We began the NFL playoffs with two wins, thanks to the Patriots and Texans covering. Let’s drag that momentum into this weekend’s games. Check out our early NFL best bets for the Divisional Round below.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Early NFL Best Bets & Trends: Divisional Round
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
The Houston Texans and New England Patriots combined to allow just nine points in their first playoff games last weekend. Neither team allowed a touchdown during Wild Card Weekend.
Ultimately, these two squads are known for their defenses. This is arguably a game between the two best defenses in the NFL. After all, the Texans have allowed just 16.72 points per game, while the Patriots have allowed fewer than 18 points per game. Neither team has allowed more than 101 yards on the ground, and each team has held opponents to fewer than 200 yards passing per game.
The Texans have struggled with tackling at times this season. However, the pass rush for Houston is dangerous and should keep Drake Maye off balance. While the Patriots defeated the Chargers last week, New England still only scored 16 points in the win. Drake Maye finished with 268 yards passing but only had one touchdown. The team still allowed five sacks in the win.
Houston’s defense will get pressure on Maye in this one.
Meanwhile, Houston’s 30-6 win wasn’t as big a blowout as you’d think. The Texans scored 23 points in the fourth quarter to win that game. Through the first three quarters, it was 7-6 Texans. The offense wasn’t incredible in that one, either.
Therefore, I’m rolling with the under in this game.
Pick: Under 40.5 (+100)
Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have had a ton of magic this season. They’ve won countless games when trailing in the fourth quarter. The Bears went 11-6 on the season and won by an average differential of just 1.66 points.
The Rams have a differential of 9.73 points per game. They’ve been much more consistent on both sides. The pass rush and secondary have lived up to the hype, and the run defense has allowed only 109.28 yards per game this season.
There are concerns with Matthew Stafford’s hand. But the Rams acknowledged he’s good to go.
On the other hand, the Bears will likely trail early and expect to come back late, pulling off an upset at home. However, the consensus is that the Rams have the best team in the NFL, despite being a lower-seeded team in the NFC. The Rams should be able to hold on. Plus, the odds have shifted from -4.5 (-105) to -3.5 (-120) for the Rams. I’ll bite.
Pick: Rams -3.5 (-120)
