Playoffs? Playoffs. They are finally here and not a minute too soon, as the NFL has pushed the barrier of COVID-19 away and successfully navigated a full, 16-game season during a global pandemic. There truly is nothing that the NFL can’t do or won’t do to bring you football. Whether you believe that is a good or bad thing is irrelevant because here we are. We get three games today, all of which should be incredibly enjoyable to watch and one that will be more competitive than you may think. There are two playoff teams that fans will not see in action this weekend: the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. The Chiefs recorded a 14-2 record and clinched the number one seed in the AFC, earning them a first-round bye. The Packers, led by presumptive MVP Aaron Rodgers, compiled a 13-3 regular-season record. They earned the first-round bye in the NFC. DraftKings is offering SEVERAL deals this “super wild-card weekend” for you to take advantage of.
NFL Saturday Wild-Card Best Bets
Indianapolis Colts (11-5) at Buffalo Bills (13-3)
Spread: BUF -6.5, IND +6.5
Total: 51.5
The Bills enter the playoffs as the hottest team in all of football, winning six-straight games and sitting as the second seed in the AFC. They will host the Colts in the first game of super wild-card weekend. Indianapolis finished only two wins behind Buffalo but missed out on the fourth seed and AFC South title by having a worse division record than the Tennesee Titans. Veteran QB Phillip Rivers recorded his lowest passing yards in a season since 2012, in part because of the arrival of rookie RB Jonathan Taylor, who ran for 11 TDs and finished third in the league for rushing yards. Another thing the Colts were known for this year is their defense, which allowed only three opponents to eclipse 30 points this season and was second in the NFL against the rush. Unfortunately for them, the Bills like to pass the ball. A lot. They ranked second in scoring this season with an air-raid style offense, with QB Josh Allen ranking 5th in both passing TDs and yards. He is poised to avenge last year’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans. If this line gets to +7, I think I would consider taking the Colts. As it currently sits, I think teasing the bills down to -0.5 so they just have to win the game.
Prediction: IND at +7, otherwise tease BUF to -0.5
Los Angeles Rams (10-6) at Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
Spread: SEA -3, LAR +3
Total: 42
The Rams will look to become the first road team since their former selves, the St. Louis Rams, to win a playoff game at Lumen Field. QB Jared Goff’s availability still remains to be seen after he missed the last week of the regular season with a thumb injury. In relief of Goff, QB John Wolford made his NFL debut and did just enough to drag the Rams (and Bears) over the finish line against the Cardinals. Whether it’s Goff or Wolford, the Rams will get WR Cooper Kupp back from the COVID-19 list today. For the Seahawks, they’ve struggled down the stretch of the season, looking to regain their early-season form after a win over the 49ers in Week 17. They also have their own injury concerns, with S Jamal Adams listed as a game-time decision. We should see star WR D.K. Metcalf look to finally get the best of Rams’ CB Jalen Ramsay after he was essentially shut down in their first two matchups. I really can’t bet this game since I don’t know the starting QB, but if it’s Goff, I’d lean Rams +3. The total is also extremely low and with good reason. But I think it has been bet down to the point where the over could be valuable. A 23-20 game puts this thing over the total. Love the Rams teased up to +9 as well.
Prediction: Rams +3, OVER 42, teased to +9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) at Washington Football Team (7-9)
Spread: TB -7.5, WAS +7.5
Total: 44.5
The Football Team has made the NFL Playoffs. That’s right, the Football Team. QB Alex Smith will look to add to the story of his remarkable comeback from a near life-threatening leg injury, but won’t be 100% due to a nagging calf injury. While Smith certainly hasn’t had the best year so far, six TDs to eight INTs, he hasn’t been required to perform at a high-level due to Washington’s defense carrying the team. They have allowed the second-fewest yards in the NFL. That defense will be challenged by Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, making their first playoff appearance since 2007. They enter the postseason riding a four-game winning streak behind absolutely dominant offensive performances but will need to be in top form against this defense that has let up 20 or fewer points in seven straight games. Brady has had an incredible season, having thrown for 40 TDs, which is second in the NFL. Star WR Mike Evans could miss the game after he hyper-extended his knee in Week 17.
Since 2000, there have only been three home underdogs of over a TD in the playoffs. The 2010 Seattle Seahawks managed to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round, thanks in part to the “Beast-Quake” run by Marshawn Lynch. The other team was the Tim Tebow led 2011 Denver Broncos against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Tebow threw an 80-yard TD to WR Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime, sparking “Tebow Time” in the NFL. Will the Football Team make it an outright victory for all three? Tom Brady has struggled in prime-time games this year, getting beaten by the Bears, blown out by the Saints, losing to the Rams at home, and narrowly defeating the New York Giants. Maybe 8 pm is Brady’s bedtime.
Prediction: WAS +7.5, WAS ML
DraftKings Promos
Mystery Boosts
DraftKings is offering you a mystery boost before each game of super wild-card weekend. Simply opt-in on the DraftKings Sportsbook app and your boost will be given to you before the kickoff of each game. Boosts could be player prop odds or full game odds.
Da Bears Boost
Illinois residents can take advantage of this game by getting an odds boost on any bet in the Chicago Bears – New Orleans Saints matchup on Sunday. The boost can be opted into on the DraftKings Sportsbook app just like the previous one, but only if you live in IL. Boost can be applied to player props or full game bets.
$1,000 Deposit Bonus
When you sign-up with a new DraftKings Sportsbook account and deposit a minimum of $5, you will receive 20% back in the form of site credit that can be used on any wager you choose. Whether you are a sharp or novice bettor, this deal is sure to get cash in your pocket fast. Deposit $5,000 to receive the full $1,000 bonus, and for every $25 you wager on the site, receive $1 towards your owed bonus. This is literally free money if you like to gamble, so go sign-up today and make it rain.
