The divisional round is here with four tasty matchups for football fans to enjoy.   The Chiefs' m...

<p>The divisional round is here with four tasty matchups for football fans to enjoy. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a>' march toward a third straight Super Bowl begins Saturday afternoon when they host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> at Arrowhead Stadium. Then, the Super Bowl favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> welcome the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> to Ford Field for a clash that should include plenty of scoring.</p><p>We provided our picks for Chiefs versus Texans in our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188817">AFC preview</a> and the Lions-Commanders game in our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188824" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188824">NFC primer.</a> Here, we have you covered with six player props to target for Saturday's action.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Travis Kelce - Over 5.5 receptions (-130)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/23150" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/23150">Travis Kelce</a> had a down year, there's no debating that. He registered the fewest receiving yards of his career (823), the fewest yards per catch (8.5), and only scored three touchdowns.</p><p>But it's time for him to be unleashed in what could be the last Super Bowl run of his career. Since 2019, Kelce has averaged 8.25 catches per game in the postseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> trusts his tight end more than anyone else in the Chiefs' offense, so 5.5 receptions should be an easy total to clear.</p><p><strong>Xavier Worthy - Over 4.5 receptions (-140)</strong></p><p>Even if Kelce gets more of Mahomes' attention, there should still be plenty of targets to go around for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199737" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199737">Xavier Worthy</a>. The rookie wideout came on very strong at the end of the season, catching five or more passes in each of his final five games.</p><p>It wouldn't make sense for the Chiefs' offense to go away from Worthy now. He's been extremely productive catching short passes and racking up yards after the catch. His speed is a tremendous weapon, and he's earned Mahomes' trust.</p><p><strong>Patrick Mahomes - Under 24.5 rushing yards (-120)</strong></p><p>The Chiefs are favored by eight points at home. This doesn't feel like a game in which Mahomes will need to use his legs and risk taking big hits, especially since he'll likely face either the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> next week.</p><p>Mahomes rushed for fewer than 24.5 yards in 12 of 16 games this season. That's a 75% rate, but his -120 odds are implying a probability of 54.5%. Take the value and run - while hoping Mahomes doesn't.</p><p><strong>Jahmyr Gibbs - Over 15.5 rushing attempts (+100)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a> will return to the Lions' offense Saturday night, meaning there could be fewer opportunities for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Jahmyr Gibbs</a>. However, Gibbs excelled with an increased workload. He carried it 18 or more times in the three games Montgomery missed, surpassing 100 yards rushing each time.</p><p>From a strategy standpoint, it's not in the Lions' best interest to decrease Gibbs' workload. There's also a chance Montgomery isn't 100% healthy and is only used in a limited role. Even if Montgomery is good to go and handles 10 or more carries, Gibbs should still surpass 15.5 rushing attempts if the Lions want to capitalize on the Commanders' weak run defense.</p><p><strong>Dyami Brown - Over 34.5 receiving yards</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161874" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161874">Dyami Brown</a> has emerged as the No. 2 receiver in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>' offense. He's caught three or more passes in five straight games and surpassed 34.5 receiving yards in three of his past five. Last week against the Buccaneers, Brown hauled in five balls for 89 yards and a touchdown. Daniels showed he has faith in Brown's ability and should look his way often in a game the Commanders are expected to be trailing.</p><p><strong>Amon-Ra St. Brown - Over 6.5 receptions (-115)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161926" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161926">Amon-Ra St. Brown</a> is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a>'s go-to guy. He seems to always be open and thrives in short-yardage situations. He caught 115 balls this season, good for second in the NFL, and was tied for 10th in targets.</p><p>St. Brown has caught at least seven passes in three career playoff games and surpassed that total seven times this season. The matchup has a 55.5-point total, suggesting both teams will be marching up and down the field all game long.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29868076/related

Saturday player props: Trust Gibbs despite Montgomery's return

We've covered the AFC, now it's time to turn our attention to the NFC.   The Super Bowl favorite ...

<p>We've covered the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188817">AFC</a>, now it's time to turn our attention to the NFC. </p><p>The Super Bowl favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> headline the NFC's final four. Detroit is +275 to win it all at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet and is a big favorite at home in the divisional round against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a>.</p><p>Let's get to it.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 16" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fkJDo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fkJDo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Lions host the Commanders on Saturday night in a game with shootout potential. The total is 55.5, the highest for an NFL game this season.</p><p>There are very few negatives attached to the Lions. They have the most potent offense in the NFL, averaging 33.2 points per game, and their defense is getting healthier, even though standout pass-rusher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174006" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174006">Aidan Hutchinson</a> remains sidelined. Linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71457" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71457">Alex Anzalone</a> returned in Week 18 and helped hold the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> to only nine points.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a> is also set to return after missing the season's final three games with a knee injury. Adding a player of Montgomery's caliber to an offense is never a negative, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> has been incredible while handling the bulk of the Lions' carries. Gibbs' flow could be disrupted if he returns to a 50-50 split.</p><p>On the other side of the field, the Commanders are getting 9.5 points after a thrilling win on the road last week in Tampa Bay. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> led the Commanders to another no-punt game and became only the fourth rookie in the Super Bowl era to win a road playoff contest.</p><p>Daniels looked completely comfortable in a playoff setting. Perhaps the environment in Detroit will be more raucous than in Tampa Bay, but the bright lights clearly don't affect the rookie QB. He threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns while adding 36 yards on the ground.</p><p>The Commanders' defense will be the big question in this game. Daniels should be able to move the ball on the Lions' defense and put up enough points to give his team a good chance. But this contest could get out of hand if the Commanders don't have an answer for the Lions' two-headed monster in the backfield. Washington conceded the third-most rushing yards per game during the regular season.</p><p>With all that said, we'll trust Washington's defense to step up to the challenge. It held <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199966" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199966">Bucky Irving</a> to 77 yards last week and has only allowed one 100-yard rusher in its last 10 games. (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> did it twice.) If Gibbs and Montgomery are held in check, the Commanders should be able to keep it within 9.5 points.</p><p><strong>Pick: Commanders +9.5</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 4" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VgkvP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VgkvP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> on Sunday afternoon to round out the NFC semis. Los Angeles dominated the Vikings at a neutral-site game in Arizona to set up a meeting with Philadelphia, a rematch of their Week 12 game, which the Eagles won handily 37-20. </p><p>The Rams played inspired football last week, playing for a city dealing with horrible wildfires that forced the game's relocation. Their defense was relentless, making <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> look like he was still playing for the Jets and not the 14-win quarterback of this season. </p><p>It was a nice one-week story, but the Eagles are a much different beast.</p><p>The Eagles' elite offensive line won't let the Rams generate as much pressure as they did last week while opening running lanes for Barkley to exploit. Barkley rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns the last time he faced the Rams, and, while a repeat performance of that magnitude is tough to predict, he should be able to run wild once again.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> looked solid against the Packers in his return from a concussion. He wasn't asked to do much, throwing the ball just 21 times and letting Barkley carry the offensive load, but he was effective when needed.</p><p>The Eagles' defense is one of the league's best, allowing the second-fewest points per game in the regular season (17.8). It has the talent at defensive back to limit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188318" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188318">Puka Nacua</a> and can clog up the middle to make it tough sledding for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174196">Kyren Williams</a>.</p><p>The Eagles are the better team on both sides of the ball and have home-field advantage. They were 8-1 at home this season, and the Philly fans can be ruthless toward opposing sides. The Eagles would be the side to pick if covering 9.5 points, but it's a no-brainer at only six.</p><p><strong>Pick: Eagles -6</strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29864480/related

NFC divisional betting preview: Can Daniels keep pace with Lions' offense?

Many say the divisional round is the best weekend of football all year. Last week's mostly uncomp...

