Odds and predictions for all NFL Divisional Round games
By Jake Luppino
Surprisingly, there was only one upset throughout NFL Wild Card weekend. The San Francisco 49ers were the only road team to win. Even more shocking, there were three blowouts. I know many expected Pittsburgh to get ran off the field, but the Rams and Bills looked real stout in their primetime outings. (And we know the way the Seahawks season ended, Seattle might have beaten half the teams in the Wild Card round.)
Now, with only 8 teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, we can expect closer and more physical games. This upcoming weekend is slated with 4 really good matchups. Packers/49ers, Buccaneers/Rams, Chiefs/Bills/ and Titans/Bengals are filled with interesting storylines as well as matchups that can make some of these games closer than you might anticipate.
There is a mixture of everything. Veteran quarterbacks who gone through the ringer and come out on top: Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. Other quarterbacks — both young and old — who are en route to making their first deep playoff run: Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford. Then, those who have made deep runs but have yet to break through: Josh Allen, Ryan Tannehill and Jimmy Garoppolo.
The best teacher of all things is experience. Those who are inexperienced may find themselves in uncomfortable situations as crunch time approaches. Here are my odds and prediction for the two games I feel strongest about.
NFL Divisional Round Odds
Green Bay Packers (-6.0) vs. San Francisco 49ers
Over the years, the San Francisco 49ers have been a tough out for the Green Bay Packers. Two years ago, they met twice. Once in the regular season and the other in the NFC Championship game. Both times, San Francisco ran Green Bay off the field. Earlier this season, they met on a Sunday Night Thriller which saw Green Bay barely escape with a game-winning field goal. The WynnBet betting odds currently have the Packers as a 6 point favorite. Green Bay has -270 moneyline odds, while San Francisco has +220. The over/under for total points is set at 47.5 (-110 for the over/-110 for the under).
Betting the spread: If one were to bet on the Packers (-6.0), in order to win, they’d have to win by 7 or more points.
Betting the moneyline: If one were to bet on the Packers (-270), they would have to just flat out win. For every $270 bet, you win $100.
Prediction: This is the game I feel strongest about predicting. Although the poor weather conditions favor the running game of San Francisco, they are banged up. Questions remain about the status of Joey Bosa and Fred Warner. Green Bay, unlike Dallas, will take what San Francisco gives them defensively. Aaron Rodgers has displayed all year long that he is on another level when it comes to reading defenses at the line of scrimmage. I truly believe it is the Packers year. Green Bay by 13.
Tennessee Titans (-3.5) vs. Cincinatti Bengals
The Bengals have just won their first playoff game in 31 years. They look to build off that momentum as they take on the number 1 seed in the AFC, Tennessee Titans. It appears as if Tennessee is an underappreciated number 1 seed. Many feel that the Bengals have a great chance of winning the road. While the WynnBet betting odds have the Titans as a 3.5 point favorite, I could make the argument they should be favored by more. Tennessee also has -185 moneyline odds with Cincinnati at +152. The over/under for total points is set at 47 (-110 for the over/-110 for the under).
Betting the spread: If one were to bet on the Titans (-3.5), in order to win, they’d have to win by 4 or more points.
Betting the moneyline: If one were to bet on the Titans (-185), they would have to just flat out win. For every $185 bet, you win $100.
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Prediction: The Titans are coming off a much-needed bye week. They are well-rested and all signs are pointing towards the return of the King, Derrick Henry. WR A.J. Brown is also healthy and it is worth noting that the Titans are 11-2 when he plays. Not to mention that the Bengals just lost their starting DT and their offensive line woes have not disappeared. My coach of the year, Mike Vrabel will have this team ready to go and shut down the young and upcoming Cincinnati Bengals. Titans by 7.