Playoff Predictions: Uncovering Hidden Gems
As we dive into the most thrilling sports weekend of the year, six games await us. To help you navigate the excitement, I’m sharing my comprehensive cheat sheet, courtesy of the Draftkings Sportsbook. Our goal? Finish the season with a winning record, building on our current 42-38 YTD.
Chargers vs. Texans: A Road Favorite’s Dream
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6, 12-5 ATS) take on the Houston Texans (10-7, 7-8-2 ATS) at 4:30 PM on CBS, with the Chargers favored by 2.5 points and a total of 42.5. Jim Harbaugh’s impressive 19-7-1 ATS record as a road favorite, combined with Justin Herbert’s 7-1 ATS streak in the same spot, makes this my top pick of the weekend. The Chargers’ superior talent should lead to a comfortable victory.
Steelers vs. Ravens: A Playoff Underdog’s Struggle
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, 11-6 ATS) face off against the Baltimore Ravens (12-5, 10-6-1 ATS) at 8:00 PM, with the Ravens favored by 9.5 points and a total of 43.5. Mike Tomlin’s struggles as a playoff underdog (1-5 ATS in last 6 games) and Lamar Jackson’s 2-4 ATS playoff record make the Ravens the safer bet. However, it’s worth noting that Jackson has covered 17 of 25 nighttime games in his career.
Broncos vs. Bills: An Explosive Offense
Denver Broncos (10-7, 12-5 ATS) clash with the Buffalo Bills (13-4, 10-7 ATS) at 1 PM on CBS, with the Bills favored by 8.5 points and a total of 46.5. Josh Allen’s 9-2 ATS record in his last 11 home games, combined with the Broncos’ 5-1 ATS streak in their last 6 road games, points to an exciting, high-scoring affair.
Packers vs. Eagles: A Rematch to Remember
Green Bay Packers (11-6, 9-8 ATS) take on the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3, 11-6 ATS) at 4:30 PM on FOX, with the Eagles favored by 4.5 points and a total of 45.5. Matt LaFleur’s impressive 24-13 ATS record when facing a team he previously lost to, and 12-4 ATS as an underdog, gives the Packers an edge in this rematch.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers: Playoff Experience Matters
Washington Commanders (12-5, 10-6-1 ATS) face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7, 10-7 ATS) at 8 PM on NBC, with the Buccaneers favored by 3 points and a total of 50.5. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels’ inexperience in the playoffs, combined with Baker Mayfield’s playoff experience, gives the Buccaneers an advantage.
Vikings vs. Rams: A Roadblock Ahead
Minnesota Vikings (14-3, 11-4-1 ATS) take on the Los Angeles Rams (10-7, 9-8 ATS) at 8:00 PM on ESPN/NBC, with the Vikings favored by 1.5 points and a total of 47.5. The Vikings’ 2-11 ATS record when playing on the road after winning 12 or more regular-season games, combined with the “Just played the Lions trend” (4-12 ATS this season), makes the Rams a more appealing choice.
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