<p>Many say the divisional round is the best weekend of football all year. Last week's mostly uncompetitive games and the intriguing matchups in the final eight would suggest there's truth to that sentiment.</p><p>The AFC semis features three of the top five Super Bowl favorites at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> (+325), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> (+450), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> (+550). Odds suggest one of these three teams will likely be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in three weeks.</p><p>Let's get to it. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 8" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-DRPDT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DRPDT/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The defending champions will be fresh off a bye week when they host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday afternoon. With their 15-2 regular-season record, the Chiefs earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as they march toward a third straight Super Bowl.</p><p>The Texans impressed last week in a dominating home win over the Chargers. Fueled by Rex Ryan calling Houston a bye week for the Chargers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188132" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188132">C.J. Stroud</a>'s side put up 32 points on a stout Los Angeles defense while forcing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> to throw four interceptions.</p><p>Houston wasn't respected by the betting market last week as a three-point home underdog. It doesn't appear the Texans' effort against the Chargers was impressive enough to get them to less-than-a-touchdown underdogs in Kansas City.</p><p>But it's understandable.</p><p>This is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a>' time of year. The Chiefs may have coasted through the regular season, narrowly winning games they should have won by double-digits, but we've seen this story before. This is when they lock in, and the Texans should be their first victim.</p><p>The Chiefs have the far better quarterback (Stroud has regressed this season compared to his fantastic rookie campaign), are better coached, have the rest advantage (they sat their starters in Week 18), and are at home. Their defense is comparable to Houston's, but the Chiefs' core - anchored by All-Pro defensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53977" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53977">Chris Jones</a> - is far more tested in clutch playoff moments.</p><p>The Texans' offense remains a concern. Without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188130" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188130">Tank Dell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65482" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65482">Stefon Diggs</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161840" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161840">Nico Collins</a> is the only receiving weapon at Stroud's disposal. Collins torched the Chargers' secondary last week, but Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo won't allow a repeat performance.</p><p>Kansas City struggled to cover during the regular season (8-9 against the spread) and was only a 3.5-point favorite when these two teams met in Week 16, a game in which the Chiefs won 27-19 at home. You can understand why people could be inclined to back the Texans getting 8.5 points, but Houston may have played their best game of the season a week too early.</p><p>Last week proved that home favorites can cover big numbers in the playoffs. The Bills, Ravens, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>, Texans, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> (at a neutral site) all won by 12 points or more. Trust the Chiefs to join that list with a convincing victory over a Texans team that underachieved most of the season.</p><p><strong>Pick: Chiefs -8.5</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qjgJB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qjgJB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>This is by far the marquee game of the divisional round, and it's a shame one of these teams' seasons will end this weekend.</p><p>The Ravens and Bills have both enjoyed sensational seasons and have been on a collision course ever since it became evident the Chiefs had the No. 1 seed locked up. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> both turned in MVP-caliber campaigns, setting the stage for an all-time classic Sunday night.</p><p>The line originally opened with the Bills as 1-point favorites, but enough money has come in on the Ravens to flip the spread. Still, this game is largely a coin flip with the Bills paying -105 on the moneyline.</p><p>These two teams are very evenly matched. Their offenses are predicated on an effective run game, which their quarterbacks are heavily involved in. This in turn opens up the passing attack. Neither team has true superstars in pass-catching positions, but the Ravens certainly have an edge at running back with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72385" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72385">Derrick Henry</a> likely to handle 20 or more carries.</p><p>The slight advantage the Ravens have on offense they give up on defense, ranking second last in passing yards allowed per game. Allen shouldn't have a problem dissecting the Ravens' porous secondary.</p><p>While the Ravens ranked first in rushing yards allowed per game, the Bills don't have a traditional rushing attack. Baltimore's ability to clog up the line of scrimmage may not be as effective against Buffalo since Allen generates a lot of yardage by escaping a collapsed pocket.</p><p>The Bills' defense is far more balanced and should be better suited to slow down Jackson than the Ravens against Allen.</p><p>Yes, the Ravens destroyed the Bills 35-10 at home in their Week 4 contest. Henry ran for 199 yards and three touchdowns, and Allen only completed 16 passes for 180 yards. </p><p>However, home-field advantage can't be underestimated in this game. The Bills were one of two teams to go undefeated at home during the regular season (Kansas City was the other), and the Buffalo crowd will do everything possible to make Jackson's day difficult.</p><p>We're splitting hairs between two Super Bowl contenders but siding with the home team.</p><p><strong>Pick: Bills +1</strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29852327/related

AFC divisional betting preview: Get your popcorn ready for Bills-Ravens

To say the Toronto Blue Jays' front office is under a microscope this offseason would be an under...

<p>To say the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/teams/4">Toronto Blue Jays</a>' front office is under a microscope this offseason would be an understatement. The team is coming off a disappointing campaign and is running out of time to capitalize on its young core.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero</a> Jr. is the face of the franchise and is entering the final year of his current contract. The 25-year-old slugger recently avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $28.5-million salary for the 2025 season, but getting a new deal done before Opening Day should remain the organization's No. 1 priority.</p><p>Unfortunately for Blue Jays fans, oddsmakers do not like Toronto's chances of extending Guerrero before the season starts. His odds of signing a new contract before March 27 are +400 (20% implied probability) at theScore Bet. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Many players don't want to negotiate contracts during the season, and Guerrero may be one of those players, meaning if a deal doesn't get done before the season starts, there's a good chance he's heading toward free agency in 2025.</p><p>Given the recent free-agent contracts handed out to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> - both at least $700 million total - it's in the Blue Jays' best interest to not let their best player hit the open market. </p><p>The Blue Jays have money to spend, though. They reportedly placed second in the Ohtani sweepstakes last year and narrowly missed out when Soto tested free agency this offseason. They also seem to be interested in every big-name free agent available. </p><p>Paying up to keep Guerrero north of the border seems like a no-brainer. </p><p>The "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" reputation is getting tiresome for Blue Jays fans, and president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins can earn back a bit of trust by agreeing to a long-term deal with Guerrero before the first pitch. And if they add another bat to a lineup - perhaps Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso - not only will that make Guerrero happy he stayed, but it will give Jays fans something to be excited about for the upcoming year.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29828539/related

What are the odds Blue Jays extend Vladdy before Opening Day?

Wild Card Weekend is officially in the books, and we've got plenty to digest from an interesting ...

<p>Wild Card Weekend is officially in the books, and we've got plenty to digest from an interesting - for lack of a better word - round of games.</p><p>To say the games delivered would be a lie. The wild-card slate was full of lopsided contests that started Saturday with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a>' blowout of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a> and capped off Monday night with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a>' embarrassing effort against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>.</p><p>Home teams - including the Rams, who won at a neutral site - went 5-1 straight up and against the spread (ATS). The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> were the only road team to win and cover during their 23-20 victory over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Buccaneers</a>. Not only did home teams win, but they dominated. In the five home victories, the average margin was 17.6 points.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>To make matters worse from an entertainment standpoint, the blowout games were also low-scoring. The under hit in five of six games; only the Texans-Chargers tilt exceeded its low closing total of 42.5 points. </p><p>Let that serve as a reminder that playoff football isn't like the regular season. Defenses tend to step up in must-win situations and offenses can look dysfunctional when playoff pressure mounts. </p><p>With the divisional round next on deck, bettors must decide if home teams and unders will continue to win at a high rate. </p><p>The early-week spreads suggest we could be in for a repeat of the wild-card round. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> (-8) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> (-10) are favored by more than a touchdown over the Texans and Commanders, respectively. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> are also 6-point favorites at home against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>. </p><p>Detroit opened as an 8.5-point favorite over Washington, the only road team to cover last week. However, bettors have shifted that line 1.5 points in two days and are all in on the Lions' Super Bowl chances. Detroit remains the Super Bowl favorite at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet at +275.</p><p>The Bills are the only home underdog of the week, with the Ravens laying one point in the marquee matchup of the divisional round. Buffalo hasn't been an underdog at home in 42 games - the last time was Week 17 in 2020.</p><p>If you parlay all of the home teams together on the moneyline - Chiefs (-550), Lions (-500), Eagles (-270), and Bills (+100) - the odds become +289, suggesting a 25.7% chance all four home teams advance to the conference championships.</p><p>The Commanders-Lions game has the highest total of the weekend - and potentially the entire playoffs - at 55.5. This game features two of the top five highest-scoring teams in the NFL with defenses that have given up a ton of points over the past handful of games. </p><p>The Ravens-Bills meeting also has shootout potential, with oddsmakers setting the total at 51.5. These teams met in Week 4 when Baltimore walked away with a 35-10 victory at home.</p><p>The divisional round begins at 4:30 p.m. ET Saturday when the reigning Super Bowl champs play host to the Texans.</p><p>Stay tuned for the betting previews of the AFC and NFC divisional rounds.</p>

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NFL betting: Will home teams, unders dominate again in divisional round?

Wild Card Weekend is capped by a Monday nighter between the Vikings and Rams, which will take pla...

<p>Wild Card Weekend is capped by a Monday nighter between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>, which will take place in Arizona due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area.</p><p>Minnesota is the 2.5-point favorite in the neutral-site contest even though the team lost 30-20 in its first meeting with L.A. in Week 8. We've made our pick for the game <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3188658" href="https://thescore.com/news/3188658">here</a>, and we'll add to Monday night's action with three player props in the hopes that this game lives up to its shootout potential.</p><p><strong>Justin Jefferson - Over 6.5 receptions (-102)</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Superstars shine brightest in the playoffs, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/122708" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/122708">Justin Jefferson</a> is certainly a superstar. He's one of the few true difference-makers in the NFL who can change an outcome on one play.</p><p>Jefferson caught seven or more passes in five of his final six games to end the regular season, including Minnesota's horrible offensive performance in Week 18 against the Lions. The Rams, meanwhile, concede the 13th most passing yards (223.1) per game. Expect Jefferson to have a monster performance with the Vikings' season on the line.</p><p><strong>Puka Nacua - Over 89.5 receiving yards (-125)</strong></p><p>On the other side of the field, the Rams need <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188318" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188318">Puka Nacua</a> equally as much as the Vikings need Jefferson. Nacua is by far and away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/680" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/680">Matthew Stafford</a>'s top target, racking up 129, 97, and 162 yards in three of his final four contests this season. Minnesota's defense prioritizes stopping the run and, as a result, gives up 242 yards passing (fifth-most in the NFL) per game.</p><p><strong>Sam Darnold - Over 34.5 pass attempts (-115)</strong></p><p>The Vikings are a pass-heavy offense that relies on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> frequently dropping back in the pocket - the signal-caller has attempted at least 35 tosses in his last four games. Although he struggled in the season finale against the Lions, Darnold is enjoying the best season of his career. Sure, he only attempted 25 passes in the Vikings' first matchup against the Rams, but the entire offense floundered in that loss. Darnold's pass attempts have continuously increased since then - he's thrown at least 30 passes in every game except one since losing to the Rams.</p>

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Monday NFL props: Trusting 2 superstar WRs in potential shootout

!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["dataw...

