Only one underdog won outright in the Wild Card round. After checking out the NFL playoff odds, I believe a couple of underdogs can at least cover the spread in this round.
Keep reading for a preview of my best bets on the NFL underdog betting lines in the divisional round.
Bengals (+3.5) at Titans
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 22nd
- Time: 4:30 P.M. EST
- Venue: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN
The Cincinnati Bengals have won four of their last five games, including a 26-19 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in the Wild Card round. On the other hand, the Tennessee Titans have also won four out of their last five and had a bye week in the Wild Card round since they had the best record in the AFC Conference.
Even though the Titans had an extra week of rest, I still like the Bengals to cover because they match up well with the Titans.
Tennessee’s secondary has struggled this season. They rank 25th in passing yards allowed, with opponents throwing for 245.2 yards per game. They also rank 16th in passing first downs allowed, while Cincinnati ranks ninth on third downs gained per game.
Joe Burrow should be able to pick this secondary apart. The Bengals are seventh in the NFL in passing yards per game (257.1) and eighth in passing touchdowns per game (2.1). Burrow’s also playing well, throwing for 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions in his last five games.
Since Derrick Henry could return to action this week, it’s tempting to pick the Titans, but I believe Cincinnati can limit the returning running back. The Bengals have the seventh-best rushing defense (102.5 yards per game) and allow the tenth-fewest rushing first downs per game (6.2).
Rams (+3) at Buccaneers
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 23rd
- Time: 3:00 P.M. EST
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL
These teams are coming off of blowout wins in the Wild Card round. But in this matchup, I like the Los Angeles Rams to repeat what they did to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 when they won 34-24.
The Rams sacked Tom Brady three times and forced four punts in that game. They also gained more than double the rushing yards, tallying 76 to the Bucs 35.
I expect the Rams to pressure Brady with their strong defensive line, led by Aaron Donald. If they can keep sustained pressure with a four-man rush and force some turnovers, they’ll have an excellent chance to win this game. That’s what worked against the Arizona Cardinals last Monday when the Rams had two sacks and two interceptions while forcing five punts.
This game should be a defensive battle as both teams are tied for seventh in yards allowed per offensive play. They are also both in the top ten in takeaways. I believe points will be scarce in this game.
NFL Underdog Betting Lines: Best Divisional Round Bets
Which one of these NFL underdog betting lines do you like best this week? Do you think the Bengals will upset Tennessee, or do you believe the Rams can stop the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers?
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