AAA's 10* NFC CHAMPIONSHIP TOTAL BLOCKBUSTER - 7-1 (88%) NFL Playoffs!
(NFL) Arizona vs. Carolina,
Total: 47.50 | -110.00 Over
Result: Loss
This is a 10* TOTAL BLOCKBUSTER on the UNDER between the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. Recognizing classic "spot bets" is something we always do as well, IE: the "look ahead" spot, the "let down" spot and the "trap" game. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

A full four quarter effort: It's hard to imagine the Panthers jumping out to such an incredible lead against the Cards as they did vs. the Seahawks in the divisional round last week. And certainly the home side will be out to atone for its second half "brain fart," almost letting the Seahawks claw all the way back from a 31-0 halftime deficit (note that the Panthers have seen the total go UNDER the number in six of their last seven home games where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points).

Deceivingly good defensive play: The Cardinals high-flying offense for the most part overshadowed what turned out to be one of the league's toughest defensive units, one which finished fifth overall in allowing less than 20 points per game (note that Arizona has seen the total go UNDER the number in five of six this year vs. teams with winning records). Despite the tough second half, the Panthers looked good against Seattle overall defensively, they forced Russell Wilson to throw two INT's and it was a unit which finished sixth in sacks during the regular season.

If history is any precedence: Then all signs point to a low-scoring battle rather than a shootout, Carolina would knock off the Cardinals 27-16 in last season's wildcard round.

Strong and relevant ATS statistics: Note that Arizona has seen the total go UNDER the number in 14 of its last 21 when playing the role of underdog, while Carolina has seen the total stay below the posted number in 13 of its last 22 with a spread between +3 to -3.

The bottom line: Each team will be looking to control the clock while on offense so as to keep its counterpart off the field of play. This one has all the makings of a "chess match," where field position will likely play a big part in the final score. Play on the UNDER.

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