For Wild Card Weekend, we have two road teams winning, two high-octane games going Over, and a coach helping another game go Under.
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
5
Take Cleveland Browns and lay 2 points (-110) at Houston Texans
Cleveland has been flying under the radar as a dominant team. Prior to benching their starters in Week 17, the Browns won seven of their last nine games, including wins over playoff teams Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Houston. It should be noted C.J. Stroud didn’t play in Week 16, and that made a huge difference because Case Keenum stunk the joint out. The difference this time is that all four of Houston’s defensive line starters are banged up – all four are listed as questionable. That should help both Cleveland’s running game and pass game and, when you’re a team with the No. 1 defense in the NFL, you don’t need as many advantages the Browns are getting.
4
Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs: Take OVER 43.5 points (-110)
The Dolphins defense is crippled – they have placed linebackers Bradley Chubb, Jaelen Phillips, Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel on I.R., cornerback Xavien Howard is out and starting safeties DeShon Elliott and Jevon Holland are questionable. The Chiefs offense has struggled – they’ve scored 21 points or fewer in seven of the last 10 games – but the back eight of Miami’s defense is too depleted to stop them. They could score 30 points on their own. The forecast calls for the potential of historic low temperatures. The Chiefs have played in cold weather in the playoffs. Miami has not. However, this bet is projecting points. Tyreek Hill going against his former team, is no stranger to January cold in KC and the coaches will find ways to get him the ball in space to get enough points to hit Over.
3
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys UNDER 50.5 points (-110)
Whenever you see a spread of more than 50 points, it should get your attention. In that case a 27-23 score remains Under despite at least five touchdowns being scored. There a lot of talk about the Cowboys blowing people out at home and posting big numbers, but the total in their last three games has been 42, 39 and 48. Those include a close loss to Miami, a close win over Detroit, and a blowout of Washington. The Packers are the youngest team in the league, so they’re doing a lot of things right, but former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is well known for getting a double-digit lead in the playoffs and taking the air out of the ball to shorten the game. This may require a defense/special teams touchdown to hit Over.
2
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions OVER 51.5 points (-110)
This is more hunch and recent history than a “bet the house” on it, but last year in the self-anointed Super Wild Card Weekend, the point totals of games were 41, 45, 54, 55, 61 and 65. If there are two teams capable of putting up the big score of the three-day weekend, it’s these two. The Rams are going to throw, because what will shorten Detroit’s run in the playoffs is its pass defense. Detroit has scored 30 or more points in three of their last four home games, and Matthew Stafford will be given his chance to shine. I would take this any day. Good news that it’s on Sunday (when you would take it twice). A three-decade home game newbie tries to make a point against a team capable of coming back when behind.
1
Take Philadelphia Eagles and lay 3 points (-110) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Eagles have humbled themselves over the last six weeks. After starting 10-1, they’ve lost five of six games and look like a hot mess. That being said, somebody had to win the NFC South and it was the Buccaneers. While nobody would begrudge anyone who has already jumped off the Eagles bandwagon, that comes next week, not here. The Eagles earned their playoff spot by November. Tampa locked it down last Sunday. If Philly doesn’t cover three points, they have it coming … again.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
