And then there were eight. The NFL playoffs enter their second weekend with seven of the eight division champions still in pursuit of the Super Bowl LVI title; the only wild card team that advanced was the San Francisco 49ers, who won in Dallas on Sunday. In the AFC, Cincinnati will visit Tennessee on Saturday, and Buffalo heads to Kansas City on Sunday. In the NFC, the 49ers head to Green Bay on Saturday, and the Rams will play the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday.
If you’re thinking about placing some online betting action on these games straight up, check out our NFL betting predictions.
NFL News: SU Picks for the Divisional Round
Cincinnati Bengals (+170) at Tennessee Titans (-200)
Saturday, January 22 | 4:30 pm ET, CBS
Until last week, the last time Cincinnati won a playoff game, the year was 1991, which led some to observe that no one had ever sent a text message announcing a Bengal postseason win, as that technology did not emerge until 1992. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Joe Mixon make an exciting young nucleus on offense. After dispatching the Raiders last week, the Bengals’ next task is a trip to Tennessee.
The Titans will have tailback Derrick Henry back. He only made it through the first eight weeks of 2021, but he had 937 rushing yards and ten touchdowns in those contests. He also caught 18 passes for 154 yards. With Henry in the offense, the team rolled to a 6-2 start, beating Buffalo and Kansas City. Tennessee still did well after Henry went down, but the offense struggled mightily. How healthy will Henry be on Saturday? That’s the big question. The Bengals are red-hot right now, and I see them pulling off the upset.
Bengals will Pull an Upset: Bet the Game Today
San Francisco 49ers (+205) at Green Bay Packers (-250)
Saturday, January 22 | 8:15 pm ET, FOX
San Francisco is a tough out for any opponent right now. They can run the ball well, and they have two dynamic options with Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel. Samuel also runs routes along with George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk, and when Jimmy Garoppolo is on, the offense can cook. In the win over Dallas, the San Francisco offense was rolling in the first half before bogging down after the intermission.
The 49ers lost Nick Bosa and Fred Warner on the defensive side in the Dallas game. Bosa entered the concussion protocol and Warner suffered a non-contact leg injury. Both are questionable for the Packer game, so you will want to check the latest updates before locking in your wagers. Going up against an offense with Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will be a tall task for the 49ers. Give me Green Bay to win.
Green Bay to win: Bet the Game Today
L.A. Rams (+130) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-150)
Sunday, January 23 | 3:00 pm ET, NBC
Matthew Stafford finally picked up his first playoff win in the NFL after a long march of frustration with the Detroit Lions. The Rams’ defense led the way, forcing four straight three-and-outs to start the game, and Stafford led two touchdown drives. The defense added a wacky pick-six to stake the team to an early 21-0 lead. The connection that Stafford has made with Odell Beckham Jr has made it a mistake for teams to focus their double teams on Cooper Kupp.
The Buccaneers represent a tougher test than the young Cardinals did, but Tom Brady’s team comes in without a lot of depth. Two of the team’s top wide receivers from this season (Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown) will not be there, but the Rams have some injuries in their secondary, so those factors could counteract one another. The Rams did get back tailback Cam Akers, and he helped the Rams’ offense dominate on the ground, along with Sony Michel. I’m going with the value and picking the Rams to win.
Rams to win: Bet the Game Today
Buffalo Bills (+105) at Kansas City Chiefs (-125)
Sunday, January 23 | 6:30 pm ET, CBS
Both the Bills and the Chiefs had high-flying offenses in their wild-card round wins over the Patriots and Steelers, respectively. They combined for 89 points in their wins, as the Bills had eight possessions and scored seven touchdowns, with the eighth ending in victory formation. The Chiefs hung 42 points on Pittsburgh after failing to score on their first five drives – two of which ended in turnovers.
The Bills also got 81 yards and two touchdowns out of tailback Devin Singletary to give Josh Allen (308 yards, 5 touchdown passes) some balance. Patrick Mahomes threw for 404 yards with five touchdowns and an interception, and Travis Kelce also had a touchdown pass on a trick play. Expect this game to turn into a track meet – and I like the Bills to have the better defense. Give me the Bills to win.
Bills to win: Bet the Game Today
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