The NFL Playoffs have marched into the Divisionals as eight teams aim to fight it out for a spot in the Conference Championships. It's pretty hard to pick winners at this time of the year, but there looks to be a couple of solid spots as I offer my 2016 NFL Divisional Betting Tips.
_ _ _
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – Sunday 8:35am
The first game in the Divisional playoffs is Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots. The line opened at -5.0 (NEP) with a total of 43. Before you jump at the Patriots there are a few interesting elements to this game that you should know.
Both teams are the “walking wounded”. On the Kansas City side playmakers Jeremy Maclin and Justin Houston are both questionable and will most likely be a game time decision. On the New England side it feels like everybody is listed as questionable. Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski are the two I’m worried about. Even Tom Brady is listed as Day-to-Day. I do believe all these players will play but the point is that both teams are very banged up and will not be at full strength.
The fact that Vegas has this game with a total of 43.0 leads me to believe that there won’t be a whole lot of points scored in this game and I agree 100%. Kansas City wins games but they do it in a slow bludgeoning way and the Patriots have been relying on their defense. Kansas City are the hot team coming into this game with 10 straight wins meanwhile the Patriots have lost their last two. I am not sure what team wins this game but I do believe strongly that it will be a field goal that decides it.
Tip: Kansas City Chiefs at the line (+5.0) - $1.95 at William Hill
Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals – Sunday 12:15pm
The Green Bay Packers will travel to Glendale, Arizona as seven point underdogs versus the number one ranked offense. The Arizona Cardinals are not only a great offensive team they have a great defense and a great head coach.
These two teams met in the final week of December and it was not pretty for the Green Bay Packers. That day they lost 38-8. This game won’t be as big a blow out as that game but I do think the Cardinals will cover the seven points.
Arizona is ranked first in total offensive yards at 408.3 yards per game. Green Bay’s defense gives up at least 346.7 yards per game ranked 15th. Arizona has a defense that ranks in the top ten in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and points per game meanwhile Green Bay don’t rank in the top ten for anything but offensive passing yards. Basically my point is this is a very average team versus an elite team. Don’t over think it.
Tip: Arizona Cardinals at the line (-7.0) - $1.95 at William Hill
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers – Monday 5:05am
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers will be the best game to watch this week. There is a lot of recent history with these two teams. It almost feels like revenge game for Carolina as this is the same stage that Seattle knocked them out of the playoffs last season.
Earlier this season Carolina proved they could mix it with Seattle. On October 19th they went into CenturyLink Field and came out with a 27-23 victory. They now get to host the Seahawks in Charlotte. The line for this game is quite interesting. It opened at -3.0 (CAR) but is now sitting at -1.0 (CAR). Even though the Panthers went 15-1 in the regular season they are unproven in the playoffs in particular there quarterback Cam Newton. Meanwhile the Seahawks are heading towards their third straight super bowl. I will be sitting back watching this game. Lean towards Carolina.
Tip: No Bet (lean towards Panthers)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos – Monday 8:40am
This is going to be a blowout!
I feel sorry for Pittsburgh. They have to head (up) to MileHigh Stadium in Denver without their best wide receiver Antonio Brown. Without their best running backs DeAngelo Williams and Le’Veon Bell and now quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is very questionable with a right shoulder injury.
Denver has had a week to rest. They have arguably the best defense in the league and I just cannot see the Pittsburgh Steelers scoring on this defense especially without any playmakers. Peyton Manning will be starting for the first time since week 10. Even though he has looked average at times this season he still has plenty to offer especially in playoff situations.
Tip: Denver Broncos at the line (-7.5) - $1.95 at William Hill
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
