We're on to the second round of the Playoffs. Find out what bets we're locking in ahead of this weekend's action:
via Getty Images
Wild Card Weekend delivered us some classic matchups, extra drama, and a handful of blowouts. If you caught our Playoff Power Rankings last week, you'll note that we successfully picked the winner of every game (Cincinnati, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, and Los Angeles). We also had a successful week betting as we were on Cincinnati -6.0; Buffalo -4.5; New England/Bufflo Over 43.0; Philadelphia +8.5; Philadelphia/Tampa Bay Under 46.5; San Francisco +3; Los Angeles -3; and we tried to get creative and teased Pittsburgh up to +18.5, when we should have just stuck with Kansas City. We're sure the law of averages will bring us crashing back down to Earth this week, but stick with us as we attempt to ride the wave.
Cincinnati Bengalas (+3.5) @ Tennessee Titans:
via Andy Lyons / Getty Images
We have the Bengals making the AFC Championship, so we think they'll win this game, meaning they cover the spread. While the Titans should be getting Derrick Henry back (in some capacity), the Titans have had a tendency to play games close all year long. Mike Vrabel has done a tremendous job with this team, Coach of the Year worthy, but their inability to finish games with their foot on the throttle will catch up with them here. The Bengals have too much confidence, too much offensive firepower, and the better quarterback. Their defense is also talented enough to make Ryan Tannehill make a mistake. If the Bengals can keep the dangerous Titans defensive line at bay, then they should squeak out a win on the road.
San Francisco 49ers (+5.5) @ Green Bay Packers:
via NBC Sports
Don't get it twisted, we think Green Bay will win this game, and eventually, the Super Bowl. The home field advantage, the overall health of their team, their defensive playmakers, their ability to run the football, and the MVP play of Aaron Rodgers will be enough to get them over the hump as they will be out for revenge on San Francisco. All of that being said, 5.5 is a large spread for a Divisional Round game. We like the Niners to keep this game close and cover, like they did in their Week 3 matchup (30-28 loss), but they'll ultimately come up short due to some late game heroics from Rodgers.
Los Angeles Rams (+3.0) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
via RamsWire / USA Today
We tried betting against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers last week and it didn't turn out in our favor. But bettors aren't quitters. We think the Rams will win this game, thereby covering the spread. The Bucs are without weapons and the ones they do have are hobbled. On the other side of the ball, they have consistency issues in their secondary. Philadelphia didn't show up or have the means to take advantage of these deficiencies, but the Rams do. Cooper Kupp, Odell Beckham, Jr., and company have advantageous matchups. We also like the interior pressure Aaron Donald brings against Brady who lacks mobility. Jalen Ramsey is the large, physical corner that typically has success against Mike Evans who relies on his physicality, size, and catch radius to make plays instead of speed. This will be a close game, but we're riding with Los Angeles.
Buffalo Bills (+1.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs:
via the Kansas City Star
We have the Buffalo Bills making it to the Super Bowl, which means they win this game and cover the spread. Both of these teams are red hot, absolutely explosive offensively, and are led by two of the best, young quarterbacks in the League. We think the Bills have more playmakers on the defensive side of the ball and will be out for revenge from last year's AFC Championship. The chippiness the Bills players exhibited towards the end the Championship game last year and Stefon Diggs staying with his helmet on to watch the Kansas City team and fans celebrate leads us to think that Buffalo has been left with a bitter taste in their mouth. Look for Bills' fans to be smashing through tables all night, as their team gets its long-awaited revenge.
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