NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Bets, Analyses, and Forecasts
Strark Slog: Rock on, gridiron junkies! The Wild Card round's dust has settled, and we're diving headfirst into the divisional round. Prepare yourself for another action-packed weekend, as we predict which teams will take the next step toward Super Bowl glory.
Saturday, January 18th
Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs
A lot of fans doubted the Texans would make it past the Chargers at home. But they proved the skeptics wrong in a big way, emerging victorious with a 32-12 win. Running back Joe Mixon clocked 106 yards on the ground with a TD, while Nico Collins added 122 yards and a TD through the air. QB C.J Stroud didn't light it up but got the job done, and the defense swarmed all over Justin Herbert, sealing the win for the Texans.
Now, they're up against the Chiefs, who've had two weeks to rest and heal up. Will that mean Patrick Mahomes and co will come into this one rusty? Maybe so. But the Chiefs are going for an unprecedented three-peat, and you wouldn't bet against them at this stage.
I think, despite potential rustiness, Kansas City will advance once again to the AFC Championship game. Chiefs to win Moneyline @-450
Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions
The Commanders defied odds and won their first playoff game since 2006 against the Bucs. This young team, led by rookie QB Jayden Daniels, showed no sign of nerves in his first ever postseason appearance, throwing for 286 yards and two TDs. He's been compared to Lamar Jackson for his ability to evade rushers and throw dimes everywhere. The Lions, coming off a bye week, are fresh and healthy, with running back David Montgomery expected back from injury.
The Commanders will give the Lions a run for their money, but Detroit's strength and momentum will carry them to victory. Lions to win Moneyline @ -520
Sunday, January 19
Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
The Ravens dismantled the Steelers in the Wild Card round, and the 28-14 score line doesn't fully capture their dominance. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry were a force to be reckoned with, tallying 357 total yards and four TDs. The defense has also stepped up, giving the Ravens a complete team look.
The Bills, on the other hand, made easy work of the Broncos, winning 31-7. Josh Allen had 272 yards and two TDs, while James Cook ran for 120 yards and a TD. This close matchup is a tough call, but I'm going to go with the Ravens, riding their increasing confidence and stellar defense. Ravens to win Moneyline @ -118
LA Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Rams took care of the Vikings in a 27-9 rout, sacking Sam Darnold nine times for a loss of 82 yards. Matthew Stafford controlled the offense, spreading it all over the field. The Eagles had a bit of a struggle against the Packers but won 22-10. They'll need to get A.J Brown more involved in the passing game if they want a shot at the Super Bowl.
This could be a close one, but I'm leaning toward the Eagles, who have the experience and home-field advantage. Eagles to win Moneyline @ -290
Divisional Round Parlay Picks
Chiefs to win Moneyline Lions to win Moneyline Ravens to win Moneyline Eagles to win Moneyline 262 $10 wins $26.21Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets Bet Now
It's time to see which teams really have the goods, as the Conference game is within reach for all of these teams. The Lions and Chiefs look the part, and while the Ravens-Bills game could go either way, I have faith in Lamar and co.
If you're feeling lucky and want to create your own parlay, try out our free parlay odds calculator!
In the divisional round, the Houston Texans' impressive win against the Chargers positions them for a challenging clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive AFC Championship appearance. (Chiefs to win Moneyline @-450)
In another intriguing matchup, the Washington Commanders, having won their first playoff game since 2006, will face the Detroit Lions, fresh from their bye week, with running back David Montgomery expected to return from injury. Despite the Commanders' impressive performance, the Lions' strength and momentum could catapult them to victory. (Lions to win Moneyline @ -520)
