Each week during the NFL season, theScore's NFL staff will put on their prognosticator hats and offer up selections against the spread for all of the week's games, highlighting several marquee matchups.
| Game | Thomson | Holroyd | Wilkins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patriots at Broncos | NE -3 | NE -3 | NE -3 |
| Cardinals at Panthers | ARI +3 | ARI +3 | CAR -3 |
| Playoff Record | 3-5 | 7-1 | 4-4 |
| Season Record | 137-96-3 | 121-112 | 114-119-3 |
New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Dan Wilkins: Regardless of the home-field advantage, Denver just doesn't have the offense necessary to keep up with the Patriots' high-powered attack. Tom Brady takes down Peyton Manning one last time, doing so in convincing fashion to help the Patriots earn a Super Bowl berth for a second consecutive year. Patriots -3
Joe Thomson: With the Patriots back at full strength, three points seems low. The Broncos won the regular-season meeting but that game was not indicative of either team's seasons. Manning's been reduced to that of an audible machine, with checking into runs his main offensive weapon. This will be a blowout. Patriots -3
Caitlyn Holroyd: Tom Brady hasn't fared well in Denver over the years, posting a 2-6 record (including 0-2 in the playoffs). However, the last time these two teams squared off at Mile High, Brady was without Julian Edelman and lost Rob Gronkowski to a knee injury. The presence of both players Sunday should yield better results for the Patriots this time around. Patriots -3
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
Holroyd: The Panthers are going to have a tougher time getting to Carson Palmer than they did Russell Wilson, as the Cardinals allowed just 27 sacks during the regular season - tied for fourth fewest in the NFL. Home-field advantage may not mean much either, as Arizona is 7-1 in its last eight games on the road. The Cardinals can win this. Cardinals +3
Thomson: Momentum seems lie with the team that didn't give up 24 straight points in last week's divisional round. The Panthers may be able to regroup but the Cardinals are riding so high after a thrilling overtime victory it may not matter. Expect the Cardinals to jump out to a quick lead and hold on. Cardinals +3
Wilkins: Carolina letting the Seahawks hang around last week is somewhat concerning, but the conservative approach was warranted after a first-half onslaught. A strong running game should allow the Panthers to control the pace of this game from the outset, while the defense is more than capable of holding up against Arizona's league-best offense. Panthers -3
(Lines courtesy: Pinnaclesports)
