Since the NFL now lets 14 teams in the playoffs each year, that has added two additional games in the opening round. This will create additional drama and excitement, but it is also going to bring about more betting opportunities.
There are always some upset in the NFL Playoffs, and that could be the case once again this year. Here is a look at each of the six NFL games.
Intriguing NFL Games on Saturday
Saturday should be the best day of football this weekend, and least in terms of drama and intrigue. The Cincinnati Bengals are 5.5-point favorites over the Las Vegas Raiders in one game, and the Buffalo Bills are four-point favorites over the New England Patriots in another.
The first game of the day will feature two terrific offenses that are going to throw the football a ton. Defense could be optional when the Bengals and Raiders take the field.
Las Vegas has gotten great play from quarterback Derek Carr, but the Bengals have simply been better. Look for Cincinnati to have a big game on offense and cover the spread.
Buffalo and New England is going to be a battle, and the teams split their regular-season matchups. The Patriots have a history of showing up in the postseason, but they are also dealing with some injuries.
Buffalo is going to need a big day from quarterback Josh Allen, but this postseason is going to be his time to shine. The Bills should put up a ton of points in this game, and they are going to eliminate their AFC East rivals by a touchdown or more.
Big Favorites on Sunday
There are three games scheduled for Sunday, and only one of the three games has a spread of less than eight points.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 8.5-point betting favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles in the first game of the day. Getting to the playoffs was a great accomplishment for the Eagles, but Tampa Bay is going to win this one by double-digits.
The final game of the day has the Pittsburgh Steelers as 12.5-point underdogs against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City is the better team in this matchup, but taking the points and looking for a close game is the way to go.
Dallas hosts San Francisco in the middle game, and this has the potential to be the first upset of the weekend. The Cowboys are three-point favorites, but this franchise has struggled in recent playoff games.
The 49ers can really run the football, and they also feature a terrific defense. Look for San Francisco to head into Dallas and win this game outright.
NFC West Showdown on Monday
The Los Angeles Rams are four-point betting favorites over the Arizona Cardinals in the final playoff game of the opening round. These NFC West rivals both lost in Week 18, but losing has been a trend for the Cardinals of late.
Arizona just relies on quarterback Kyler Murray to do too much, and Los Angeles is going to shut him down. The Cardinals are also going to have a tough time stopping the passing attack of the Rams.
Playing at home gives the Rams a boost, and Los Angeles wins this game by a touchdown at least.