I think this line will drop quickly and could even favor the Chargers by game day.”

Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. ET Sunday.

Chicago enters the postseason as the No. 3 seed after winning the NFC North title. The Bears (12-4 SU and ATS), the No. 1 spread-covering team in the NFL, dropped Minnesota 24-10 as 6-point road pups in Week 17.

Defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia took it right down to the Week 17 wire, but got back into the playoffs as a wild card with the No. 6 seed. The Eagles (9-7 SU, 7-9 ATS) blanked Washington 24-0 giving 6 points on the road.

However, Philly quarterback Nick Foles suffered a rib injury late in the game. That prompted The SuperBook to hold off on posting this line, until Foles’ status is clarified for this Sunday contest with a 4:40 p.m. ET start.

“I think it’ll open around Bears -6 and the line will go up,” Wilkinson said. “The Bears are a much better team than Philly, and they’re at home.”

Sunday, January 6, 2019

NFC – Philadelphia at Chicago – 4:40 p.m. (NBC)

Opening Line (12/30/18): Chicago -5 ½, 42

Philadelphia Road Record: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS
Chicago Home Record: 7-1 SU, 7-1 ATS

Head-to-Head: The Eagles and Bears didn't match up this season, but Philadelphia destroyed Chicago in 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field, 31-3. Chicago has lost three consecutive meetings with Philadelphia since 2013, while these clubs last dueled in the playoffs back in 2001. The Eagles cruised past the Bears at Soldier Field, 33-19 to advance to the NFC Championship.

Playoff Notes: Chicago finished at the bottom of the NFC North in the previous four seasons prior to capturing the division title in 2018. The Bears last reached the playoffs in 2010 when they advanced to the NFC Championship before falling to the rival Packers. Chicago last participated in the Wild Card round back in 1994 when it routed Minnesota, as the Bears own a 4-5 record in the playoffs the last 25 seasons.

The Eagles picked up their first Super Bowl title last season by knocking off the Patriots, while winning all three games as an underdog. Philadelphia has lost in past three opportunities in the Wild Card round since 2009, while last playing a road playoff game in 2009 against Dallas in a 34-14 defeat.

Total Notes: The Eagles posted a 9-7 mark to the 'under,' while going 5-3 to the 'over' away from Lincoln Financial Field. During last season's Super Bowl run, Philadelphia cashed the 'over' in two of three victories.

Chicago closed the season with four consecutive 'unders,' as the Bears limited those four opponents to 17 points or less in each contest. The total was a toss-up at Soldier Field as the Bears went 4-4 to the 'over,' but Chicago allowed 22 points or less in seven of eight home games.

Sunday, January 6, 2019

AFC – L.A. Chargers at Baltimore – 1:00 p.m. (CBS)

Opening Line (12/30/18): Baltimore -3, 41 ½

L.A. Chargers Road Record: 7-1 SU, 7-1 ATS
Baltimore Home Record: 6-2 SU, 3-5 ATS

Head-to-Head: The Ravens defeated the Chargers 22-10 in Week 16 as four-point road underdogs in a primetime game played on a Saturday from Los Angeles. Prior to this encounter, the pair split two regular season games from Baltimore in 2014 and 2015 and the outcomes were decided by a combined four points (29-26, 34-33).

Playoff Notes: The Chargers haven’t been in the playoffs since the 2013 regular season. They went 1-1 in the playoffs, winning the Wild Card game at the Bengals before losing to the Broncos in the Divisional Playoff round. QB Philip Rivers is 4-5 all-time in the playoffs but make a note that Los Angeles is 3-0 in Wild Card games.

This will be the first trip to the playoffs for Baltimore since the 2014 regular season. The Ravens went 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS in that postseason. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh owns a 10-5 SU and 11-4 ATS all-time playoff record and what’s really impressive is that only two of those games were at home, both victories.

Total Notes: The Chargers saw their total results split evenly (8-8) this season but they had a 5-3 ‘over’ lean on the road. Los Angeles averaged slightly more points on the road (26.9 PPG) this season than at home (26.6 PPG). The Bolts made three trips to the Eastern Time Zone this season and scored 31, 36 and 33 points. Along with winning each game, the ‘over’ connected in all three as well.

Baltimore watched the ‘under’ go 9-7 this season which included a 4-4 total record from M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens defense (17.9 PPG) is ranked second in scoring and including the first meeting with the Chargers, they only allowed 17 PPG in four games versus the AFC West this season.