Well, we missed sharing our picks for the Divisional Round after a humiliating 0-6 showing during Wildcard Weekend. For what it’s worth we took the points in all four games last weekend and backed the Cowboys, Bengals, Giants, and Jaguars. We won both bets in the AFC games, but lost each of the NFC matchups. After the first two rounds of the playoffs, we’re sporting a 2-6 record against the spread.
This week we have the Eagles facing off against the 49ers in Philadelphia and the Bengals visiting the Chiefs at Arrowhead. The line for the Bengals and Chiefs matchup is currently -1.5, but its been tracking closely the speculation around the health of Patrick Mahomes and his high ankle sprain. The line opened at -3.0 Chiefs, then swung all the way to Cincy -2.5 midweek at some sportsbooks, but settled back to the Chiefs as a small favourite after some mighty fine camera work capturing Mahomes bouncing off the podium following his media availability. We ain’t doctors, but the tape don’t lie right? Not sure how much we can read into Mahomes’ injury designation, but expect there to be some mobility issues for the Chiefs QB.
Regardless, the Bengals are riding a 10-game winning steak into the AFC Conference Championship and destroyed the Bills in Buffalo last weekend in impressive fashion. The Bengals are also 13-2-1 in their last 15 games against the spread when facing an opponent with a winning record, not to mention they beat the Chiefs 27-24 at home in Week 13. The Bengals defense has been excellent in the second half of the season and the offensive line problems that were expected last week due to several injuries didn’t materialize. Take the Bengals and the points (+1.5).
In the Eagles-49ers matchup, we have the undisputed two best teams in the conference squaring off and looking to punch their ticket for the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. Jalen Hurts looked in mid-season form – dominant – in the win against the Giants last week. He definitely benefited from the bye week as the top seed in the NFC after gutting out a shoulder injury in Week 18. Mr. Irrelevant and the 49ers snuck past the Cowboys last week in the Divisional Round, but San Francisco is going to need to a higher volume of timely throws from Purdy to keep this one close. Both teams ranked in the top-five in offense thanks in part to their formidable running attacks and the 49ers defense will be looking to contain the Eagles signal caller as he has the ability to rip off some big runs if the pass rush gets too aggressive. We expect this one to be close, but will take the Eagles -2.5 at home.
Wildcard Record: 0-6
Divisional Record: 2-2
2022 Playoff Record: 2-8
2022 Regular Season Record: 121-142-7