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 12" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BNamU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BNamU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();</figure><p>This game was relocated to Arizona due to the wildfires near Los Angeles. Now that it&#39;ll be a neutral-site game, the spread moved 1.5 points in the <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a>&#39; favor, proving what home-field advantage is worth in today&#39;s league.</p><p>Despite their impressive 14-3 record, the Vikings left a bad taste in people&#39;s mouths after the Lions dismantled them in prime time. <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> didn&#39;t look good, throwing for only 166 yards on 41 attempts. The Lions generated a ton of pressure, which knocked Darnold out of rhythm and made Minnesota&#39;s offense look dysfunctional.</p><p>Luckily for Darnold, the <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> don&#39;t generate much pressure. They&#39;re in the bottom half of the league in pressure rate (21.4%), blitz rate (23.1%), and sacks (38). Despite being sacked three times in the Vikings&#39; first meeting with the Rams, which L.A. won 30-20, Minnesota should be able to make the necessary adjustments to keep Darnold upright and allow him to distribute to his elite playmakers.</p><p>Although the Rams are one of two teams to beat the Vikings this season, Minnesota is still one of the best teams in the NFL. The Vikings have a top-10 offense and defense based on points scored and allowed per game, while both Rams units rank outside the top 15.</p><p>Minnesota ranks seventh in DVOA - ahead of the Chiefs - while the Rams are 17th. DVOA isn&#39;t an end-all, be-all statistic, but it does a quality job of ranking teams, and there&#39;s a substantial gap between these two.</p><p>Had Minnesota played marginally better last week, the Vikings would be favored by more than a field goal. Take the recency-bias value and trust the better team.</p><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -2.5</strong></p></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spread splits</th>
<th>% of bets</th>
<th>% of handle</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>60.1%</td>
<td>56.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>39.9%</td>
<td>43.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Splits via theScore Bet/ESPN Bet</em></p><p>This game was relocated to Arizona due to the wildfires near Los Angeles. Now that it'll be a neutral-site game, the spread moved 1.5 points in the <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a>' favor, proving what home-field advantage is worth in today's league.</p><p>Despite their impressive 14-3 record, the Vikings left a bad taste in people's mouths after the Lions dismantled them in prime time. <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> didn't look good, throwing for only 166 yards on 41 attempts. The Lions generated a ton of pressure, which knocked Darnold out of rhythm and made Minnesota's offense look dysfunctional.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Luckily for Darnold, the <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> don't generate much pressure. They're in the bottom half of the league in pressure rate (21.4%), blitz rate (23.1%), and sacks (38). Despite being sacked three times in the Vikings' first meeting with the Rams, which L.A. won 30-20, Minnesota should be able to make the necessary adjustments to keep Darnold upright and allow him to distribute to his elite playmakers.</p><p>Although the Rams are one of two teams to beat the Vikings this season, Minnesota is still one of the best teams in the NFL. The Vikings have a top-10 offense and defense based on points scored and allowed per game, while both Rams units rank outside the top 15.</p><p>Minnesota ranks seventh in DVOA - ahead of the Chiefs - while the Rams are 17th. DVOA isn't an end-all, be-all statistic, but it does a quality job of ranking teams, and there's a substantial gap between these two.</p><p>Had Minnesota played marginally better last week, the Vikings would be favored by more than a field goal. Take the recency-bias value and trust the better team.</p><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -2.5</strong></p>

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MNF betting preview: Vikings to take advantage of neutral site

Sunday features a three-game slate headlined by an NFC tilt between the Packers and Eagles. We’ve...

<p>Sunday features a three-game slate headlined by an NFC tilt between the Packers and Eagles. We’ve got you covered with six player props to supplement our <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3182378" href="https://thescore.com/news/3182378">AFC</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3182379" href="https://thescore.com/news/3182379">NFC</a> betting previews.</p><h3>Bills vs. Broncos</h3><p><strong>Bo Nix - Over 5.5 rushing attempts (+115)</strong></p><p>The playoffs are when you leave it all on the field, meaning quarterbacks should be more inclined to lay their bodies on the line rather than throw the ball away under pressure. At least, let's hope <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a> believes that.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nix started the season running a ton, but, as he got more comfortable in an NFL pocket, he began to limit his rushing attempts. However, when the Broncos needed wins down the stretch, Nix started to use his legs again, rushing seven or more times in three of Denver's final four games. Expect Nix to tuck it and run at least six times in his playoff debut, especially since the Broncos are 8.5-point underdogs and should be forced into a pass-heavy attack early on.</p><p><strong>Devaughn Vele - Over 2.5 receptions (-105)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199836" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199836">Devaughn Vele </a>isn't a premier wide receiver, but he's the Broncos' third-leading wideout. Nix has targeted Vele more as the season has progressed. The rookie has caught at least three passes in seven of his 13 games. The Bills' defensive attention will be on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89491" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89491">Courtland Sutton</a> in the passing game, leaving opportunities for Vele. The Utah product has more catches and targets than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188103" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188103">Marvin Mims</a> this season. Expect Vele to have a few key catches Sunday.</p><h3>Eagles vs. Packers</h3><p><strong>Tucker Kraft - Over 34.5 receiving yards (-130)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> spreads the ball around, making it tough to predict which wide receiver will have a big game. However, tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188199" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188199">Kraft</a> has been a consistent target-earner all season and isn't affected by the wideout rotation the Packers like to deploy.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174090" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174090">Christian Watson</a> will miss the playoffs due to an ACL tear, meaning there are more targets to go around. But instead of guessing which wide receiver will benefit, we'll stick with Kraft, who's put up consistent numbers. He's surpassed 35 yards receiving in five of his last seven starts and hit 34 yards in one of the games he fell short.</p><p><strong>Saquon Barkley - Over 104.5 rushing yards (-110)</strong></p><p>This is a high rushing total for a playoff game, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Barkley</a> led the league in rushing yards and became the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards. He averaged 125 rushing yards per contest.</p><p>The Eagles will lean on their physically imposing offensive line and rushing attack to control time of possession and lead them down the field. Philadelphia wins games with its rushing offense, and this one won't be different.</p><p><strong>Jayden Reed - Under 44.5 receiving yards (-110)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188198" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188198">Reed</a> went nuclear in the Packers' season opener against the Eagles. He had four catches for 138 yards, but don't expect a repeat performance. Philadelphia's defense has improved dramatically since its first game and will pay plenty of attention to Reed. Star receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174090" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174090">Christian Watson</a> is out for Green Bay, so it'll be easier for the Eagles' defense to contain Reed, who has recorded fewer than 45 receiving yards in five of his last seven contests.</p><h3>Buccaneers vs. Commanders</h3><p><strong>Jayden Daniels - Over 224.5 passing yards (-135)</strong></p><p>The Commanders rookie will make his highly anticipated playoff debut against the Buccaneers, whom he made his first NFL start against. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Daniels</a> only threw for 184 yards in Week 1, but a lot has changed since. Daniels has surpassed 224.5 passing yards in four of his past five full games to close the year and did it 10 times throughout the season, which should help him win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.</p><p>The Bucs' defense does a great job of stopping the run, having given up the fourth-fewest yards during the regular season. Opposing teams have found success through the air, though. Tampa Bay gave up the fourth-most passing yards per game (243.9 yards), setting up the perfect opportunity for Daniels to hit the over on his passing yards total.</p>

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Sunday NFL props: Targeting rookie QBs in playoff debuts

NFL playoff action begins Saturday with a two-game slate between AFC contestants. The games have ...

