The NFL Playoffs continue on this weekend, as we have 2 games on Saturday and 2 more on Sunday. It is sure to be an action-packed Divisional Round, and we are spicing things up with a teaser and a parlay. Along with this article, be sure to check out our expert NFL picks for free picks on the side and total of every game this week.
NFL Wild Card Teaser: 2-team, 6-point (-134 at FanDuel)
Tennessee Titans +2.5 (from -3.5)
The Bengals’ offense struggled in the 2nd half last week against the Raiders, and the Titans’ defense is 3rd in EPA/play since their bye in Week 13 and is top 5 in explosive plays allowed this season. It will be interesting to see how Joe Burrow handles himself on the road in what should be a tough environment. Burrow has only played one road game since Thanksgiving, and 3 of his 4 lowest YPA games this season have come on the road. Historically, QBs making their first road playoff start have gone just 6-15 SU and 9-12 ATS.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Cincinnati Bengals vs Tennessee Titans.
Green Bay Packers +0.5 (from -5.5)
Jimmy Garoppolo is now dealing with a shoulder injury on top of his injured thumb. Garoppolo said this week that his shoulder is affecting his throws, and now he’s going into a cold-weather environment that he’s not used to. That could be a recipe for disaster. Dallas struggled on offense for much of the game against San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean Green Bay will. Aaron Rodgers should be able to exploit their weak cornerback group. It’s also a short week for the 49ers as this game is on a Saturday, while the Packers are fresh off a bye. Garoppolo wasn’t asked to do much in the first round, as he threw for just 172 yards. He’ll need to do a lot more if the 49ers want to hang around in this one. It’s also worth noting that the Packers are 8-0 at home this season. Look for that to continue in this one.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for San Francisco 49ers vs Green Bay Packers.
Wild Card Weekend parlay (+605 at FanDuel)
Bills/Chiefs under 54.5 (-110)
Despite the dominant offensive displays we saw last week from the Bills and Chiefs, the under is the way to go in this game. Granted, we saw 62 points scored when they met in the AFC Championship and then 58 earlier this season, but both teams are showing a lot of strength on defense. The Bills held the Chiefs to just 20 points when they faced off earlier this season, and even though they’ll be without Tre’Davious White this time, they should still have some success in stopping Patrick Mahomes. After all, they had the best pass defense in the league and allowed just 5.7 passing yards per attempt.
As for the Chiefs, their defense was a mess at the start of the season, which was why they shipped 38 points to Buffalo, but they have since steadied the ship and have been a better team as a result. Kansas City has kept 5 of its last 6 opponents at Arrowhead to 10 points or under, and although I’m not expecting the defense to have that level of success against Josh Allen and company, they should be strong enough to make them work for their points. Take the under.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs.
Rams/Buccaneers under 48.5 (-110)
The Rams went very run heavy against the Cardinals on Monday night with 38 rush attempts to just 18 pass attempts. Maybe it was to protect Matthew Stafford, who has struggled early in games this season, but they may have found a formula they like on the ground with the return of Cam Akers. Meanwhile, the Bucs’ offense could struggle to move the ball in this game considering their issues along the offensive line. Tom Brady could employ a dink and dunk approach and get the ball out quickly to negate L.A.’s pass rush. The Bucs’ secondary depth is a concern, and if Stafford sees matchups he likes down the field there could be some explosive plays for LA, but overall both teams should be looking to go with of runs and short passes — which trends well for the under.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bengals/Titans over 47 (-110)
The Bengals’ defensive line issues are of major concern here. Even if Derrick Henry isn’t 100% healthy and doesn’t get a full workload, just his presence should open up the passing game for Ryan Tannehill. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could also benefit from this soft middle. The Titans’ No. 3 wide receiver has been effective in the slot this season, and gets the benefit of a healthy Julio Jones and A.J. Brown flanking him on the outside. Expect Tannehill to be aggressive early in this game and put pressure on a banged-up Bengals defense.
On the other side, the game script could force the Bengals to abandon the run in the second half and rely on their weapons on the outside. The Titan’s defense is rested and has been stellar since the bye week, but Cincinnati should be able to score just enough to creep this game over the total.
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