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Dan Leach's NFL Locks: 2015 Wildcard Playoff Edition

By Dan Leach
@dtmleach

My NFL picks have been here for you each and every week to help you win your pick-em-pool, embarrass your friends, and just become a more whole football fan and human being. The playoffs are finally here and this is where the #DTMPREDICTIONMACHINE takes it to another level. And....Here....We....Go!

DTM Song Of The Week: "Black or White" Michael Jackson

This was the song blasting from radio's and cassette players back on January 5, 1992, the last time the Lions won a playoff game. Ironically it was against the same Dallas Cowboys they will face this Sunday at Jerry World. "Black or White" stayed #1 on the charts for seven weeks, hopefully the Lions can stay alive in the playoffs long enough to come close to matching that.

Box Score from the Lions epic playoff win V Dallas in January of 1992

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts 1 PM Sunday TV CBS 62 (Colts -3.5)

If this was a couple weeks ago, I would feel much better about Cinci going into Larry Bird land and upsetting my preseason Super Bowl pick out of the AFC. Well it's not the same Bengals team coming off their statement win over Denver, and it's a Cinci team without arguably their best offensive weapon in A.J Green. This Colts team has been a riddle at times, playing down to their competition and struggling against the league's best, but it's a team that is built for postseason success and led by one of the best QB's in the NFL. Indy is 20-5 overall at home with Luck behind center and 17-7-1 ATS. The Bengals will have their moments, but in the end it will just be too much Luck and a Colts D that has the ability to shut you down.

6.5 on DTM Lock of the Week Meter – Colts -3.5

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers 4:35 PM EST Saturday TV ESPN (Panthers-6.5)

You have to hand it to Cards coach Bruce Arians, a drop dead coach of the year candidate, as he has kept his team afloat with his third string QB and it will be the Ryan Lindley Express on Saturday against the Panthers. Carolina is another story entirely as they were part of the first ever division to defect from the NFL, this season's NFC South. Yes, Carolina is playing good football as of late, winning four to end the regular season and capture the South title. Cam Newton has even looked somewhat like....Cam Newton after his horrid start to the year. AZ has simply found a way to keep winning even with all their depth issues and while they might not win the game outright in Pantherville, it will be close to the final gun.

7.1 on DTM Lock of the Week Meter – Cardinals +6.5

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers 8:15 PM EST Saturday TV NBC (Steelers -3)

You've got to love the all AFC North Wildcard matchup between two teams that absolutely despise each other. Le'Veon Bell will not play for the Steelers which is a huge loss, but Pittsburgh still has a ton of weapons to combat a Ravens D that has been playing well, even if it's not the unit that it once was. Take away the two games this season and each of the previous five tilts between the teams were decided by three points or less -- that is the feel that this game will have. But even without Bell, the Steelers will find a way to get a huge score, likely from the sensational Antonio Brown, late to break their bitter rivals heart and move on to face the Broncos next week at Mile High.

7.4 on DTM Lock of the Week Meter – Steelers -3 (Buy down to 2.5)

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys 4:44 p.m. EST Sunday TV Fox RADIO 971 the Ticket (Cowboys -6.5)

Well, the Lions let yet another golden opportunity for a franchise changing win go by the wayside last week in G.B. Then, they almost lost their best defensive player for his alleged walkover Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Ndamukong Suh won his appeal and will play after being handed a one game suspension by the league and boy, do the Lions need him. This is a Cowboys team that can score in bunches, is playing excellent defense and seems like they have what it takes to make a run towards the Super Bowl. Think everything is stacked up for a Lions loss? NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!

Detroit matches up well with Big D because they have a defense that is even better then the Boys and an offense, that while not of the scary variety anytime lately, has the weapons in Johnson, Tate, Bell and Bush to get past the first level of the Cowboys D, and that is where teams have hurt them this season. This will also make Lions fans feel a little better, as the Cowboys as a home favorite off a game they where they were a favorite in are only 1-14 Against The Spread in their last 15 in that scenario. This game will be back and forth the whole way and in the end it will be the much maligned Matthew Stafford stepping up to give his team one of its biggest wins in 25 years as the Lions move on to face last years Champs Seattle in the Emerald City.

DETROIT 28 DALLAS 27

9.2 on DTM Lock of the Week Meter – Lions +6.5

ODDS TIDBIT -- Lions currently 50-1 to win Super Bowl XLIX (10th overall selection-Seahawks favorite to repeat at 2.5-1) , and are 25-1 to win NFC (5th overall selection )

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DTM'S 2014 Record ATS:51-36-1

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