<p>NFL playoff action begins Saturday with a two-game slate between AFC contestants. The games have the two lowest point totals of Wild Card Weekend, but that doesn't mean there aren't any player props to target in what should be a couple of defensive - yet entertaining - matchups.</p><h3>Texans vs. Chargers</h3><p><strong>Ladd McConkey - Over 5.5 receptions (-140)</strong></p><p>The rookie leads the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a> in receptions by 27 after emerging as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a>'s No. 1 target a few games into the season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199769" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199769">McConkey</a> hauled in six or more passes in six of his last 10 contests, and he caught fewer than five only once over that span. He's a target hog, and in a must-win game, there's no reason to believe Herbert won't look McConkey's way enough times for him to hit six receptions.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>J.K. Dobbins - Over 61.5 rushing yards (-115)</strong></p><p>Herbert must make plays with his arm for the Chargers to win, but they'll lean on a steady run game that has helped the offense throughout the campaign. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115040" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115040">Dobbins</a> has been the go-to guy in the backfield amid the best season of his career. He's averaging 69.6 rushing yards per game and has eclipsed 62 rushing yards his last two contests.</p><p>This isn't expected to be a high-scoring game based on the 42.5 total because both groups have sturdy defenses. However, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a>' defensive strength is against the pass. Dobbins will rack up the necessary carries as Los Angeles tries to win the possession battle on the ground.</p><h3>Ravens vs. Steelers</h3><p><strong>Russell Wilson - Over 199.5 passing yards (-145)</strong></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> aren't expected to win this game and should play from behind most of the time. That means they'll likely be forced to pass, especially against a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards per game this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Wilson</a> should have a great chance at throwing for over 200 yards, something he did in both meetings with the Ravens this year and in seven of 11 games overall<em>.</em></p><p><strong>Lamar Jackson - Under 48.5 rushing yards (-105)</strong></p><p>Mike Tomlin has successfully devised game plans to limit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Jackson</a>. Those strategies include restricting his rushing ability. Jackson has a losing record against the Steelers, and they're the only team he's thrown more interceptions than touchdowns against.</p><p>The Steelers' defense wants to turn Jackson into a passer instead of a runner. He's rushed for under 49 yards in his last three matchups against Pittsburgh. Even when Jackson dominated the Steelers in December, he rushed for 22 yards. Regardless of the final score, don't expect Jackson to have a huge running day.</p>

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Saturday NFL props: Can Steelers limit Jackson on the ground?

The NFC takes center stage once the trio of AFC games are complete.   The Packers and Eagles kick...

<p>The NFC takes center stage once the trio of AFC games are complete. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> kick off the conference's wild-card games in a matchup that had NFC championship potential if the seedings worked out differently. Instead, one of the top seven Super Bowl favorites will suffer a first-round exit while the other will keep its championship dream alive.</p><p>Let's dive in.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sunday 4:30 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 4" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GO6tU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GO6tU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Packers are a particularly talented 7-seed, but playing in the best division in football hurt them. Now they head to Philadelphia to play one of the NFL's best and most complete teams on Wild Card Weekend.</p><p>This isn't an overly complicated handicap: Playoff football in cold temperatures is about which team will be tougher for longer. Over the last three months, the Eagles proved they're as tough and physical a team as exists in the NFL today. Philadelphia has the top-ranked defense and second-best rushing attack, averaging 179 yards per game on the ground.</p><p>The Eagles wear opponents down with their physicality, as they showed in victories over the Rams, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> during a 10-game win streak that likely would've kept going if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105247" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> hadn't been hurt in a December loss to the Commanders. But Hurts is back, and even if he's slightly rusty, the Eagles rely on the league's best offensive line and most explosive running back in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> to move the chains. They've even found success against stacked boxes. And when Philly needs the passing game to carry the offense, it still has an accurate quarterback and an elite wide receiver duo of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161668" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161668">DeVonta Smith</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> is dealing with an elbow injury and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174090" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174090">Christian Watson</a>, one of Love's top targets, tore his ACL in Week 18. The Eagles defeated the Packers in the season opener in Brazil, but Green Bay scored 29 points. However, Philly's defense has made remarkable strides since.</p><p>The Eagles are the more talented and physical group, and they're playing at home in front of a raucous crowd. Look for them to end the Packers' season without much trouble.</p><p><strong>Pick: Eagles -5</strong></p><h3>Sunday 8:15 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 16" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tgWod" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tgWod/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20" target="_blank">Commanders</a> head south to face the <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31" target="_blank">Buccaneers</a> in the franchise's first playoff game since losing to Tampa Bay in the wild-card round four years ago, the same year Tom Brady led the Bucs to their second Super Bowl. </span></p><p>Likely Offensive Rookie of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> is getting three points on the road in his playoff debut, a game with a 50.5-point total - the highest of Wild Card Weekend. Coincidentally, these two teams met in Daniels' NFL debut when the Bucs beat the Commanders 37-20 in Week 1.</p><p>A lot has changed since then. Daniels and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76543" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76543">Baker Mayfield</a> have their respective offenses cooking; they're both in the top six in yards per game and top five in points per game. However, both defenses struggle to prevent points - hence the high total.</p><p>Tampa ranks fourth-last in passing yards per game while Washington allows the third-most rushing yards per game. The Buccaneers' secondary and the Commanders' front seven will play a huge role in determining this game's winner.</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The Commanders are ahead of the Bucs in <a target="_blank" href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a>, or DVOA (a metric that compares a team's performance to a league-average baseline based on situation and opponent), but the spread indicates Tampa is the better team. This line should be closer to the Bucs as 1.5-point favorites, so we'll side with the underdog getting a field goal in a tight contest. </span></p><p><strong>Pick: Commanders +3</strong></p><h3>Monday 8:15 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 12" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BNamU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BNamU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>This game was relocated to Arizona due to the wildfires near Los Angeles. Now that it'll be a neutral-site game, the spread moved 1.5 points in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a>' favor, proving what home-field advantage is worth in today's league.</p><p>Despite their impressive 14-3 record, the Vikings left a bad taste in people's mouths after the Lions dismantled them in prime time. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/98048" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> didn't look good, throwing for only 166 yards on 41 attempts. The Lions generated a ton of pressure, which knocked Darnold out of rhythm and made Minnesota's offense look dysfunctional.</p><p>Luckily for Darnold, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a> don't generate much pressure. They're in the bottom half of the league in pressure rate (21.4%), blitz rate (23.1%), and sacks (38). Despite being sacked three times in the Vikings' first meeting with the Rams, which L.A. won 30-20, Minnesota should be able to make the necessary adjustments to keep Darnold upright and allow him to distribute to his elite playmakers.</p><p>Although the Rams are one of two teams to beat the Vikings this season, Minnesota is still one of the best teams in the NFL. The Vikings have a top-10 offense and defense based on points scored and allowed per game, while both Rams units rank outside the top 15.</p><p>Minnesota ranks seventh in DVOA - ahead of the Chiefs - while the Rams are 17th. DVOA isn't an end-all, be-all statistic, but it does a quality job of ranking teams, and there's a substantial gap between these two.</p><p>Had Minnesota played marginally better last week, the Vikings would be favored by more than a field goal. Take the recency-bias value and trust the better team.</p><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -2.5</strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29769404/related

NFC wild-card betting: Eagles' physicality will overwhelm Packers

The playoffs are here! It's a fantastic time of the year for football fans as the march toward Su...

<p>The playoffs are here! It's a fantastic time of the year for football fans as the march toward Super Bowl LIX begins. </p><p>First up is the AFC, a conference that features three of the four favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> (+350) are second on the oddsboard behind the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a>, with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> (+550) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> (+550) rounding out the top four.</p><p>Playoff action begins Saturday, so let's waste no time getting to our picks in the AFC wild-card games. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 8" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QnaFl" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QnaFl/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The NFL playoffs kick off in Houston with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> hosting the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Chargers</a> as 3-point underdogs. Houston is the only home underdog of Wild Card Weekend in a game with the lowest point total of the opening round.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188132" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188132">C.J. Stroud</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> - two former Offensive Rookie of the Year winners - are making their second playoff starts. Stroud and his Texans are limping into the postseason as losers of two of their final three games, including a Christmas Day contest in which they scored two points against the Ravens. </p><p>Meanwhile, the Chargers have won three straight - covering the spread as favorites in all three - and Herbert has his offense firing, scoring at least 34 points in each victory. A high-powered offense to go along with the Chargers' elite defense - their 17.7 points allowed per game were the fewest in the league - is a dangerous combo.</p><p>The Texans' 10-7 record was good enough to win arguably the league's weakest division but not good enough to get the betting market's respect. They're outclassed on both offense and defense, making the Chargers the team to back.</p><p><strong>Pick: Chargers -3</strong></p><h3>Saturday, 8 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 11" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3iVyh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3iVyh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>This wild-card matchup between division rivals is the largest spread of the weekend and is the third showdown between Pittsburgh and Baltimore this season. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> narrowly won the first matchup in November, but the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> dominated in Baltimore in the rematch in late December.</p><p>These two teams are trending in opposite directions, which has led to a 9.5-point spread in favor of Baltimore. The Ravens won four straight to close the season, while the Steelers lost four straight.</p><p>Pittsburgh's recent stretch has few people believing Mike Tomlin's group can win a playoff game. But this is a buy-low spot on the Steelers, who aren't as bad as their losing streak indicates. Sure, the Steelers are neither a legitimate Super Bowl threat nor a great team, but they're a good one. They hit a buzzsaw of a schedule to close the season. Pittsburgh played the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a>, Ravens, and Chiefs - all Super Bowl contenders - in the span of 11 days before finishing its season against a red-hot and desperate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Bengals</a> squad.</p><p>The Steelers faltered late in the season because of a tough schedule and unreliable quarterback play. Pittsburgh still finished the season with a top-10 scoring defense and the sixth-best rushing defense. Until the team's December matchup, Tomlin had been effective at shutting down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a>.</p><p>Jackson is 1-4 in his last five meetings against the Steelers. Pittsburgh is the only team Jackson has thrown more interceptions against (nine) than touchdowns (eight). The Ravens are also expected to be without Jackson's top target,<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188142" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188142"> Zay Flowers</a>, as he deals with a knee injury.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a>'s inconsistency will present a challenge for the Steelers' offense, but Wilson has a plethora of playoff experience. This is too large of a spread to lay the points with the favorite.</p><p><strong>Pick: Steelers +10</strong></p><h3>Sunday, 1 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3RGtc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3RGtc/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The opening game of Sunday's slate is the final of the AFC wild-card contests. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> are in Buffalo as 8.5-point underdogs to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a>, who have the third-shortest Super Bowl odds at +550 at theScoreBet/ESPN bet.</p><p>There's no debate that Buffalo is a powerhouse. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94699" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94699">Josh Allen</a> put together a season that may earn him his first MVP award while leading the Bills to another AFC East title with a 13-4 record. This could be Buffalo's year, and the team should be able to handle the Broncos.</p><p>However, Denver isn't a pushover, and 8.5 points is a lot to cover in a playoff game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a> had an incredible rookie season after many questioned his selection as the 12th overall pick. He has the Broncos averaging 32.2 points per game over their last five while being a threat through the air and on the ground.</p><p>Denver may also have the best defensive player in football: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161642" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161642">Pat Surtain</a>. Having a shutdown cornerback will limit Allen's options through the air even though Buffalo lacks a true No. 1 option.</p><p>It'd be shocking to see the Bills lose this game as -450 favorites on the moneyline, but getting 8.5 points with the Broncos is enough to trust Nix and their defense to keep the game close.</p><p><strong>Pick: Broncos +8.5</strong></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29755903/related

