Overtime Games Highlight NFL Playoff Action; Round 3 Betting Preview

NFL fans were treated to another nice weekend of football with a pair of thrilling overtime finishes highlighting the Divisional Round matchups.

On Saturday, the No. 1 AFC seeded Denver Broncos topped the Buffalo Bills in overtime for a 33-30 win. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns with one interception.

However, Nix sustained a season-ending ankle injury in the victory and will be out of the AFC Championship game, which is set for Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Backup Jarrett Stidham is now expected to be under center for the Broncos. He last started a game in January 2024 and is 1-3 in career starts. Head coach Sean Payton could also take a flyer on another more experienced quarterback who might be available.

For the Bills, QB Josh Allen threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, but also had two interceptions and lost two fumbles. He broke down in a post-game news conference over yet another postseason loss.

“I feel like I let my teammates down tonight,” he said.

A Look at Other Playoff Results

The other Saturday matchup wasn’t quite as close. The No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks, destroyed the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 at home with a dominating defensive performance that allowed the 49ers only 236 yards of total offense.

The Seahawks recorded two sacks, an interception, and recovered two fumbles. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 1116 yards and had three TDs. Seattle is now the odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl.

Sunday saw the Patriots mostly control the action against the Houston Texans and end with a solid 28-16 victory. Drake Maye tossed three TDs for the Patriots while Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled with four interceptions.

Later in the day, fans were treated to another overtime thriller featuring the Chicago Bears and L.A. Rams. With 18 seconds left in the game and facing fourth and 8 from the 14-yard line, Bears QB Caleb Williams was forced to retreat out of the pocket and launched a 50-yard fadeaway pass to tight end Cole Kmet in the end zone.

In overtime, however, a Williams interception after the two teams traded possessions provided the Rams an opportunity that eventually led to the game-winning field goal.

While the Rams weren’t spectacular on offense, the team limited mistakes with no interceptions or fumbles and just a single penalty for five yards. By contrast, WIlliams threw three interceptions.

Conference Championships Set for This Weekend

With both top seeds moving on, Sunday’s NFC and AFC Championship games will be played in Seattle and Denver. Those already considering their NFL betting for the week will be looking to check out the odds.

The Seahawks are a favorite at home, but the Nix injury has the Rams a road favorite. Here’s a look at what to expect this weekend with odds via FanDuel.

AFC Championship

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos

Favorite: Patriots -4.5

Over/Under: 41.5

Super Bowl futures odds: Patriots +240, Broncos +1300

TV: CBS

L.A. Rams at Seattle Seahawks

Favorite: Seahawks -2.5

Over/Under: 47.5

Super Bowl futures odds: Seahawks +145, Rams +210

TV: Fox