Let the games begin! The NFL is has added a playoff game this year giving us a six-game slate. This is one of the best things that the NFL has done in a long time. Everyone is excited but we must make picks now.
Let’s bet with an edge, bet with our heads, and never over our heads.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cleveland Browns are going to be without their all-pro offensive lineman Joe Bitonio and coach Kevin Stefanksy. The expectation is that their coach will not be able to coach remotely in any capacity. Baker Mayfield would really impress the league if he is able to pull off this victory against a dominant Steelers defense.
Ben Roethlisberger should be well rested in this one as well. He took week 17 off along with many other starters. Moreover, the week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns was a mere two-point game. It is incredibly difficult to find a road map for the Browns to win this game. Expect the Cleveland Browns to really struggle to put up points in the Sunday night affair.
Wild Card Weekend Picks: Under 47 & Steelers -6
Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills
The Colts and Bills game is one of the strongest games of the playoff slate. This is going to be an absolute shootout with the Colts and Bills. The Bills put up 58 points in their game against Miami which is incredible considering many of their starters sat last week.
Conversely, the Colts are 9th in the league in total points scored. Jonathan Taylor has been on fire over the back half of the season. Furthermore, the Colts have had more than 26 points in each of their last 6 games. This would put them well on pace for the over in this game.
Wild Card Weekend Picks: Over 51
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans
The expectation is that the Ravens and Titans game will be the most bet on matchup of the week. First, they are the first game on the schedule for Sunday. Second, they have the highest total expected in the wild card weekend games.
Lamar Jackson has been on a run that we have not seen in a long time. Lamar is an unbelievable athlete and their defense forces turnovers at will. Ryan Tannehill has been on a tear since last and it has come close to stopping. This game should be a shootout, the line will be extremely difficult to bet on. So we will take the point total before anything.
Wild Card Weekend Picks: Over 54.5
Playoff Parlay/Teaser
Who doesn’t love parlay bets and teasers? The answer is everyone loves these picks and parlays and there appears to be some obvious spots to make money.
Wild Card Weekend Parlay: Over 54.5 + Over 51 + Under 47
Payout: +600
Wild Card Weekend Teaser: Bills ML -286 + Steelers ML -275 + Ravens/Titans Over 47.5
Payout: +153