AFC wild-card betting: Bills open Super Bowl run as big favorites vs. Broncos

The Detroit Lions will enter the playoffs as Super Bowl favorites after defeating the Minnesota V...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Detroit Lions</a> will enter the playoffs as Super Bowl favorites after defeating the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Minnesota Vikings</a> on Sunday night in a battle for the NFC's top seed.</p><p>The Lions earned a bye with a victory over their division rivals, while the Vikings will open the playoffs on the road against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Los Angeles Rams</a>. </p><p>With home-field advantage secured, creating an easier path to the Super Bowl, Detroit jumped to the top of the betting board as +300 (25% implied probability) favorites at theScoreBet/ESPN Bet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Lions' defense remains riddled with injuries, but the return of linebacker Alex Anzalone seemed to ignite a group ranking near the bottom of defensive stat categories over the past four games.</p><p>Detroit's dismantling of Minnesota in a marquee matchup has the betting market believing in the Lions' chances to win the franchise's first Super Bowl.</p><h3>Super Bowl odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Lions</td>
<td>+300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chiefs</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ravens</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bills</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eagles</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vikings</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Packers</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chargers</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commanders</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broncos</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texans</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steelers</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">The <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a> are a close second favorite at +350. Kansas City locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the second time in three years, giving <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> and Co. a clear path to their third consecutive championship. </span></p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Baltimore Ravens</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Buffalo Bills</a> are next on the oddsboard, with both hosting an AFC wild-card game this week. Baltimore is a 9.5-point favorite over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, while Buffalo is a 9-point favorite as it welcomes the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Denver Broncos</a>.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Philadelphia Eagles</a> are the second favorites of the NFC playoff teams. They drew a tough wild-card matchup against the Green Bay Packers and opened as 3.5-point favorites, but that line has drifted and now sits at Eagles -5.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (+3000), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Los Angeles Rams</a> (+3500), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Houston Texans</a> (+7500) are all long shots despite hosting home games on Wild Card Weekend. </p><p>The Bucs are 3-point favorites over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Washington Commanders</a>, while the Rams and Texans are small home underdogs to the Vikings and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/8" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/8">Los Angeles Chargers</a>, respectively.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29715074/related

Lions Super Bowl favorites after clinching No. 1 seed in NFC

While Week 18 is meaningless for many NFL teams besides jockeying for draft position, some player...

<p>While Week 18 is meaningless for many NFL teams besides jockeying for draft position, some players are putting on the pads this Sunday with added incentives on the line. </p><p>Performance bonuses are often added to players' contracts, and Week 18 is their last opportunity to hit key milestones. This phenomenon isn't a secret, so it's not as if oddsmakers aren't aware. But that doesn't make it any less exciting to wager on a player you know is also trying to earn extra cash.</p><p>Let's see what's at stake.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Mike Evans</h3><p><strong>Milestone: 85 receiving yards and 5 receptions</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/51141" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/51141">Mike Evans</a> can earn an extra $3 million if he hits 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. The Buccaneers are 14-point favorites in a must-win game against the Saints, and Baker Mayfield <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/baker-mayfield-on-mike-evans-chasing-11th-1-000-yard-season-amid-chase-for-playoffs-if-we-win-mike-is-getting-the-record">said</a> a victory and his star wideout hitting his milestones go hand-in-hand.</p><p>If Evans hits his milestones, he'll tie Jerry Rice's record of 11 straight seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards and surpass Randy Moss for the second-most campaigns of at least 1,000 in a career.</p><p>Evans has -160 odds (61.5% implied probability) of getting 85 receiving yards at <a href="https://thescore.bet/exclusives/section/in-the-news">theScore Bet</a>/<a href="https://espnbet.com/exclusives/section/in-the-news">ESPN Bet</a> and is -400 (80% implied probability) to catch five-plus passes.</p><h3>Courtland Sutton</h3><p><strong>Milestone: 82 receiving yards</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89491" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89491">Courtland Sutton</a> is 82 receiving yards shy of a $2-million bonus. His Broncos take on the Chiefs in a must-win game in which Kansas City is resting its starters. </p><p>Sutton should see a ton of work in this contest, but he hasn't surpassed 80 yards in three straight games. With that said, he still leads the Broncos in all receiving categories and racked up 82-plus yards in four games this season.</p><p>His odds of hitting this milestone are +130 (43.5% implied probability). </p><h3>J.K. Dobbins</h3><p><strong>Milestone: 58 rushing yards</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115040" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115040">J.K. Dobbins</a> would've easily passed the 900 rushing-yard mark if he hadn't missed four games with a knee injury, but he'll get his chance Sunday against the Raiders.</p><p>Dobbins should be in the conversation of potential Comeback Player of the Year finalists. You'd have to think head coach Jim Harbaugh would like to reward his tailback with the opportunity to get at least 58 yards rushing to cash in on a $150,000 bonus.</p><p>Dobbins' odds of rushing for 58-plus yards on the ground are set at -120.</p><h3>Geno Smith</h3><p><strong>Milestone: 186 passing yards and a Seahawks win</strong></p><p>Geno Smith can earn $2 million if he passes for 186 yards and another $2 million if the Seahawks win. Seattle is a 6.5-point favorite over the Rams, who are sitting their starters ahead of the playoffs.</p><p>Smith has passed for 186-plus yards in all but three games this season. His odds of earning $2 million for surpassing his 2022 total are -700. However, you can parlay that with a Seahawks victory to get it to -200.</p><h3>Tony Pollard</h3><p><strong>Milestone: 83 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns</strong></p><p>Tony Pollard missed last week's game with an ankle injury but should be back Sunday with his eyes on some extra cash. </p><p>Pollard needs 83 rushing yards to hit 1,100 on the season, unlocking a $250,000 bonus. He'll earn another $200,000 if he scores twice. Pollard has rushed for 83-plus yards in six of 15 games this season and hasn't scored multiple times all campaign.</p><p>His odds of earning his bonus are +100 for the rushing yards and +400 to score twice. </p><h3>Brock Bowers</h3><p><strong>Milestone: 9 receptions to set NFL record for tight ends</strong></p><p>There's no financial incentive for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199738" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199738">Brock Bowers</a> if he records nine catches against the Chargers, but he would enter the NFL record books. Bowers could eclipse <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/18721" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/18721">Zach Ertz</a>'s record for most receptions in a single season by a tight end after he broke Mike Ditka's rookie tight end record last week.</p><p>The Raiders pass-catcher sits at 108 receptions, which already clipped <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188318" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188318">Puka Nacua</a>'s rookie reception record set last year. Malik Nabers is also in the running to set the rookie receptions record, but he sits at 104 catches.</p>

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NFL incentives: Betting on players in Week 18 who bet on themselves

The final week of the regular season is here.   Week 18 presents a tough task for bettors, as man...

