We’re through one week of the NFL postseason and only eight teams remain.
Let’s check out the odds for the divisional round at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Jan. 13,as well as what to know about each game.
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AFC Divisional Round: A Clash of Titans and Rising Stars
No. 6 Buffalo Bills @ No. 1 Denver Broncos
Spread: Bills -1.5
Moneyline: Bills -120, Broncos +100
O/U: 46.5
The Matchup: This contest promises fireworks. The Bills, led by the dynamic Josh Allen, narrowly escaped Jacksonville in the Wild Card round, showcasing Allen’s ability to deliver in clutch moments with three total touchdowns. They now face a daunting road challenge against the Denver Broncos,a team that dramatically turned their season around,winning 13 of their last 14 games after a shaky 1-2 start. The Broncos’ resurgence has positioned them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Buffalo’s playoff journey has been marked by consistent appearances – seven straight seasons – yet consistently falling short of the ultimate prize. They’ve lost to kansas City four times, Cincinnati once, and Houston once in recent postseasons, and have reached at least the Divisional Round for the past six years.Denver, simultaneously occurring, is looking to build on last year’s playoff appearance, aiming to surpass their Wild Card exit and recapture the Super Bowl glory of 2015. Their 31-7 loss to Buffalo last season serves as a painful reminder of what’s at stake.
No. 5 Houston Texans @ No. 2 New England Patriots
Spread: Patriots -3
Moneyline: Patriots -155, Texans +130
O/U: 41.5
The matchup: The Houston Texans arrive in New England riding a remarkable 10-game winning streak,a testament to their dominant form. Their Wild Card victory over the Steelers was a statement, holding Pittsburgh to a mere six points despite a few turnovers.C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ young quarterback, has been instrumental in their success, but will face his toughest test yet against the Patriots’ seasoned defense.
New England, a perennial contender, secured their spot with a hard-fought win against the Chargers, though their offense sputtered, managing only 16 points. The Patriots’ strength lies in their disciplined defense and strategic coaching, but they haven’t encountered a defensive unit quite like Houston’s this season. This game will be a captivating clash of styles: Houston’s explosive offense against New England’s methodical, defensive-minded approach.
NFC Divisional Round: West Coast Warfare and Upset Potential
No. 6 San Francisco 49ers @ No. 1 Seattle Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks -7.5
Moneyline: Seahawks -345, 49ers +275
O/U: 45.5
The Matchup: This NFC West showdown is a classic rivalry renewed. The season series was split, with San Francisco winning a tight contest in Seattle (17-13) and seattle dominating in San Francisco (13-3). Historically, these games are low-scoring affairs, with a combined total of just 46 points across their two regular-season meetings.Seattle’s late-season victory, securing the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed, was particularly notable, as their defense stifled the 49ers’ offense.
However, the Seahawks’ recent playoff history is a cause for concern. They’ve struggled in the postseason, losing in the Wild Card round in 2022 to the 49ers and in 2020 to the Rams. This pattern raises questions about their ability to perform when the pressure is highest. San Francisco, despite being the lower seed, presents a significant challenge, especially if they can replicate their Week 1 performance in seattle.
No. 5 Los Angeles Rams @ No. 2 Chicago Bears
Spread: Rams -3.5
Moneyline: Rams -192, Bears +160
O/U: 51.5
The Matchup: The Chicago Bears, despite being the No.2 seed,find themselves as underdogs at home for the second consecutive week. Their Wild Card victory over the Packers was a thrilling comeback, fueled by a 25-point fourth quarter. They’ll need to maintain that offensive firepower against a Rams team that’s peaking at the right time.
The Rams, fresh off a 34-31 road win against carolina, are led by potential MVP Matthew Stafford. Their recent playoff success – three consecutive tournament appearances and a Super Bowl win in 2021 – gives them a significant edge in experience. The Bears, however, are hungry for their first playoff win since 2010, and their home-field advantage could prove crucial. Their victory over Green Bay demonstrated their resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
The Divisional Round promises a compelling mix of established contenders and rising stars. Each game presents unique storylines and challenges, setting the stage for a thrilling chapter in the NFL postseason.
