NFL Playoff Picks from the Pros
High profile Las Vegas gambler Lem Banker is playing it close to the vest with his pick for Super Bowl XL in Detroit next month, citing contractural obligations through football season, but he isn`t banned from giving out some broad hints.
He says the eventual champion will come from the AFC and it won`t be Indianapolis.
“You have some good teams from the AFC in the mix, like New England and Denver,” said Banker, who made a lot of noise in the 1970s, `80s and `90s when he strung together a long strand of Super Bowl victories while working as a columnist for several publications, before the rise of the Internet.
“I made a huge play on someone and it wasn`t the Colts,” he continued.
One club Banker is particularly high on is Jacksonville, which is getting 7 1/2 to 8 points from the Patriots in a Saturday wild card game.
“They have both their quarterbacks now and their running game is going well,” said Banker, who typically is an underdog player.
Shaun Hess, a “handicapper of handicappers” with vast contacts in the industry, also has leanings toward the Jaguars.
“I have to side with Indy, but I think the Jags have a shot at upsetting New England, so I`ll grab the points,” Hess said.
Banker and Hess also agree that Chicago could surprise in the NFC and wrest the championship from Seattle.
“The Bears have a heckuva shot,” Banker declared.
“The Bears can definitely do it, but they need to do it with `D` because there`s simply not enough `O,`” Hess said.
Professional Handicappers Mike Lineback and Big Al McMordie like the Colts and their offense, led by quaterback Peyton Manning and running back Edgerrin James.
“I still have to go with the Colts with home-field advantage throughout and Manning at the helm,” Lineback said.
“I think they hurt themselves some by resting so many players and losing two games with a first round bye going into playoffs.
“Sometimes you can lose that edge with such a long layoff; however, if they get by the first game (they will) I think they`ll go all the way,” Lineback continued.
“Manning`s focus is undeniable this year after coming up short the last two years. They have added incentive to win one for Tony Dungy after the tragic death of his son.
“The Super Bowl is in a dome, so they will be in comfortable environs.
“Indy wins the Super Bowl.”
McMordie agrees … maybe.
“I bet on Denver at 20-1 odds and then hedged by taking Indy at even money,” McMordie said.
“But right now, I don`t have a selection.
“Clearly, though, I think it will be Seattle versus either Indy or Denver in the matchup, but I have no guess right now which of those three teams will come out on top.”