<p>The final week of the regular season is here. </p><p>Week 18 presents a tough task for bettors, as many teams are playing meaningless games or resting starters ahead of the playoffs. That gives us a slate full of question marks and uncertainty.</p><p>However, there are a few games with plenty on the line to focus on instead of guessing whether the Chiefs' backups can cover the spread against the Broncos' starters. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Saturday, 8 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 14" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-spI5P" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/spI5P/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="109" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Bengals</a> (8-8) take their slim playoff hopes on the road to Pittsburgh for a clash with the division rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> (10-6). Cincinnati needs to win and then get help from the Chiefs and Jets to make the playoffs. The Bengals are +1100 to make the playoffs at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><p><strong>Case for the Bengals</strong></p><ul>
<li>It's a must-win game for the Bengals even though they'd need a lot of help afterward.</li>
<li>The Bengals' offense is locked in. The Steelers may need to score upward of 30 points to cover.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Steelers</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Steelers have locked up a playoff spot but could win the division if the Ravens somehow lose as 18-point favorites to the Browns earlier Saturday.</li>
<li>They won the first meeting 44-38 on the road.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>Pittsburgh is 10-6 against the spread (ATS) and 5-2 at home.</li>
<li>The Bengals are also 10-6 ATS and have covered in four straight contests.</li>
<li>Cincy is 7-1 ATS on the road.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Bengals -2.5</strong></p><p>The Bengals are desperate and playing well, which is a bad combination for opposing teams. Add in the fact that this game may end up being meaningless for the Steelers, and the Bengals become the only side to bet.</p><h3>Sunday 4:25 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 1 (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pQilz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pQilz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="109" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/2" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/2">Dolphins</a> (8-8) could end the Bengals' hopes with a win over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/4" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/4">Jets</a> (4-12) on Sunday but also need the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/58916" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/58916">Carson Wentz</a>-led Chiefs to beat the full-strength Broncos. Additionally, there's a chance this is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a>' last NFL game, adding another layer of intrigue.</p><p><strong>Case for the Dolphins</strong></p><ul><li>Making a case for the Dolphins is difficult with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/114411" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/114411">Tua Tagovailoa</a> sidelined with a hip injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/105226" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/105226">Tyler "Snoop" Huntley</a> will start in his place.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Jets</strong></p><ul><li>If this is Rodgers' going-away party, you know he'll want to put on a show. The Jets are at full strength and will play their starters for the entire game.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Jets are an abysmal 5-11 ATS, while the Dolphins are 7-9.</li>
<li>The over has hit in five of the past six Jets games.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Jets +1</strong></p><p>Yes, the Jets have been extremely disappointing this season and only scored 23 points in their last two games, but they should be able to handle a Huntley-led Dolphins team. Expect Rodgers to end a forgettable season on a high note.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oc2e9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oc2e9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="109" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Week 18's main event will take place Sunday night with the NFC's top seed on the line. The Vikings (14-2) head to Ford Field for a marquee date with the Lions (14-2). Both teams have had exceptional seasons and could meet again in a few weeks in the NFC Championship Game.</p><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul><li>The Vikings are winners of nine straight and are arguably the NFL's top team. Their offense has scored the ninth-most points in the league (26.4) and has averaged 31.5 points over the past four games. Their defense concedes the fourth fewest (18.8) and limits opposing rushing attacks to only 88.1 yards per contest.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Lions</strong></p><ul>
<li>Even with a depleted defense, the Lions still find ways to win. Their offense has stepped up big time, averaging 37.5 points over their last four outings.</li>
<li>Detroit won the first meeting 31-29 in Minnesota.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are a league-best 11-4-1 ATS this season.</li>
<li>The Lions are a close second ATS at 11-5.</li>
<li>The last four totals in Lions games have been 47.5 points or greater, and the over has hit each time. This game's total of 56.5 is the largest of the week by a substantial margin.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Vikings +3</strong></p><p>The Lions are a fantastic team and deserve to be favorites at home, but three points are too many in a game that could easily come down to a last-second field goal. </p><p>At the moment, there's little difference between these offenses. Both teams seem to be able to score at will, giving this game true shootout potential. However, the Vikings' defense is elite at shutting down the run and has a chance to slow down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Jahmyr Gibbs</a>, as tough of a task as that is. The injuries to the Lions' defense may start to catch up to them.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29660969/related

Week 18 betting preview: Can Bengals keep playoff hopes alive in Pittsburgh?

Ohio State is the new betting favorite to win the College Football Playoff after dismantling top-...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> is the new betting favorite to win the College Football Playoff after dismantling top-seeded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/514" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/514">Oregon</a> in the Rose Bowl. </p><p>The Buckeyes are now +110 (47.6% implied probability) at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet to win the national championship. They entered the playoffs as the fourth favorite at +475, but two convincing wins over Tennessee and Oregon have changed the betting market's mind about Ohio State's chances.</p><p>Ryan Day's squad will face <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> in the Cotton Bowl - one of two CFP semis. Ohio State opened as a 6-point favorite over the Longhorns for the Jan. 10 game at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, a game that'll likely draw a pro-Longhorns crowd.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Before the playoffs began, Texas was +350 co-favorites with Oregon and Georgia. The Longhorns' odds have lengthened to +375 after they narrowly squeaked by Arizona State in overtime to win the Peach Bowl and set up a date with Ohio State.</p><p>On the other side of the bracket, Notre Dame is the second favorite to win it all at +325 and is laying 1.5 points to Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9. The Fighting Irish beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl to advance to the other semi.</p><p>Penn State has the longest odds to win the national championship at +450. </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29657354/related

Ohio State national championship favorite after knocking out Oregon

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 15" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-FdZqE" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FdZqE/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="109" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> (13-2) are in San Francisco for a date with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/23" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/23">49ers</a> (6-9) - a matchup that had a ton of appeal at the start of the season. However, the 49ers' disastrous campaign combined with the Lions playing a meaningless game has taken away the excitement.</p><p><strong>Case for the Lions</strong></p><ul>
<li>Despite its injuries on defense, many consider Detroit the best team in the league. It has the second-shortest odds to win the Super Bowl at +450 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</li>
<li>The Lions may rest their starters because this game is irrelevant in the standings (their Week 18 clash with the Vikings will determine who gets the No. 1 seed in the NFC). However, head coach Dan Campbell <a href="https://x.com/RyanEFox2/status/1873705856027836876">made it clear</a> that his team will do everything it can to win.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the 49ers</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul><li>The 49ers have underachieved all season, but they're still a strong squad with pride to play for. They rank 11th in <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a> (DVOA), and getting 3.5 points at home is a lot for a quality team.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Lions are 10-5 against the spread (ATS) and 6-1 ATS on the road.</li>
<li>The 49ers are 5-10 ATS, a sign they've drastically underachieved. However, they've been a respectable 4-4 ATS at home.</li>
<li>Detroit is 7-0 straight up on the road.</li>
<li>The over has hit in three straight Lions games due to their elite offense and depleted defense. They're scoring an average of 36.7 points and giving up 32 over that three-game span.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: 49ers +3.5</strong></p><p>It's dangerous to pick against the Lions, but there's too much value on the 49ers at home to pass up. San Francisco's offense is capable of scoring at the same rate as the Lions and has a better defense at this point in the season. It's easier to trust the 49ers' defense to slow down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/71572" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/71572">Jared Goff</a> than it is to bank on the Lions' porous defense to limit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174189" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174189">Brock Purdy</a>.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Jahmyr Gibbs - Over 124.5 rushing + receiving yards (-115)</strong></p><p>We'll believe Campbell and his intention to do everything he can to win this game.</p><p>The Lions gave <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188196" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188196">Gibbs</a> the ball 27 times in his first appearance without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/112122" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/112122">David Montgomery</a>. With those 27 touches, he collected 45 receiving yards and rushed for 109. If Gibbs sees another 25 opportunities or more, he should be able to surpass 125 total yards.</p><p><strong>Jared Goff - Over 32.5 passing attempts</strong></p><p>Goff has thrown 33 or more times in four of his past five outings and attempted 32 passes in the contest he came up short. The Lions are dealing with a ton of key injuries on defense, forcing them to play fast and score points to keep up. This matchup has a total of 50.5 points - and there's a good chance Goff will throw the ball at least 33 times if it finishes close to that total. </p><p><strong>Deebo Samuel - Over 49.5 receiving yards</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87611" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87611">Samuel</a>'s had a down season by his standards, but he has a lot to prove as the offseason nears. The 28-year-old is a potential cut candidate and needs to show the league his legs still have juice. </p><p>He put up 96 receiving yards on seven catches last week and has seen 16 targets over his past two outings. If Samuel puts forth a similar effort to last week's and continues to get looks from Purdy, hitting 50 receiving yards shouldn't be an issue.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29626297/related

MNF betting preview: Will Lions rest starters vs. 49ers?

The NFL regular season is nearing an end. At this point, only a few teams are playing meaningful ...

