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AFC Wild Card Opening Odds Report: Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals

The Las Vegas Raiders had to add jet fuel to the plane after their Week 18 game ended in bizarre fashion. Instead of a trip to Kansas City, the Raiders — the underdog in the NFL odds — will travel to Cincinnati to meet Joe Burrow and the Bengals in an AFC wild card game.

  • Game: Las Vegas Raiders (10-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
  • Location: Paul Brown Stadium
  • Day/Time: Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Television: NBC

Las Vegas Raiders vs Cincinnati Bengals Betting Lines

AFC Wild-Card Opening Odds Report: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Raiders Appeared Fit to be Tied Before Bolt of Intervention

The Raiders were in no particular hurry as they faced third-and-4 from the Chargers’ 39-yard line in a tie game with 38 seconds left in overtime on Sunday night. Then the inexplicable happened: Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley called a timeout.

It appeared Las Vegas was content with the game ending 32-32, sending both teams to the playoffs. But the timeout seemed to change the complexion, according to Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Josh Jacobs promptly ran for the final 10 of his 132 yards, Las Vegas called time out with two seconds left and Daniel Carlson drilled a 47-yard field goal as time expired.

Instead of the seven seed and a trip to Arrowhead, the Raiders are the No. 5 seed and headed for the banks of the Ohio River after their fifth walk-off victory of the season.

Bengals May Have Benefited in More Ways Than One

There was no drama involving the Bengals in Week 18. Cincinnati chose rest and recovery rather than worrying about its seed, and lost 21-16 at Cleveland. Burrow did not make the trip, and rookie receiver JaMarr Chase played only two series after setting the franchise record for receiving yards with 1,455.

The outcome ultimately made the Bengals the four seed, and may have provided an easier path to the promised land. First, Cincinnati avoided Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots in the first round. And if Cincinnati gets past Las Vegas, the Bengals stand a better chance of avoiding a trip to Kansas City in the divisional playoffs.

Opening Line

The number opened six in some markets, but mostly at 6½ as the broader Las Vegas odds came online. It appears to have settled there, providing Burrow and the high-powered Bengals’ offense enough respect while giving the Raiders a punter’s chance.

The total was spotted at 48 but has climbed to 49½ when betting online. This despite an early weather forecast on Saturday calling for snow with a chilly northeast wind.

Las Vegas has won four in a row straight-up and its last three in the NFL picks against the spread. Cincinnati has covered four straight ATS.

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