The NFL Playoffs are in full swing and this Monday boasts two massive matchups in the divisional round! Check out our full preview and betting tips for the double header kicking off at 7am below.
NFL Divisional Round Monday Betting Tips
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
7am (AEDT)
The Lions just edged over the line in a one point win against the Rams in the opening round of the NFL Playoffs last week. QB Jared Goff was great against his old team, passing for 277 yards on 22-27 passing, including a touchdown.
The Lions have been one of the highest scoring teams in the NFL, putting up 27.1 points throughout the regular season, but they’ll have their work cut out for them this week against a Buccs defence that ranked No.7 in the NFL, allowing just 19.1 points per game.
The Buccs caused the upset of the wildcard round last week as they downed the Philadelphia Eagles in dominant fashion, recording a 32-9 win. Baker Mayfield was outstanding in the win, putting up 337 yards and three touchdown passes while Rachaad White was impressive along the ground.
These two teams are tied at the top of the league in record against the spread, both sitting at 12-6 across the regular season and their one playoff game so far. I’m staying away from the line and opting for the unders instead here. I think this total is a little high considering how good the Buccs defence looked last week and given the fact that they are 12-6 in favour of the under this year.
Betting Stats
- The Buccaneers are 5-1 ATS in their past six games. Four straight Buccaneers games have gone under the total.
- Baker Mayfield is 3-0 ATS in his career in the playoffs. Jared Goff is 2-4 ATS in his playoff career.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
10.30am (AEDT)
The Bills were arguably the standout performers of the wildcard round, recording a dominant 31-17 win over the Steelers to book a rematch with the Chiefs, who have become a famous rival over recent years.
The Bills run game was the catalyst in the win, as James Cook put up 79 yards on 18 carries while quarterback Josh Allen added 74 yards of his own along the ground. The Chiefs will have their work cut out for them here, as their rush defence is ranked in the bottom half of the league this season, allowing 113.2 yards per game.
The Chiefs had an enviable wildcard matchup against the Dolphins in below freezing conditions in Kansas City. The Dolphins never really looked in the game as the home side ran out 26-7 winners. In what is set to be cold weather in Buffalo this week, you can bet the Bills will be more prepared.
The Chiefs have the 2nd ranked defence in the league this season, allowing just 17.3 points per game, but star quarterback Patrick Mahomes hasn’t looked like the dominant force he has been in previous years. I think the Bills are the play here. They come into the game in better form and will the buffalo crowd will be raucous. Back them to win their sixth straight game and cover the small spread.
Betting Stats
- The Bills beat the Chiefs 20-17 in Week 14 as 1.5-point road underdogs (under 49.5).
- This is the seventh meeting between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. They are both 3-3 ATS with overs and unders going 3-3.