<p>The NFL regular season is nearing an end. At this point, only a few teams are playing meaningful football, while the rest of the league is competing for jobs.</p><p>The league scheduled Saturday games that will help get rid of the horrible taste left in fans’ mouths after the Thursday night snoozer between the Bears and Seahawks, and one of those contests is covered below.</p><p>Let’s get to it. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Saturday 4:30 p.m. ET</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 7" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n0YBJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n0YBJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Bengals</a> (7-8) kept their narrow playoff hopes alive with a victory over the Browns last week but are still +1500 to make the playoffs at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. Meanwhile, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> (9-6) are -900 to extend their season and will punch their ticket with a win on the road.</p><p><strong>Case for the Broncos</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Broncos' defense is allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (18.7) and may be one of the few units in the league that can slow <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97638" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97638">Joe Burrow</a>.</li>
<li>If <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161642" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161642">Patrick Surtain II</a> can limit <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161655" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161655">Ja’Marr Chase</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/115870" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/115870">Tee Higgins</a>, the Bengals’ offense becomes far less dynamic.</li>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a> isn’t playing like a rookie quarterback, and the Bengals’ defense gives up the fifth-most points in the league (26.2).</li>
<li>Denver is ranked ninth in <a href="https://ftnfantasy.com/dvoa/nfl/team-total-dvoa">defense-adjusted value over average</a> (DVOA), while Cincinnati is 17th.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Bengals</strong></p><ul>
<li>Burrow is playing at an MVP level but isn’t in consideration because of the Bengals' 7-8 record. They can score 30 points on anyone, which should be good enough to cover.</li>
<li>It’s a must-win game for Cincinnati at home. Backing the more desperate team isn’t a bad idea.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Broncos have a league-best 11-4 record against the spread (ATS) and have covered five consecutive games.</li>
<li>The Bengals are 9-6 ATS and covered the last three contests.</li>
<li>Denver is 6-2 ATS on the road, while Cincinnati is 2-5 at home.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Broncos +3.5</strong></p><p>We’ll side with the Broncos getting slightly over a field goal on the road. Denver’s defense can limit a Bengals air raid that many teams struggled with this season, while on offense, Nix should be able to move the ball with ease. The 49.5 total suggests a shootout could be on hand, and we’ll bank on Denver keeping it close.</p><p><strong>Player to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Courtland Sutton - Over 5.5 receptions (+105)</strong></p><p>Sutton reeled in six or more passes in six of his past eight games and has seen six or more targets in nine straight contests. Nix will need to look his way often to keep up with Burrow, and Sutton should benefit from a high-paced environment.</p><p><strong>Chase Brown - Over 108.5 rushing + receiving yards (-122)</strong></p><p>Brown’s production skyrocketed after he took over as the Bengals’ starting running back. He surpassed 108.5 total yards in five of his past seven games.</p><h3>Sunday 4:25 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 4" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-whq99" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/whq99/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Two of the NFL’s best teams face off in Minnesota, as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> (13-2) host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a> (11-4) for a crucial NFC North tilt. Both teams have clinched a playoff spot, but the division crown is still up for grabs.</p><p><strong>Case for the Packers</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Packers are playing incredible football of late, but you can't take anything from their dominating victory over the Saints on Monday Night Football. New Orleans isn’t an NFL-caliber team at the moment.</li>
<li>Green Bay has a top-seven scoring offense and a defense giving up the sixth-fewest points.</li>
<li>The team is ranked three spots higher based on DVOA.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings won the first meeting between the two teams at Lambeau Field.</li>
<li>Minnesota has shown no signs of slowing down all season. After a two-game losing streak in October, it’s won eight straight.</li>
<li>The Vikings have the slight rest advantage after the Packers played Monday night.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are 10-4-1 ATS and 5-2 at home.</li>
<li>The Packers are 9-6 ATS and 4-2 on the road.</li>
<li>The over is 6-9 in Minnesota’s games and 6-8-1 in Green Bay’s.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -1.5</strong></p><p>It’s a toss-up, and we’re splitting hairs between two elite teams, but we’ll side with the home team in what should be a tight contest. The Vikings’ fantastic run-stopping defense will cause problems for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110848" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110848">Josh Jacobs</a>, who only managed 51 yards in their last meeting, and the Packers need a well-balanced offense to be effective.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Jordan Addison - Over 4.5 receptions (-114)</strong></p><p>Addison has stepped up as an exceptional No. 2 receiver over his past six games. As a result, the Vikings' offense is far more explosive. Minnesota needs him to be involved to open up the rest of the passing game. He caught five or more passes in four of his past five contests.</p><p><strong>Jordan Love - Over 32.5 passing attempts (+100)</strong></p><p>With the expectation that the Vikings will shut down Jacobs and the rushing attack, Love will be asked to throw a lot. He hasn’t surpassed over 32.5 passing attempts in six straight games, but he attempted a whopping 54 passes the last time these two teams met. Opponents call pass plays against the Vikings at the highest rate in the league (64.71%), and Green Bay should follow suit.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 16" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0oM3z" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0oM3z/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> (10-5) welcome the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a> (8-7) to D.C. for a game that was flexed into the Sunday night slot. When the game was rescheduled, Kirk Cousins was under center for Atlanta. But now, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr</a>. will look to earn a road win over fellow rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>, the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite.</p><p><strong>Case for the Falcons</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Falcons are fighting for their playoff lives after overtaking the Buccaneers for the NFC South lead. It’s unlikely they'll earn a wild-card spot, so the division title is their only route to the postseason.</li>
<li>They beat the Giants 34-7 in Penix’s first start - a good confidence boost for the rookie ahead of a tough road game.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Commanders</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Commanders are coming off of an incredible comeback victory over the Eagles, a game in which Daniels threw for five touchdowns and added 81 yards on the ground.</li>
<li>Washington is eighth in DVOA while the Falcons are 20th. That’s a wide margin and one that would mean the Commanders would be favored by more than 2.5 points on a neutral field, which a spread of four points implies.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Commanders are 9-5-1 ATS, while the Falcons are only 6-8-1.</li>
<li>Washington is 6-2 ATS at home, the best record in the league.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Commanders -4</strong></p><p>You have to believe this spread would be bigger had the Falcons not dismantled the Giants last week. Penix played fine, completing 18 of 27 passes while throwing one interception, but you can’t take much away from a game against an abysmal Giants team. The Commanders' defense isn’t one of the best in the league, but it’s far better than New York’s and will present a tougher challenge.</p><p>On the flip side, few defenses in the league can slow Daniels’ offense, and the Falcons are not one of them. Atlanta generates little pressure and has the fewest sacks in the league, so Daniels will have time in the pocket and the ability to extend plays with his legs.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Bijan Robinson - Over 18.5 rushing attempts (-130)</strong></p><p>The Falcons' only hope lies in Robinson’s hands. They need him to carry the offense against the Commanders’ weak run defense. He's handled 22 or more carries in four straight games and exceeded 18.5 in seven of his last nine. Atlanta needs to give him over 18.5 if it has any hope of winning.</p><p><strong>Terry McLaurin - Over 4.5 receptions (-145)</strong></p><p>Daniels’ top option has secured five or more passes in 10 of 15 games this season and five of his past six. McLaurin has very little target competition and should see at least seven targets from Daniels, the amount he averaged over his past eight games. If he gets that many, five catches shouldn't be an issue.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29586936/related

Week 17 betting preview: Will Vikings sweep season series vs. Packers?

The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving. This time, it's delivering two presents to football fan...

<p>The NFL is the gift that keeps on giving. This time, it's delivering two presents to football fans with a two-game slate on Christmas Day. </p><p>Let's get to it. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 14" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kGagA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kGagA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Chiefs</a> (14-1) head to Pittsburgh to take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> (10-5) in the first game on Christmas. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes</a> was reportedly dealing with a high-ankle sprain Saturday but looked good in the Chiefs' victory over the Texans. Meanwhile, the Steelers were throttled by the Ravens in a key divisional matchup the same day.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Case for the Chiefs</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Chiefs learned how to cover! They've covered the spread in back-to-back contests after failing to cover for seven consecutive games.</li>
<li>Mahomes looked completely healthy against the Texans. He rushed five times for 33 yards and a touchdown while extending plays regularly in typical Mahomes-like fashion.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Steelers</strong></p><ul>
<li>Wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174055" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174055">George Pickens</a> returns to the lineup, providing a major boost to Pittsburgh's offense.</li>
<li>The Steelers suffered two tough losses on the road to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> and Ravens. Returning home should give this reeling squad a boost.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Steelers are 10-5 against the spread (ATS) this season, tied for the third-best record in the league. They are also 5-1 at home. </li>
<li>The Chiefs are 7-8 ATS overall and 4-3 on the road. </li>
<li>Pittsburgh is 20-6-3 as a home underdog since Mike Tomlin was hired in 2007. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Steelers +2.5</strong></p><p>This line opened with the Chiefs as 5.5-point favorites but has moved drastically in the Steelers' favor. Hats off to you if you snagged the Steelers at their opening price, but we'll have to settle for 2.5 points in this scenario.</p><p>The Chiefs are playing great but this seems like a potential letdown spot in a tough environment. We're also banking on the return of Pickens to help elevate the Steelers' offense and give <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a> his deep threat back.</p><p>Additionally, backing Tomlin's side as home underdogs has been profitable for nearly two decades. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 2" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yh57S" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yh57S/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/13" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/13">Texans</a> (9-6) host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Ravens</a> (10-5) for Christmas Day's second leg, a game that will be ongoing while you're diving into a turkey leg. Despite being 10-5, the Ravens appear to be a true Super Bowl contender while the Texans might be the worst 9-6 team in the league.</p><p><strong>Case for the Ravens</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> is playing at an MVP-caliber level even though he's unlikely to win the award. Asking Jackson's offense to cover only 4.5 points is not a big request.</li>
<li>Baltimore's secondary is its weakest link but the Texans' passing attack might not be capable of exploiting it. Houston lost receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188130" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188130">Tank Dell</a> for the season Saturday to another devastating injury late in the year.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Texans</strong></p><ul><li>The Texans are winning games, but it hasn't been pretty. They have one of the league's best defenses that could be one of the few units in the league capable of slowing down Jackson and Co.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Ravens are 8-6-1 ATS and 5-3 on the road.</li>
<li>The Texans are 6-7-2 ATS, 3-3-1 at home, and 2-2 as an underdog.</li>
<li>Baltimore has covered three of its past four games while Houston has covered only once in its previous four contests.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Ravens -4.5 </strong></p><p>The Ravens looked unbeatable last week against Pittsburgh, scoring at will while making life tough for Wilson. The Texans' passing attack becomes very one-dimensional without Dell, and if the Ravens' defense can slow down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/82723" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/82723">Joe Mixon</a>, it will have a tough time putting up enough points through the air to keep pace with the Ravens' explosive offense.</p>

