NFL Divisional Round picks: Why you should consider Texans, Lions, and Bills
Lorenzo Reyes is back with his three best bets for the NFL’s Divisional Round weekend.
Lorenzo’s Locks
There are just a few weeks left in the NFL season before we determine a champion.
In a perfect world, the remaining eight teams would come into the divisional round of the playoffs with an equal 12.5% chance of winning the Super Bowl. But factor in experience, matchups, home-field advantage and injuries, among other things, and it’s clear some teams seem more likely to win it all than others … at least on paper.
That doesn’t mean that upsets can’t occur along the way, though. Wild card weekend didn’t pack many huge shocks into the outcomes – though perhaps some minor surprises – suggesting that the divisional round might topple some of the league’s best. One way or another, we’ll cut the field by four more this week, so now is the time to strike if you’re feeling confident in any of the eight finalists.
Whether it’s a long shot or a favorite, today’s price won’t be tomorrow’s. Ranking the remaining NFL playoff teams by Super Bowl odds – from worst to best – heading into the divisional round.
Here’s how all eight NFL playoff teams rank by BetMGM‘s Super Bowl odds:
(Last week: T-14th, +10000)
Based on odds, the Texans are the biggest long shots to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. In reality, that is probably a fair assessment. Injuries have really taken a toll on Houston’s roster, and C.J. Stroud’s apparent regression isn’t helping either. Both factor into a Texans team that doesn’t put a lot of fear into opponents. Plus, they would have to go through the Chiefs and either the Bills or Ravens just to make the Super Bowl.
(Last week: T-ninth +3500)
The Commanders have been a fun story all season long but are now tasked with knocking off arguably the league’s best team in the next round. Quarterback Jayden Daniels starred in the wild-card round as Washington continued its magical season. History isn’t on the side of the Commanders, however. A rookie quarterback has never started or won a Super Bowl, meaning Daniels would be in a league of his own. But, the Commanders can score at will and, while they’re clear underdogs, are certainly capable of shocking the NFL world again.
(Last week: T-ninth, +3500)
Written off after their game was moved from Los Angeles in the wake of the devastating wildfires, the Rams came out with a dominating victory over the Minnesota Vikings to advance. They’ll head to Philadelphia, but don’t underestimate this group going forward. The Eagles are a tough out, but the Rams have plenty of star power on offense and an improving defense to compete with the Birds and their struggling offense. It also helps that they have one of the best coaches in Sean McVay, making L.A. a dark horse Super Bowl contender in the NFC.
(Last week: T-third, +550)
The MVP frontrunners, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, meet in the divisional round in what is the best game of the weekend. Baltimore smacked Buffalo 35-10 earlier in the season, however the Bills have the home-field advantage this time around. Allen is staring down a potential rematch with the Chiefs but has to likely get through two MVP quarterbacks for a chance to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl.
(Last week: T-third, +600)
Baltimore had the benefit of essentially getting a bye week in the wild-card round. The Ravens dominated the Steelers in the first half and were able to be on cruise control the rest of the way. After already beating the Bills once this season, the Ravens are one of the hottest teams in the league and project as a major threat to capturing the AFC crown from Kansas City.
(Last week: Fifth, +700)
Saquon Barkley is the engine that powers this Eagles offense, but the concern going forward centers around the supporting cast. Philly was lucky to face a Green Bay Packers team that was far from a threat on offense, masking the Eagles’ own offensive woes. Jalen Hurts doesn’t appear to be the same, dangerous player this year, especially as a passer. They’re among the favorites because of talent but are more vulnerable than it would seem.
(Last week: Second, +350)
In a not-so-shocking turn of events, the AFC favorites still reside in Kansas City. They get the Texans in the divisional round, while the Bills and Ravens battle in what projects to be a more competitive matchup. Kansas City arguably has the easiest remaining road to a Lombardi Trophy, and that’s reflected in their betting odds. While they’ve seemed more beatable than usual this year, the Chiefs still find ways to get the job done. As they look for their third-straight Super Bowl, Kansas City remains right near the top of the odds.
(Last week: First, +275)
The best team in the NFL this year, the Lions have cruised all season long. Their offense can score at will, and the defense has overcome countless injuries en route to the NFC’s top seed. They’ve felt like a team of destiny all year. Injuries might be the only thing that can slow down this juggernaut, but Dan Campbell’s team is rightfully atop the rankings.
AFC
The AFC divisional round matchups are locked in.
NFC
Here’s how the NFC side of the bracket looks:
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