NFL Record: Best Bets 9-7-1, Regular Picks 22-20-1 (Updated Jan 24)

Most weeks we provide our NFL best bet of the week and an additional two to three picks that we believe offer some betting value. Last season our top play crushed the book with an incredible 15 point spread covers from 21 selections. Good for a 71.4 winning percent. While it will be difficult to improve on that record, we'll do our best to help our readers in their quest of a profitable football handicapping season.

New York won their second-straight playoff game on the road with a 17-14 victory over San Diego. Indianapolis was dominant on defense in a 20-3 win over Baltimore. The Jets had their playoff lives saved with a 29-15 triumph over the Colts in Week 16.

There is no secret as to what New York wants to do on offense: run the ball. RBs Thomas Jones and rookie Shonn Greene have carried the offense behind a dominating, physical O-line. Greene has topped 100 yards in both playoff games. Indy is very small in the front seven but also very fast. The Jets are content to run the ball up the middle in 3 and 4-yard increments and have the patience to stick with it. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez threw 20 interceptions in the regular season but has tossed only one in the postseason. The Colts have a young secondary and if they play eight in the box to stop the run, the Jets have the players to make them pay in one-on-one matchups. TE Dustin Keller is very fast for the position and has already scored twice in the playoffs. WRs Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery also have the ability to make plays but are not elite receivers. There is also the threat of WR Brad Smith, who figures to get a few opportunities in New York's version of the Wildcat. DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are terrors off the outside and the Jets' OTs may need some help in containing them.

Unlike New York, Indianapolis doesn't rely on the run (32nd overall). They rely on the pass and have four-time MVP QB Peyton Manning to orchestrate their aerial attack. Manning is great at making pre-snap reads and he will be forced to do a lot of that in this contest. The Jets like to bring pressure from all sides and Manning has to figure out where it is coming before every play. New York ranked No.1 vs. the pass this season but know they have their hands full this week. CB Darrelle Revis is expected to be matched up with WR Reggie Wayne all game and has had incredible success shutting down top wideouts all year. This will put young WRs Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie in favorable matchups and the pressure will be on the Jets' other corners to step up. Manning always enjoys great protection (1st in sack pct.) but he will be forced to get rid of the ball quickly at times in this game. The Colts don't rely on the run but will have to run at times to keep the aggressive Jets defense off balance. RB Joseph Addai is a capable runner but better as a receiver.

Both of these teams enter this game with something to prove. The Colts were lambasted for rolling over and not pursuing an undefeated season and the Jets were scorned for making the playoffs after two teams laid down for them. The Colts know they have to reach the Super Bowl to validate their controversial decision while the Jets are playing with house money as no one but themselves thought they would be in this position. For all of his regular-season success, Manning is only 8-8 SU in the playoffs and will be dealing with a very aggressive defense that isn't afraid of him. Indy may very well win this game but we feel the value lies with the TD+ line New York is getting. If they can run the ball and eat up clock, the high-powered offense of the Colts will be on the sideline for most of the game.

Additional Pro Football Picks

• New Orleans -3.5