NFL Playoffs Divisional Round Betting Analysis

Week two of the playoffs are just around the corner and after the wild card round went to script, the divisional matches have given us some juicy and unpredictable match ups. Here’s a breakdown of each.

Coming off a comfortable victory over Detroit, the Seahawks will travel to Georgia to take on the best offensive team in the league and that’s the type of game we should see here. This will be a battle between two offensively dominant teams. The last time these two teams met was in October, where the Seahawks were victorious at home 26-24. This match could come down to which offensive weapon has the best day. If Julio Jones catches fire, the Falcons will be unstoppable. If Thomas Rawls can get going like he did against the Lions, the Seahawks could get the edge with some unpredictability. The Falcons should have the edge at home with MVP favourite Matt Ryan leading the charge, but never discount Seattle.

Score Prediction: Atlanta 30 – 24 Seattle

Best Australian Bookmaker Odds:

Atlanta Falcons to win $1.47 at Sportsbet

Seattle Seahawks to win: $2.80 at Centrebet

First touchdown scorer Julio Jones: $8 at Sportsbet

Total Match Points over 51: $1.92 at Sportsbet

There really isn’t much analysis that needs to be done here. The Texans got over an Oakland side playing a rookie quarterback in the wild card round and didn’t look convincing at all. Now they have to come to Gillette Stadium and take on the well-oiled machine that is New England. The last time these two teams met was in round three where the Patriots won 27-0. To make matters worse, New England did that without Tom Brady. Jadeveon Clowney put in a stellar defensive performance for Houston last week and they’ll need another special performance from him and the rest of the defensive line to contain all of the Patriots’ weapons. Even if they do that, Brock Osweiler will still need to dominate and that’s a tough ask.

Score Prediction: Patriots 37 – 10 Houston

Best Australian Bookmaker Odds:

New England Patriots to win $1.06 at Bookmaker

Houston Texans to win: $11 at Centrebet

First Touchdown Scorer Julian Edelman: $8.50 at Sportsbet

New England leads at the end of every quarter: $1.75 William Hill

This is probably the toughest game to predict of the round. Pittsburgh made short work of Miami last week, while the Chiefs haven’t convinced everyone that they’re a genuine Super Bowl threat. Kansas holding the home field advantage will give them the edge, but the last time these two teams met, the Steelers were convincing winners, 43-14. This match should come down to a battle of the defences with both teams relatively even offensively. Quarterbacks Smith and Roethlisberger have both had great years and if either gets on top, it could be the deciding factor. Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns in the last meeting between these two teams and the Pittsburgh receivers might just be too much for the Chiefs’ defence. Expect a close one.

Score Prediction Chiefs 14 – 17 Steelers

Best Australian Bookmaker Odds:

Kansas City Chiefs to win $1.80 at Bookmaker

Pittsburgh Steelers to win $2.09 at Sportsbet

First Touchdown Scorer Tyreek Hill $9 at Sportsbet

Scores Level at End of Play $9 at William Hill

The hottest quarterback in the game takes his men to the lone star state to challenge the 13-3 NFC East champions. The Packers blew passed the Giants easier than most anticipated and did it without star receiver Jordy Nelson who left the field with an injury early in the game. Aaron Rodgers is in elite form, but can he overcome the Dallas defence at home? Another question going in is whether rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott can perform under the immense Playoff pressure. Elliott might be the difference between the two sides if he stands up. The Cowboys won 11 games in a row earlier in the season and the Packers are currently on a six game winning streak. When in a tough to pick situation like this, go with experience. We’re tipping the upset.

Score Prediction: Cowboys 21 – 27 Packers

Best Australian Bookmaker Odds:

Dallas Cowboys to win $1.45 at William Hill

Green Bay Packers to win $2.88 at Sportsbet

First Touchdown Scorer Ty Montgomery $12 at Sportsbet

Green Bay Packers win by over 3.5 points $3.45 at William Hill