NFL Betting: Divisional Round
The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Jonathan Hartley.
After an exciting Super Wild Card Weekend, the NFL Divisional Round matchups are set.
As you decide what bets you will place this weekend, consider these options:
KC ML vs. JAX
This matchup between the Chiefs and Jaguars puts three impressive streaks on the line.
Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence has never lost a high school, college, or NFL game when he plays on a Saturday, including last week’s 31-30 win over the Chargers where he led his team back from a 27 point deficit. He is 37-0 on Saturdays and looks to extend his unbeaten streak to 38-0 this Saturday.
Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid also carries an impressive record into this week’s matchup, as his teams are 27-4 all time when coming off of a bye week. In addition, Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes has made the AFC Championship game in each of his four seasons as starting quarterback.
The Jaguars have started off slow in their last two games, and this is something you absolutely cannot do against the Chiefs’ powerhouse of an offense. Kansas City should be able to take care of business and beat Jacksonville.
CIN +5 vs. BUF
The Bengals and Bills are set to face off in Buffalo in a regular season rematch. However, less than 10 minutes were played in their first matchup, as Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after tackling Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Although the game was canceled after less than 10 minutes in, there were still some takeaways from the game. The Bengals drove down the field with ease and scored a touchdown on their opening drive, and were driving again before Hamlin’s injury.
On their only drive of the night, the Bills’ offense was held to a field goal.
Cincinnati at +5 is my favorite play of the week. Bengals moneyline is also a strong play, but the Bengals may be without three of their five starting offensive lineman this week and they face off against a good Buffalo pass rush. Even so, quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals should still be able keep it within five points.
SF -3.5 against DAL
The 49ers and Cowboys are both coming off of big wins and look to keep the momentum going.
Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott had the best game of his career last week against the Buccaneers, completing 25-for-33 attempts for 305 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
This success should not continue, however. Prescott led the league in interceptions this season, throwing 15 in only 12 games and he faces a San Francisco defense this week that led the league in interceptions.
The 49ers defense is also the best run defense in the league and should neutralize the Cowboys’ running game. This is bad news for the Cowboys’ offense, as they don’t perform very well without a solid running game complementing their passing game.
The 49ers’ offense is red hot as well, scoring 37 or more points in each of their last four games. San Francisco is the better team and should cover the spread.
Over 48.5 in NYG vs. PHI
The Giants are coming off an upset win over the Vikings, while the Eagles are coming off of a bye.
The Eagles earning a first round bye should dramatically help their offense. Quarterback and MVP candidate Jalen Hurts ended the season with a shoulder sprain, and the bye week gave him an extra week to heal and get ready for his team’s playoff run.
Eagles’ offensive tackle Lane Johnson also had an extra week to rest a groin injury and is in line to return this week against the Giants.
The Giants’ offense exploded last week thanks to a historic performance from Daniel Jones, who became the first quarterback in playoff history to total at least 300 passing yards, 70 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns in a game.
This game looks to be an offensive shootout and should clear the over of 48.5 points.
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Jonathan Hartley is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jdh6293@psu.edu.
