A sports betting guide to the NFL Playoffs Divisional Round
The Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs certainly brought its share of drama. Philip Rivers came just short in a valiant comeback effort against the Bills. Lamar Jackson got the best of Derrick Henry in a head-to-head duel between two of the league’s best. The Browns pulled the upset against the Steelers, giving them their first playoff win since Tom Brady was 17 years old.
Now, it’s time to take it up a notch. We have a matchup between two of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in what may be one of their final stands. We have one of the greatest offenses in the NFL against a team that scored 48 points in a playoff win last week. We have two of the most mobile quarterbacks in the NFL playing in a potential snow game. It’s going to be fun.
But how should you attack this week’s slate of games from a sports betting perspective? What are the key NFL player props to watch? The following is a full breakdown of the NFL Playoffs Divisional Round from a sports betting perspective.
All odds and player props can be found on the Wager Champs website as part of the free January public contest.
NFC: #6 Los Angeles Rams at #1 Green Bay Packers
Date: Saturday, January 16
Time: 4:35 p.m. est.
Channel: FOX
Spread: Packers -6.5
Total: O/U 45.5
Moneyline: Packers -295
Why the Packers will cover: Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams have been unstoppable at home this season, helping lead the Packers to a 7-1 record at Lambeau Field.
Why the Rams will cover: Of the last three times the Rams were road underdogs, they won straight-up twice, including last week against the Seahawks. They are playing good football at the right time.
Key Packers Player Prop: Davante Adams O/U 75.5 receiving yards
Key Rams Player Prop: Jared Goff O/U 215.5 passing yards
AFC: #5 Baltimore Ravens at #2 Buffalo Bills
Date: Saturday, January 16
Time: 8:15 p.m. est.
Channel: NBC
Spread: Bills -2.5
Total: O/U 49
Moneyline: Bills -143
Why the Bills will cover: The Bills are 6-3 against the spread at home this season, and if it snows, they will certainly have the edge.
Why the Ravens will cover: Like the Rams, Baltimore is heating up at the right time. They’ve won their last two games as the road underdog.
Key Bills Player Prop: Josh Allen O/U 2.5 touchdown passes
Key Ravens Player Prop: Lamar Jackson O/U 25.5 pass attempts
AFC: #5 Cleveland Browns at #1 Kansas City Chiefs
Date: Sunday, January 17
Time: 3:05 p.m. est.
Channel: CBS
Spread: Chiefs -10.5
Total: O/U 57.5
Moneyline: Chiefs -476
Why the Chiefs will cover: Have you watched them play this season? They’ve been absolutely dominant at times, obliterating spreads larger than this one with ease.
Why the Browns will cover: The Browns just won back-to-back games in must-win situations. It’s hard to imagine them succumbing to the pressure in this one.
Key Chiefs Player Prop: Patrick Mahomes O/U 38.5 long completion
Key Browns Player Prop: Baker Mayfield O/U 22.5 completions
#5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at #2 New Orleans Saints
Date: Sunday, January 17
Time: 6:40 p.m. est.
Channel: FOX
Spread: Saints -3
Total: O/U 52
Moneyline: Saints -161
Why the Saints will cover: Defense wins championships and covers spreads. The Saints have an NFL-leading nine wins against the spread as the favorite.
Why the Bucs will cover: Tom Brady. The most accomplished quarterback of all time is 39-17-1 against the spread as an underdog over the course of his career.
Key Saints Player Prop: Michael Thomas O/U 6.5 receptions
Key Bucs Player Prop: Tom Brady O/U 0.5 interceptions
