Posted on 1/10/2008 7:18:26 PM

NFL Playoff Betting - Patriots to Pound Jaguars?

By Russell Edward

It should come as no surprise that the first team to ever finish a 16-game NFL season undefeated would be favored in their first playoff game of the same season. Still, many observers count the Patriots’ opponent this Saturday night, the Jacksonville Jaguars, as probably the team with the best chance to beat New England. Why, then does the NFL betting line in the BetUS sportsbook have the Patriots favored by almost two touchdowns? There is no one answer, but throwing out the names Bill Belichick, tom Brady and Randy Moss might help with the answer. The coach of the year, league MVP, offensive player of the year and his runner up are just the brightest stars on this team full of talent that is not even one iota satisfied with not losing during the regular season. No team, except maybe the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, is as singularly focused on winning championships in their sport.

Jacksonville Jaguars +13 at New England Patriots –13

Tom Brady will see a lot of defensive schemes this weekend as the Jags try to keep him guessing all game long, just hoping for that one, elusive mistake. Maybe only Peyton Manning is better at reading coverage, however, and Brady is far better at adjusting during a play if his read is slightly askew. While Jacksonville’s pass defense is good and will take risks, the best quarterback in the game will be more than able, willing and ready to tear them a new one whenever they show an opening.

NFL Divisional Playoffs: Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 8:00 EST

Jacksonville’s rush defense is a tad thin on the inside and will only be able to defend with their front seven, as bringing in any help will open up too many possibilities for Brady and his receivers downfield. And the Jags will have to respect a running game that has been as underrated as it has been underused for most of this season. The Patriots usage of the spread offense, and their mastery of it, means that the battle in the trenches here will be a good one to watch, as it will define the success of running back Laurence Maroney. They will have to occupy their blockers and not let them get penetration into the second level of the defense if the Jaguars linebackers are going to be able to pursue the play.

If you bet on the NFL playoffs, you’ll already know that the last time the jaguars came to New England, a couple years ago, for a playoff game, they were outclassed and beaten 28-3. This time around, the Jaguars are a better team. Then again, so are the Patriots.

> > Check NFL Playoffs Odds Here

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