We had an amazing wild-card weekend in the NFL last week (unless your team lost) and the field narrows once again as we plow through the divisional round.
Just eight teams. Two days. And a ton of action.
Here’s a quick rundown on what to watch for as those games kick off at 4:35pm today.
Los Angeles Rams vs Green Bay Packers
First up, the Los Angeles Rams (+250) and Green Bay Packers (-310). Aaron Rodgers is playing some of the best football in his lifetime, and that’s saying a lot. There’s a few quarterbacks looking for one last run but the top seeded Packers look to make a stand at home the next two weeks.
Aaron Jones is their leading rusher and Davante Adams has been a stand out wide receiver this year.
They will be matched up against another Aaron, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey as they look to get loose for big gains.
The Rams had the number one scoring defense this season, and they’ll need that in this game.
No matter what the Rams do, the Packers are going to score. It’s going to be tough for the conservative Rams team behind Jared Goff to compete with that. If their defense can add a touchdown or a safety, that could be the momentum swing they would need to pull off an upset.
Barring a huge play on defense though, Goff hasn’t shown the quarterback level needed to go to the next level of NFL playoffs.
He wasn’t the starter last week in favor an undrafted first-year player, John Wofford, for the last two games. He got hurt last week against Seattle though and isn’t available tonight.
That means Goff, who led the Rams to a big win on the road in Seattle, will look to take the team he lead all season even deeper into the NFL playoffs. He’ll just have to be more careful with the ball, while still pushing it downfield.
I’m sure the Green Bay defensive backs are licking their lips ready to get after him. It’s going to be fun.
Baltimore Ravens vs Buffalo Bills
This is probably the best game of the round. The tightest spread at 2.5 points, favoring the Bills we are sure to have our hands full as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens (+124) look to take on Josh Allen and the Bills (-146).
I honestly didn’t think the Ravens would have survived last week.
The Titans were a dominant team on both sides of the ball, but they couldn’t make plays against that tough Ravens D.
Heading into Buffalo is another level though.
While the running game is not as strong, Josh Allen is playing like a veteran in the league and has put Stefon Diggs as a top wide out like he should be. With over 1,500 yards this season, good luck slowing him down.
I think the pressure in this game gets put on Lamar Jacksons back to push the ball down field. And in those situations, the Ravens have not shown they can rely on their quarterback.
It may be the tightest spread on paper, but if I could bet that it would not be the closest game of the weekend, that’s where I’d put my money.
Cleveland Browns vs Kansas City Chiefs
The first game of the day on Sunday is the only true Cinderella team in the playoffs – the Cleveland Browns (+385). They are going on the road against the defending champs, the Kansas City Chiefs (-500).
It’s the biggest spread of this round.
But after seeing all the pieces fall into place agains the Steelers, this is one team I can’t bet against. While the Chiefs will likely advance, 10 points is too steep for me.
Baker Mayfield is pumped and the Browns defense came up big against one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
But they are still going to have to play better if they want to slow down the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Browns won their first playoff game in 26 years. They aren’t about to rollover and go out in the second round that easy.
This season, the Chiefs have proven they don’t have that drive they did the year before. Maybe the NFL playoffs will bring it back to them. They were still the number one seed in the AFC, but a lot of close games and a couple bad losses show they are still human.
And the Browns showed us last week fate was on their side.
This is one I’m excited to see play out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints
Last but not least, a true battle of the ageless quarterbacks as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+142) and the New Orleans Saints (-168) square off.
The Bucs’ Tom Brady and the Saints’ Drew Brees are surely in one of their last runs at a potential Super Bowl.
The story of the year has to be Brady though.
New team. New coach. New system. Same old Brady.
You literally can’t bet against him. Just not worth it. The Saints have seemed unstoppable, but Brees is more of a game manager right now. Brady is showing some zing on his passes that Brees simply doesn’t have.
Yes, the Saints still have Kamara and they are getting a healthy Michael Thomas, Brees go-to-man for this matchup.
But if it is going to come down to who can score the final point of the game, it’s a toss up. I think both defenses are going to struggle a bit and the game will be tight.
If you are looking for a way to bet this matchup, the over/under may be your best bet.
That’s all for today.
If you want our picks, click here to get a great offer today.
You can always reach us by sending an email to ryan@dailysportsbets.com.
Keep the conversation going. Tweet us at @theonlydsb to let us who you are taking tonight.
To profitable bets,
Ryan
CEO, Daily Sports Bets
