4 Unit Play. #102 Take Under in New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (Sunday 6:30 pm NBC) The last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl, they both had high-powered offenses, yet they combined for just 31 points and stayed way under the posted total. That is how I expect this game to go as well, as defense will be a priority since both teams feature high-powered offenses and that have the ability to score from anywhere on the field. The Giants have the perfect ingredient to slow down the Patriots passing attack and that is a front four that can get to the quarterback. Despite being ridiculed all season long, the Patriots defense has improved a little as the season has gone on and getting two weeks to prepare should help them for this game. The Giants have gone under the posted total in 8 of their last 10 playoff games.

10 Unit Play. #101 Take New York Giants over New England Patriots (Sunday 6:30 pm NBC) This is the rematch from 4 years ago and features two traditional powers in New York and New England. The Patriots are favored because they have a marquee coach and quarterback, but I really believe that the Giants are the better all-around team and will win this game straight-up. New York has already beaten the Patriots in Foxboro this season and they have the defense that can slow down this high-powered New England passing attack. To be honest, the same cannot be said about the Patriots defense, as they are one of the worst units in all of football. The Patriots were not challenged by explosive offenses in either of their two playoff games, as Denver is terrible on offense and Baltimore does not have many weapons as well. That being said, the Ravens outplayed New England and should have won the game, but a dropped touchdown pass and a missed field goal did them in. The Giants are really hitting their stride late in the season and they are now healthy on defense and they own of one of the best front fours in all of football. They got to QB Brady when they met four years ago and I fully expect them to hit him early and often in this game as well. New York is 8-1 ATS in their last 9 playoff games. New England is just 1-7 ATS in their last 8 playoff games. The Giants win this game straight-up and getting points in just icing on the cake. New York by 6

5 Unit Play. #820 Take Illinois over Northwestern (3 pm Big Ten Network) Northwestern continues to be overvalued when playing on the road and we have learned our lesson with them and will fade them today as Illinois goes for the season sweep of their in-state rival. Illinois is in complete command of the all-time series with the Wildcats, putting up a 129-36 mark thanks in part to a 57-56 victory in Evanston last month in the first meeting of the season between the two. In Champaign, the Illini have won all but 13 of the 77 matchups over the years. The Illini had been struggling a little big but got back on track with a victory against Michigan State on Tuesday and with the added rest they will be ready to roll in this affair. The Wildcats have lost five straight road games. Northwestern is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games when they are coming off a victory.