NFL Preview: Divisional Playoff Round Betting

NFL fans were treated to an epic weekend of football that featured close matchups with all but two games decided by a single score.

The weekend’s action saw the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles fall 23-19 to the San Francisco 49ers in a thriller. Niners running back Christian McCaffrey chalked up 114 total yards including two receiving touchdowns. One of those came via a pass from wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

Another highlight saw the Chicago Bears rally from a 21-3 halftime deficit to top the Green Bay Packers 31-27. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had a stellar second half, throwing for 361 yards throughout the game with two touchdown passes.

A Look at Other Action

The weekend’s Wild Card Round playoffs kicked off on Saturday with a high-octane duel between the Carolina Panthers and the L.A. Rams. The Panthers took a lead late in the game, but Matthew Stafford drove his squad down the field with 2:38 remaining for the winning TD.

Along with the 49ers win, Sunday was highlighted by another great matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags took a 24-20 lead with 4:03 remaining, but Bills QB Josh Allen marched his team down the field for a winning TD with just 1:04 remaining for a 27-24 victory..

Sunday night saw the New England Patriots take care of a business against an L.A. Chargers team that struggled to get much of anything going offensively. In the 16-3 win, the Patriots recorded five sacks with three from linebacker Odafe Oweh.

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw quarterback Aaron Rodgers under duress from the Houston Texans defense for most of the night and sacked four times. Despite a generally lackluster performance by  Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (one interception, two fumbles lost), Houston put together a solid second half after leading just 7-6 at the half and went on to win 30-6.

Looking Ahead

Those interested in some NFL betting now have some tasty matchups to look forward to this weekend as well. After earning a bye in the first round, the Denver Broncos will host the Bills. Can Buffalo finally make that Super Bowl run fans in upstate New York have been hoping for in recent years?

That is yet to be determined, but this will be a tough one. Bo Nix (pictured above) has been solid all year and the Broncos defense ranks as one of the best in the league.

In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks also earned a bye in the first round and a face familiar NFC West foe in the 49ers. The teams split the regular season matchups and this one should be a hard-hitting affair.

Sunday brings the Houston Texans traveling to New England in an enticing matchup between two young quarterbacks. Patriots QB Drake Maye had a great season and is one of the leaders in NFL futures betting for MVP at +350.

The final matchup of the weekend features the Chicago Bears hosting the Rams in what may be one of the weekend’s most offensive displays. L.A. put up 411 total yards against the Panthers and the Bears put up 445 against the Packers.

Betting Odds

When considering some betting, here’s a look at the NFL odds for this weekend’s matchups.

Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, Jan. 17

Favorite: Bills -1.5

Over/Under: 46.5

TV: CBS

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks, Jan. 17

Favorite: Seahawks -7

Over/Under: 45.5

TV:  Fox

Houston Texans at New England Patriots, Jan. 18

Favorite: Patriots -3

Over/Under: 41.5

TV: ABC, ESPN

L.A. Rams at Chicago Bears

Favorite: Rams -3.5

Over/Under: 50.5

TV: NBC