The NFL Divisional Round is here—the weekend where contenders separate from pretenders, and every snap, pass, and tackle can alter the course of history. This is where legends are born, hearts are broken, and fortunes can be made… if you play your bets right. With high-powered offenses clashing and defenses looking to shut down superstar quarterbacks, this is your chance to ride the action and cash in on the chaos. Let’s get into the action.
Chiefs(-7.5) vs. Texans
01/18 @ 4:30 PM on ESPN/ABC/ESPN+
Patrick Mahomes and company are coming off a long rest period, as the starters haven’t played in two weeks. If this were anybody else, I might be worried. But, let’s face it, this is the Chiefs we’re talking about. The back-to-back champions. More experienced in the postseason than any other team, with a half of fame coach and QB running the show.
Alright, enough glazing the Chiefs. It’s no secret this team, while 15-1, has looked a little different than in years past. However, the Texans aren’t coming in off the strongest season themselves. Many expected Stroud to leap into the top tier of quarterbacks this season, but were shocked to see somewhat of a sophomore slump from the young gun. The Chiefs are notorious for coming off of the bye week very strong, and at home I just don’t see a way the Texans get it done. I think the Texans were gifted a horrendous performance by Justin Herbert and the Chargers in the Wild Card weekend. This is all to say I like the Chiefs to win by 10. I also see Andy Reid reaching deep into the sack of tricks during this one. May we possibly see a big man ruddy??
For what it’s worth, Chiefs to cover the spread and Hunt to score seem great in this game. I will be monitoring the lines and cooking up a parlay for the end of this blog 👀
Lions (-10) vs. Commanders
01/18 @ 8:00 PM ET on FOX
Commanders come into this one off a nail-biting win in which their kicker doinked it in…and yet again I had to suffer through double-doink flashbacks in my Twitter feed. Thanks.
The Cardiac Commanders do it again, with Jayden Daniels all but confirming his Rookie Of The Year status. This kid is electric, there’s no other way to put it. This matchup is very interesting, as the Commanders and Lions don’t have notoriously strong defenses. I think there’s going to be a lot of scoring in this one, especially considering Dan Campbell is a psychopath who almost never punts the ball…
The Lions are rolling high off of a brutal beatdown of the Minnesota Vikings (31-9) in Week 18. This team just seems to be destined for greatness. And I absolutely love them at home this week. 15-2 on the season and 7-2 at home, this Lions team should be able to have their way with the Commanders who own a 5-3 record on the road this season.
The over sits at 55.5, but that doesn’t scare me. As a wise man once said, scared money don’t make no moneeeeyyyyyy. Give me the Lions and the over…Dan Campbell loves to run up the score and I can’t see them not putting up 30+ in this one. With all of the injuries in Detroit’s secondary coming into this one, I think Washington will put up a good number here too.
Take the over here and anyone you want to score a touchdown, but I really love Terry McLaurin.
Eagles (-6) vs. Rams
01/19 @ 3:00 PM ET on NBC/Peacock
I don’t know how to say it other than, thank God both of these teams won. I was elated that two NFC north teams got bounced in the first round, and even more happy the Packers got exposed the way they did. Jordan Love is a fraud, and I will never think otherwise.
Ok, to this game. I really think this one has the makings of a defensive struggle. The Rams just held the Vikings to 9 points and the Eagles held the Packers to 10. The Eagles also arguably have had the best defense in the entire NFL this year, and I don’t see that changing here. These teams already played once this year, putting up a total of 57 points in the Eagles 37-20 victory. I’m hard pressed to think that will be the same here though. I can see this being one of those games that the run is utilized heavily in an outdoor setting in Philly. The forecast shows a high of 36* around game time. I can see this being a battle between Saquan and Kyren Williams all game long. Which also makes me think that I might be wrong….this is probably my least favorite betting opportunity so I’m probably going to stay away from it.
Gun to my head, I’d have to say Rams +6 and Saquan to get more than his 21.5 rushing attempts total from Fanduel. Like I said though, I’m steering clear of this one.
Ravens (-1) @ Buffalo
01/19 @ 6:30 PM ET on CBS/Paramount+
Look, I think the NFL nailed it here. They’re saving the best for last. This game should be nothing short of spectacular, and I think the weather forecast is calling for a shit ton of points in this one.
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and co. are coming off of a win against the Steelers where they looked unstoppable on the ground. They beat the dog piss out of the Steelers in a game that never seemed close. Henry rushed for 186 yards while Lamar added 81 of his own to compliment his 175 yards through the air. This Ravens team was clicking, and I cant see them losing if they keep this up.
Enter Buffalo, who by all means also beat the living shit out of the Broncos. Man I was thinking we had a game after that first drive from Denver….but oh boy was I wrong. Buffalo is a perfect 8-0 at home, and what psycho wants to pick against them this weekend??
Enter me, the psycho who thinks the Ravens ML is the best bet in this one. Other than some props, the only thing I can see me betting on is the Ravens here. Vegas has them -1 on the road against a team who hasn’t lost at home all season….remember, Vegas knows more than us here. Don’t think too hard, its going to be cold and the Ravens have a great rushing attack (possibly the best rushing duo in NFL history). Unfortunately for the Bills, I think their playoff woes continue in this one.
Give me the Ravens to win and Lamar to score.
Parlay of the Week
Listen, if you’re going to gamble…do it responsibly. My opinions here are opinions, not fact. I am not an expert. But I like to get some action in on the weekends, in more ways than one…
This week’s parlay is looking fun: I’ve got the Chiefs on the moneyline, the Lions vs. Commanders going over 49.5 points, Saquon going over 21.5 rushing attempts, and I’m cashing in on the Ravens moneyline for a total of +491 on Fanduel.
If you really enjoyed this, then like it, share it with your friends, and for goodness’ sake, leave a comment—let me hear what ya think down below!
JMDSportsTalk 
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