Eight Teams Are Left in Race to Super Bowl
Doubleheader Madness: Exciting Divisional Round Are Here
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs Betting Lines & Analysis
The Super Bowl champs get back on the field at Arrowhead Saturday after a week off thanks to being the AFC team that earned a bye.
NFL betting has the Chiefs as nine-point favorites with the total set at 41½ points.
The line and total should be looked at more because of the style of play by Kansas City than a nod to the Texans, who are the AFC South champions. They beat the Los Angeles Chargers to get here.
The Chiefs are no longer the explosive offense they were in years past. They rely on a stellar defense and Patrick Mahomes and KC put enough points up for a victory, whether comfortable.
This looks more like a 24-13 game rather than seeing a ton of points. Also, be careful in the prop market when it comes to KC’s quarterback and his receivers. They don’t put up huge numbers.
One player who could be looked at for the over in yardage is Texans wideout Nico Collins. Don’t expect Houston to derail KC but Collins is a talent that could have a significant game.
Pick: Texans plus 9 points; Under 41½ points.
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions Betting Odds & Analysis
This is the polar opposite of the first game on Saturday. The Commanders and the Detroit Lions are likely to have a slobber knocker when it comes to offense. Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin are a dynamic quarterback-receiver combo.
The Commanders are getting +9½ points and the total is a bloated 55½ points.
That suggests neither defense will have a big day. Detroit is more likely to have some success against the rookie from LSU. who has been nothing short of brilliant. He didn’t flinch in the wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Lions are favored by a bigger number than the Chiefs because of the offensive power they bring.
Jared Goff and his mates are fierce. Containing Baker Mayfield is way different than stopping the Lions.
The Commanders should keep it interesting but in the end, come up short.
Pick: Lions – 9½ points.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills Betting Analysis
This one can’t be split by the oddsmakers when it comes to NFL Divisional round odds. It is listed as a pick-em game. It is by far the best matchup of the playoffs through the first two rounds.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are a potent 1-2 punch for Baltimore. The Bills counter with Josh Allen and James Cook, another sharp offensive exacta at QB and RB.
The Ravens are rolling. They have solved their defensive issues, particularly in the secondary.
The long-range forecast is for a high of 22 and a low of 14 for this game in the Orchard Park evening on Sunday, so other than it being cold weather won’t be a factor.
It truly is a coin toss but the fact the Ravens aren’t getting points in NFL odds leads one to believe they are the team expected to advance.
Pick: Baltimore Ravens (pk).
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles Betting Analysis
A Rams win here and two more would be the ultimate inspiration story amid the LA wildfires’ death, destruction, and terror.
There’s only one problem with this script. The last time the Rams played the Eagles it wasn’t close.
Saquon Barkley had 26 carries, 255 rushing yards, 47 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
Here’s a hint: If the total rushing prop on Barkley is 254, go under
Adrenaline and inspiration can carry one only so far. The short week, all the stress and strain back home, and a trip to Philadelphia where it will be above freezing on Sunday, will eventually catch up to LA.
It would be magical if they won but it is highly unlikely.
Pick: Eagles (-110).