The NFL Playoffs kick off this week with six massive games! Three of them are taking place on Monday (AEDT) and we have you covered with a full preview and betting tips for all three games below.
Remember to check out our NFL Tips page for regular updates throughout the NFL Playoffs in the lead up to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas!
NFL Playoffs - Wildcard Round - Monday Betting Tips
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
Monday 5am (AEDT)
The Bills will be embarking on their fifth straight playoff run, but are yet to make a Super Bowl in the Josh Allen era. They have been shaky throughout the regular season but found some form in the back half, winning their last five games and putting up some big numbers offensively in the process.
The Steelers won their last three games of the regular season to sneak into the AFC playoffs as the 7th seed. They are one of the worst ranked teams in the league offensively this season, putting up just 17.9 points per game, but their defence has been fantastic, allowing just 19.1 points per game.
The Bills have had the wood over the Steelers in recent memory, winning three of their last four meetings dating back to 2019. They last met in October of 2022, when the Bills were big 38-3 winners at home.
The Bills start as 10 points faovuirtes here, and while I think they will win, I think that is a few too many points for any playoff game, regardless of competitors. The Steelers are one of the stronger teams in the NFL against the spread this season at 10-7, and have lost by double digits just twice since October.
Betting Stats
- The Steelers are the 7th ranked team against the spread this season at 10-7. On the contrary, the Bills find themselves ranked near the bottom of that table at 7-10 against the spread.
- The Bills have not covered the spread when favored by 10 points or more this season (in four opportunities).
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys
Monday 8.30am (AEDT)
The Cowboys finished the season in hot fashion, winning seven of their last nine games to claim the two seed in the NFC. They were the No.1 ranked offence in the league in the regular season, putting up 29.9 points per game while also maintaining the No.5 ranked defence in the league, allowing just 18.5 points per game.
The Packers stumbled over the line in the regular seaso, winning their last three games of teh season to sneak into the 7th seed in the NFC. They were aided by a dream run home which saw them face off against the Panthers, Vikings and Bears in the final three games, who combined for a 16-35 record this season.
The Cowboys start as 7.5 point favourites at home, which is a line I think should be a bit closer to the 10 point spread in the Bills game above. The Cowboys are a different caliber team here and I think some of the Packers cracks have been papered over by winning their last three games against mediocre opponents.
Back the Cowboys to win comfortably here.
Betting Stats
- Green Bay has won four of the last five meetings between these two teams, but has only outscored the Cowboys by a combined six points in those meetings.
- The Cowboys are 5-2 ATS this season when playing as at least 7.5-point favorites.
LA Rams at Detroit Lions
Monday 12pm (AEDT)
The Lions were one of the highest scoring teams in the competition this season, putting up 27.1 points per game. That offensive output was on display in the home stretch of the regular season, as they won three of their last four, scoring 34.0 points per game in those wins.
The Rams didn’t look quite as convincing in the 2023-24 regular season, but still managed to win their last four games including a Week 18 win over the San Francisco 49ers to pinch the six seed in the NFC. The Rams were just 3-6 at one stage but came home with a wet sail, winning seven of their last eight.
Finding it a little difficult to split these teams at the three point line in favour of the Lions, but I do like the overs here. The two teams are ranked 5th and 8th in total offence this season and both finished the season with good scoring form. 51.5 is a high line but 50+ points were scored in 19 of their combined 34 games this season.
Betting Stats
- The Lions ranked 2nd in the league when it comes to O/U total, with the over hitting in 11 of their 17 games. The over was 9-8 in Rams games.
- Over their last five head-to-head matchups, Detroit has put up 132 points, while Los Angeles has compiled 108.
