NFL Playoffs, Divisional Round Odds, Best Bets & Predictions for Key Games

Updated: Feb 27, 2024

We were promised an enthralling Wild Card Weekend, and boy did it deliver. Snow bombs in Buffalo causing a postponement, ice cold temperatures in Kansas, and a coach who will now be on thin ice after a shocking home defeat. We wondered if these Cowboys were any different to past teams who have promised so much, well, you have to say they weren’t, and the repercussions for Mike McCarthy could be fatal.

It was amazing to see rookie CJ Stroud continue to have a debut campaign for the ages, and what about the Detroit Lions, appearing in the playoffs for the first time in 30 years and holding on to win in front of a raucous crowd. Now, the top seeds enter the fray as we go into the Divisional round of the postseason, what does this round have in store for us? Let’s dive in.

NFL Saturday, January 20

Baltimore Ravens 🆚Houston Texans

Since the playoff format expanded, one team from each conference has been able to enjoy a bye week for the first round of games. For the AFC this year, that team was the Ravens, as they turned into a dominating force down the stretch of the regular season. Lamar Jackson cemented his status as the MVP favorite, the defense proved to be one of the top units in football and the offense can grind you down or throw it all over you. They will be a very tough out but we know that CJ Stroud and the Texans will come into this one without any fear. You just run out of superlatives for Stroud. The rookie has been sensational and in the 45-15 rout of the Browns he threw for 274 yards and 3 TDs. Nico Collins had another big day with 96 yards and a TD while the defense had 2 pick sixes for a complete performance. Of course, playing at home to the Browns and going on the road to Baltimore are two very different challenges, but the Texans have proven this season they are serious.

Moneyline Odds: Ravens -400 Texans +310

Our Pick: Ravens

San Francisco 49ers 🆚Green Bay Packers

The 49ers will have sat back and enjoyed their rivals going at each other as their key players got in some much needed rest last week. That rest was earned from key contributions players such as Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brock Purdy and Trent Williams. They have a swarming defense and a varied offense and have been talked about as potential Super Bowl winners since it all kicked off in September. What many didn’t expect, however, is that they would be hosting the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. What a first playoff game it was for Jordan Love, who gets better every week. In the 48-32 win in Dallas, Love threw for 272 yards and 3 TDs. Following unprecedented success at the QB position for this club, with Brett Favre and then Aaron Rodgers, have the Packers found another star? The ground game is also in full flow, with Aaron Jones recording a stat line of 21 carries for 118 yards and 3 TDs. This young Green Bay team are fearless, and they will not be daunted by a trip to San Francisco. This season has already exceeded expectations, can they go one step further?

Moneyline Odds: 49ers -500 Packers + 380

Our Pick: 49ers

NFL Sunday, January 21

Detroit Lions 🆚Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Not since 1991 had the Detroit Lions won a playoff game. That long run was ended last weekend in an emotional night, with fans crying with joy, in a tense 24-23 victory over the Rams. The game had been billed as a revenge game for Lions QB Jared Goff, who was dumped by Rams coach Sean McVay in a trade for former Lions QB Matthew Stafford. With all of the storylines involved, it was always going to be an intense affair and that proved to be the outcome. Goff was electric in the first half, throwing for 277 yards and a TD. Amon -Ra St. Brown had 7 receptions for 110 yards and although they slowed in the second half, they got the job done. In further good news for the Lions, they will now be at home again, following the Cowboys loss, as the Bucs head to Ford Field. Tampa Bay pounded the Eagles, putting up 32 points with QB Baker Mayfield having a great night. Mayfield threw for 337 yards and 3 TDs and looked comfortable all night. Nobody thought the Bucs would make it this far, still finding their way post Tom Brady. However, full credit to coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht for putting together a roster with a good blend of youth and experience.

Moneyline Odds: Lions – 270 Bucs +220

Our Pick: Lions

Buffalo Bills 🆚 Kansas City Chiefs

We finally got to see the Bills in action, following a postponement due to weather, and wait was worth it fir Bills mafia as a 31-17 win over the Steelers booked their place in the divisional round. We got the best version of Josh Allen, throwing it all over the field for 203 yards and 3 TDs and also running 52 yards for a TD, an amazing run which not many, if any, quarterbacks are capable of. When Allen plays like this the Bills have a chance in any game. Since being 6-6, this team has been on a tear, the running game has improved with James Cook coming of age and they are not as reliant on Stefon Diggs, with Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox coming to the party. Allen will renew rivalries with Patrick Mahomes this week, after he put on a solid performance in freezing conditions against the Dolphins. His 262 yards and 1 TD isn’t off the charts, but he ran for key downs and handled the conditions very well. Rookie receiver Rashee Rice continues to be his favorite target, with 130 yards and 1 TD in this one. We’ve seen these teams in classics before in the playoffs, we will see another game for the ages?