NFL Wild Card Weekend: Reason to bet each favorite
It’s time for NFL Wild Card Weekend, and there’s a six-pack of games waiting to be bet. Here’s why the favorites are good plays.
Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5)
The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since 1990, when they were able to take down Cody Carlson and the Houston Oilers. Now, 31 years later, Joe Burrow and Co. try to handle business against the Las Vegas Raiders, who also haven’t won a postseason game since 2002. It’s a huge challenge against a hot opponent. However Cincinnati is loaded with receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, alongside Joe Mixon. It’s a ton for Las Vegas to handle.
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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (-4)
Buffalo split the season series with the Patriots, winning the most recent matchup on the back of quarterback Josh Allen, who threw for more than 300 yards at Gillette Stadium. This weekend, Allen will need to be great again, but he’s more than capable. A Second-Team All-Pro last year, Allen has a hoard of weapons led by receiver Stefon Diggs, and although New England is superbly coached and solid defensively, rookie quarterback Mac Jones is a detriment to its hopes.
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8.5)
The Buccaneers should have the easiest time of any NFC team this weekend. Give the Eagles ample credit for reaching the playoffs, but they haven’t won a game this year against a team with a winning record. Also, you’re asking second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat Tom Brady, who has more postseason wins than Hurts has starts in the NFL.
San Francisco 49ers at Dallas Cowboys (-3)
The Cowboys have the benefit of going against 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is fighting through a nasty thumb injury. If Dallas can get pressure on Garoppolo with the trio of Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory, it should be in terrific shape. Offensively, the Cowboys have a chance to feast on poor corner play with CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper.
Read: Giants Fire Head Coach Joe Judge After Two Seasons
Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs (-12.5)
This is the biggest spread in NFL Wild Card history, and for good reason. In Week 16, the Chiefs beat Pittsburgh 36-10, and that was with a limited Tyreek Hill and no Travis Kelce. Kansas City should be able to halt the Steelers’ anemic offense while Patrick Mahomes does plenty to earn a blowout win.
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (-4)
The Rams won the NFC West largely on the strength of star power. Los Angeles has quarterback Matthew Stafford, receiver Cooper Kupp, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Von Miller and corner Jalen Ramsey. It’ll be those guys who can swing any game, and should certainly do so against a swooning Arizona team.
