Keith
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We have reached the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. The 8 teams remaining need just 2 more wins to reach the Super Bowl. The Divisional Round has been split into 2 days, with the Texans-Ravens and Packers-49ers on Saturday while the Buccaneers-Lions and Chiefs-Bills will take place on Sunday.
I have come up with a 3-leg mega parlay for the action, so let’s get right into it. Also make sure to check out all of our NFL playoffs picks.
Texans +5.5 alternate spread (+158)
Lions -6.5 (-108)
Bills -2.5 (-122)
Parlay odds: +804
Houston Texans +5.5 alternate spread (+158) over Baltimore Ravens
Do I think that the Ravens will win this game? Yes. But do I think they’ll do it without much of a fight? No. The Texans faced an elite defense in the Wild Card Round and C.J. Stroud shredded the secondary while the Houston defense put a blunt end to Joe Flacco’s exceptional run. Stroud has been nearly perfect in back-to-back must-win games against the Colts and Browns, so I’m not worried about the lights getting too bright for the rookie. In his last 2 games Stroud has thrown for 538 yards, 5 touchdowns and zero turnovers. In fact, the last time Stroud threw an interception was on November 19. If he continues to take care of the ball and keep drives alive, the Texans could stay within a score throughout the game. Plus, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have been off the field for a while. Houston could catch the Ravens coming out slow, and that might be all the visitors need to keep this game within a touchdown.
Check out our Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens predictions
Detroit Lions -6.5 (-108) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the season in the Wild Card Round. It’s not because they just beat the Eagles — it’s because they absolutely dominated the Eagles. Jalen Hurts looked like he had never seen a blitz before, and the Philadelphia offensive line was getting run over. It was an impressive showing, but the Lions’ offense is a completely different beast. The Eagles weren’t able to use the run game to get first downs and keep drives alive, whereas the Lions have Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery — who can both run for 5 yards a carry on any given day. Plus, unlike the Eagles the Lions will have their #1 receiver available. Jared Goff has Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta to throw to when he senses the blitz. As long as the Detroit defense can make a few stops, the Lions should be able to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive and win by at least a touchdown.
Check out our Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions predictions
Buffalo Bills -2.5 (-122) over Kansas City Chiefs
I’m not a believer in the Kansas City Chiefs one bit. In fact, I believe the Chiefs would have lost in the Wild Card Round if the temperature wasn’t -30 degrees. Kansas City was able to use the cold to its advantage, but in the Divisional Round that advantage belongs to the Bills. It’s expected to be snowing and cold in Buffalo all week, and we know how well the Bills play in winter weather conditions. In Buffalo’s win over the Steelers in the Wild Card Round, Josh Allen played a near-perfect game. He was 21-for-30 with 203 yards and 3 touchdowns. Plus he used his legs 8 times and ran for 74 yards and a touchdown. But, most importantly: no turnovers. Whenever Allen takes his time in the pocket and doesn’t turn the ball over, it’s incredibly hard to beat the Bills. Patrick Mahomes will fight to keep the Chiefs in it, but their offense is severely outmatched. I’ll happily take the Bills by a field goal.
Check our our Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills predictions
