Sport
NFL Divisional Round preview: Playoffs heat up with huge head to heads
Super Wildcard Weekend saw some dreams ruined, fairy tales continue, and plenty of the juggernauts roll on. This week sees the one seeds enter the fray, as the eight remaining teams battle it out to see who reaches the Conference Championships.
We preview all games from the Divisional Round below.
Cincinnati @ Tennessee
The Cincinnati Bengals overcame a spirited Raiders side last time out, with superstar wideout Ja’Marr Chase excelling again. Him and Joe Burrow have continued their superb college partnership in the professional game, and if they are to win against the AFC’s one seed they’ll need to shine again. The Bengals are 8/5 underdogs, and a win here would be a huge statement for one of the leagues up and coming sides.
Tennessee will have enjoyed the rest after a week off and are set to welcome back elite running back Derrick Henry. The Titans have steadily won all season without generating lots of talk, and will look to at least repeat their performance from the 2019 playoffs, when they made the AFC Championship game. Expectations are high in Nashville, and the Titans are 5/9 favourites.
The handicap sits at just 3.5, but a fresh team is hard to beat in this situation, especially if Tennessee can wrestle control of the game early and control the clock through Henry. Tennessee -3.5 is 10/11, and they look a firm bet to progress through to the AFC title game.
San Francisco @ Green Bay
Two storied franchises, a freezing evening at Lambeau Field, and a season on the line. Nothing quite encapsulates the NFL Playoffs like the 49ers and Packers, and the latest instalment of this rivalry will be the first since the 2019 NFC Championship game which saw the 49ers run riot.
This time it’s Green Bay who look more likely to progress, at just 20/51 favourites. Aaron Rodgers is playing great football, the Packers defence gets plenty of pressure on quarterbacks, and it feels like Rodgers could take them all the way this year.
However, many said the Cowboys also looked like Super Bowl contenders, and the 49ers never really looked threatened in that game apart from the final few seconds of chaos. A sensible, well-managed game saw them handle Dallas, and if they play to the same intensity against Green Bay, it should be a close fought contest. The 49ers are 43/20, and a lot depends on Jimmy Garoppolo. If he’s forced to throw 40 times, they’ll struggle, but if the game and clock can be managed intelligently, we could see a big upset in Wisconsin. The handicap sits at 6, with an over/under of 47. In the frozen temperatures, Aaron Rodgers looks set to put on a show to excite fans, with Green Bay -6 available at 10/11.
Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay
The reigning Super Bowl holders v the exciting Rams has all the ingredients for a playoff classic. While the Rams have maybe underperformed for the talent their roster has on paper, the star quality is undeniable, and big players stand up in big moments. The likes of Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr all have potential to make game-defining plays in an instant, and they could be the difference.
Unfortunately for the Rams, Tampa also have players of that calibre, especially in quarterback Tom Brady. Arguably the best of all time, the Buccaneers cruised past Philadelphia in the Wildcard round, leading 31-0 at the end of the third quarter. Brady and co can score on anyone, and this could be a real shootout. The Rams are 5/4, while the Bucs are 20/29, with the over/under at 48.5 points. While almost fifty points requires plenty of scoring, these two sides have the ability to score on every possession, and it could be a scorching start to Sunday’s slate. Take the over at 10/11.
Buffalo @ Kansas City
Arguably the AFC’s best two teams, both made light work of their Wildcard matchups and now face off in a huge game to end the round. Kansas have homefield advantage, and the Arrowhead faithful could play a vital role in slowing down Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills offence.
Buffalo’s scoring threat is well documented, but their exceptional defence will be the game decider here. If they aren’t on top form, Patrick Mahomes will make plays and shred them with his ability. However, if they can get early pressure and can lock down Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and co, they’ll have one foot in the AFC Championship game.
A game that will be genuinely thrilling for neutrals and fans alike, the handicap sits at just two, highlighting how well matched these two are. Buffalo are 11/10 underdogs, with the Kansas City Chiefs 10/13 home favourites. It should be a great watch, and Arrowhead might just be the difference to take the Chiefs through, and ruin Buffalo’s dreams for the second straight season.
