The NFL regular season is over as we head into 2016 which means it's time for the playoffs. While the Patriots, Cardinals, Panthers and Broncos wait in the wings for next week's divisional playoffs, there are four big games this weekend which we look at with our 2016 NFL Playoff Wild Card Betting Tips.
_ _ _
Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans – Sunday at 8:35am AEST
Kansas City will head into Houston with plenty of confidence. After starting the season just 1-5 the Chiefs turned things around and finished the season with a franchise record 10 straight wins. Houston just scrapped into the playoffs with a 9-7 record. One game ahead of AFC South rivals the Indianapolis Colts. Houston has been really good defensively against some of the lower teams but they have struggled against all the well-rounded teams.
Kansas City also has a very good defense. They rank similar to Houston in most categories. This game should be dictated by both defenses in a low scoring affair. However when it does come to the Offensive side of the ball I much prefer the Kansas City Chiefs. Alex Smith is a very safe quarterback and I expect an old school style of football. These two teams met in September this season and Kansas City attempted 32 run plays compared to 21 from Houston. It worked then and I believe it will work Sunday.
Tip: Kansas City Chiefs at the line (-3.5) - $2.02 at Palmerbet
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – Sunday at 12:15pm AEST
The Cincinnati Bengals will host the Pittsburgh Steelers and they will have to find a way to win without their starting quarterback Andy Dalton. Replacing Dalton is AJ McCarron who has looked okay in his three starts with four touchdowns no interceptions and a 100.1 QB rating.
Cincinnati’s defense will have to be at the top of their game as they face one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL Ben Roethlisberger. Cincinnati’s defense has been great all year allowing just 17.4 points per game (ranked 2nd) they have also had success stopping the run.
Pittsburgh’s running backs are a big concern. Their top running back Le’Veon Bell was lost for the season and now back up DeAngelo Williams is in doubt after suffering a leg injury in Cleveland. I believe this could be the difference in the game. It’s unfortunate that Andy Dalton isn’t playing but I think the Bengals can still cause the upset.
Tip: Cincinnati Bengals at the line (+3.0) - $1.86 at Sportsbet
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Monday at 5:05am AEST
The Seattle Seahawks will head into Minneapolis as five point favourites over the Minnesota Vikings. These two teams played each other just one month ago and it was a one sided affair (SEA) 38(MIN) 7
This Seattle team is definitely flying under the radar! They are built for football in January starting with their defense. Seattle allows just 81.5 yards per game on the ground (ranked 1st) and also only 210.2 yards through the air (ranked 2nd) they allow the fewest points of any team in the NFL at 17.3 yet it feels like no one is talking about Seattle.
The return of Marshawn Lynch looks much more probable as he had a full practice today. That means two of the best running backs will go head to head. Adrian Peterson has had another big season running for 1485 yards with 11 touchdowns. However the Vikings are very one dimensional and as good as Peterson is Seattle’s front seven on defense are better.
Tip: Seattle Seahawks at the line (-5.0) - $1.99 at Sportsbet
Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins – Monday at 8:40am AEST
The Green Bay Packers have me scratching my head every week. I have come to the conclusion that they are just an average team. The Washington Redskins are another “average” team but at least they are coming into this playoff game with some good form.
The Redskins have won their last four games and have also won six of their past seven home games. Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is having a very good season especially the second half of the season. Cousins has thrown for 4166 yards with 29 touchdowns and he also has a higher QB rating than Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers at 101.6.
With the unpredictable nature of the Green Bay Packers I am probably going to sit this one out. If I had to lean towards a team it would be the Washington Redskins.
Tip: No Bet (lean Redskins)
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!
