
If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is looking for support for postseason expansion, I know a place where the plan would be welcomed with open arms.
Las Vegas.
OK, so that's not the support Goodell would care to have. But it's there if he needs it, like an ATM right next to a bank of slot machines.
The "more games the better," said Jay Kornegay, vice president of race and sportsbook operations at LVH Las Vegas Hotel and Casino’s SuperBook.
Jimmy Vaccaro, the director of public relations for oddsmaking firm William Hill U.S., shared similar sentiments. It didn't take him long to envision two games on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the opening round of a 16-team playoff.
Let's suppose such a 16-team tourney began today, based on standings through Week 14. Here's how it would look, and here are pointspreads for each game courtesy of Vaccaro, a linemaker with 37 years of experience:
AFC
No. 8 Jets at No. 1 Texans — Vaccaro's line: Houston -10
No. 7 Bengals at No. 2 Patriots — New England -8
No. 6 Steelers at No. 3 Broncos — Denver -4½
No. 5 Colts at No. 4 Ravens — Baltimore -6
NFC
No. 8 Cowboys at No. 1 Falcons — Atlanta -6
No. 7 Redskins at No. 2 49ers — San Francisco -7 (-120) or -7½
No. 6 Bears at No. 3 Packers — Green Bay -6½
No. 5 Seahawks at No. 4 Giants — N.Y. Giants -4
My Week 15 picks:
• I'm taking a shot with the Falcons (-1½) over the Giants. The price appeals, and I would not be surprised in the least if Atlanta delivered one of its best games of the season, even if WR Roddy White (knee) is limited or out. For all of the flak the Falcons have taken, they have won 11-of-13 this season, and they are 33-7 at home since 2008. The Giants are to be respected, but they are 27th in yards per rush allowed and tied for 29th in yards per pass allowed, and the Falcons' offense won't be easy for them to stop.