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NFL betting preview: Chiefs, Ravens road favorites on Christmas Day

<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 4" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ewQvT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ewQvT/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Don't hold your breath if you're hoping for a Monday night classic between the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/30" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/30">Saints</a>. Green Bay (10-4) is favored by 14.5 points at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, the largest of the week, as New Orleans (5-9) sends a banged-up roster to Lambeau Field with potential winter conditions in the forecast.</p><p><strong>Case for the Saints</strong></p><ul><li>Let's not waste any time - there isn't one. Without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/78282" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/78282">Alvin Kamara</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173997" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173997">Chris Olave</a>, and with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199980" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199980">Spencer Rattler</a> under center, the Saints' offense might be the worst in the league.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Packers</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>The Packers, who can clinch a playoff spot with a victory, are rolling. They've won of seven of their past nine with their two losses coming to the Lions.</li>
<li>They are extremely balanced, with an offense that scores the seventh most points and a defense that holds opposing teams to the eighth fewest.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Packers are 8-6 against the spread (ATS) but have covered four in a row.</li>
<li>The Saints are 6-8 ATS but have covered only three games in their past 10.</li>
<li>The under has hit in four straight Saints games and four of the previous six Packers contests.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Packers -14.5</strong></p><p>There's a strong possibility the Saints don't put double-digit points on the board, making the Packers' path to covering far simpler. The Saints' defense allows the third-most yards per game (392.6) and is beatable on the ground and through the air. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104659" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104659">Jordan Love</a> has plenty of options in the passing game and can lean heavily on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/110848" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/110848">Josh Jacobs</a> and the rushing attack, making this a nightmare matchup for the Saints.</p><p><strong>Players to watch</strong></p><p><strong>Josh Jacobs - Over 89.5 rushing yards (-110)</strong></p><p>It will be cold and potentially snowy at Lambeau Field, so the Packers should rely on Jacobs to move the ball and control the clock en route to a convincing victory. Jacobs has surpassed 90 rushing yards in four of his past seven games, none of which were against a team giving up as many rushing yards per game as the Saints. </p><p><strong>Kendre Miller - Over 12.5 attempts (-135)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188157" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188157">Kendre Miller</a> will take over the starting running back duties with Kamara out. The Saints will want to take pressure off their rookie quarterback and utilize the ground game as much as possible. You can probably expect rushing attempts even if New Orleans is down big because this is a lost season for the Saints. Trying to see what they have in Rattler and Miller will be a top priority.</p><p>Miller, who's in his second NFL season, should be able to get 13 attempts with ease. The Saints have called the 12th most rushing plays per game (45.42%) this campaign.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29548731/related

MNF betting preview: Packers to clinch playoff spot as big favorites vs. Saints

It's officially that time of year: there are now Saturday games in the NFL. Two intriguing contes...

<p>It's officially that time of year: there are now Saturday games in the NFL. Two intriguing contests are scheduled this week - and the same four teams are also slated to play on Christmas Day in Week 17.</p><p>Let's get to it. </p><h3>Sunday 1 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 16" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vFlcY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vFlcY/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Commanders</a> host the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/19" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/19">Eagles</a> in another tilt of division rivals. The Eagles moved up to second favorite to win the Super Bowl behind only the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/1" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/1">Bills</a> on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, while the 9-5 Commanders have yet to clinch a playoff berth.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Case for the Eagles</strong></p><ul><li>Philly won the first meeting 26-18 and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/99272" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/99272">Saquon Barkley</a> dominated on the ground with 146 yards in the game. It'll be another long day for the Commanders if they can't slow the Eagles' lethal rushing attack.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Commanders</strong></p><ul>
<li>Washington's offense is one of the few in the league that can keep up with the Eagles. It's averaging 28.3 points per game, the sixth-most in the league. Philadelphia averages 26.4.</li>
<li>The Commanders were 4.5-point underdogs in their last matchup, suggesting there's value in backing them at home while getting 3.5 points.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Eagles are 9-5 ATS while the Commanders are 8-5-1.</li>
<li>Washington is 5-2 ATS at home and the Eagles are 5-1 on the road. One of these team's impressive ATS records will take a hit this week.</li>
<li>The over is only 5-9 in Eagles games because their defense allows just 17.6 points per game.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Commanders +3.5</strong></p><p>The Commanders getting 3.5 points is too valuable to pass up in this scenario. The Eagles have the division locked up and are in play for the NFC's No.1 seed, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a>' side needs a win to secure a playoff spot. Expect a big effort from the burgundy and gold to keep this game within a field goal.</p><h3>Sunday 4:05 p.m.</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 9" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-C8BEj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/C8BEj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/24" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/24">Seahawks</a> welcome the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/28" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/28">Vikings</a> to the Pacific Northwest for a potential playoff preview. Minnesota has its spot secured but Seattle is fighting for the NFC West crown and needs a victory to keep pace with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/21" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/21">Rams</a>. </p><p><strong>Case for the Vikings</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are one of the league's best teams at 12-2 and only need to cover three points over a mediocre Seahawks side led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/13368" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/13368">Geno Smith</a>, who injured his knee last week and could be limited.</li>
<li>Seattle was in a similar spot last week, getting 2.5 points at home against the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/27" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/27">Packers</a>. The Seahawks lost 30-13.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Case for the Seahawks</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Seahawks cannot afford a loss with only three games remaining.</li>
<li>Before last week, Seattle's defense gave up an average of 15.5 points in its previous four outings. It needs a big performance to have any chance.</li>
</ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Vikings are 9-4-1 ATS but only 3-2-1 on the road. </li>
<li>The Seahawks are 6-7-1 ATS and 2-6 at home. They may no longer have a strong home-field advantage like they once did. </li>
<li>The Vikings have won seven straight but only covered in four of them. </li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Vikings -3</strong></p><p>The Vikings may be the most under-the-radar 12-2 team of all time. While everyone is focusing on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Lions</a> and Eagles in the NFC, Minnesota has quietly put together a fantastic season and could snag the conference's top seed.</p><p>Seattle was no match for the Packers last week, and the Vikings present a similar test. Expect a repeat performance with Minnesota dominating on both sides of the ball.</p><h3>Sunday Night Football</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 11 (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rIwnh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rIwnh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="108" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Sunday Nighter features the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Buccaneers</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/17" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/17">Cowboys</a>, with only Tampa Bay playing for anything at this point. The Bucs can extend their NFC South lead while Dallas fans would probably rather see the Cowboys lose to improve their draft stock.</p><p><strong>Case for the Buccaneers</strong></p><ul><li>The Bucs went to SoFi Stadium last week and dismantled a good Chargers team. They've won four straight following their bye and should put together another strong effort against the Cowboys.</li></ul><p><strong>Case for the Cowboys</strong></p><ul><li>Playing for pride can also make a team dangerous, which is the only thing going for the Cowboys right now.</li></ul><p><strong>Key trends</strong></p><ul>
<li>The Bucs are 9-5 ATS and have covered five of their past six games. They're also 5-2 on the road.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, the Cowboys are 5-9 ATS and a measly 1-6 at "Jerry World."</li>
</ul><p><strong>Pick: Buccaneers -4</strong></p><p>We picked against the Buccanneers last week and they proved us wrong. To avoid the same mistake twice, we'll side with the Bucs on the road against a far inferior opponent.</p><p>Tampa was impressive on both sides of the ball last week, scoring 40 on a stingy Chargers defense and limiting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/104207" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/104207">Justin Herbert</a> to only 17 points. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/76543" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/76543">Baker Mayfield</a> has the Bucs' offense firing on all cylinders, and it's unlikely <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/65598" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/65598">Cooper Rush</a> will be able to keep up.</p><p> </p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29494866/related

Week 16 betting preview: Can Commanders secure playoffs vs. Eagles?

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/eric-patterson/content_cards

Eric Patterson

Betting Supervisor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/sam-oshtry/content_cards