Matchups suggest road teams cover
Top wagering picks for the NFL’s divisional playoffs weekend based on lines from Tipico Sportsbook:
Bengals at Bills
The Bengals were 12-5 against the spread (ATS) on the season, and being a 41⁄2-point underdog here is too many points. Cincinnati has an elite duo of safeties that should be able to tame QB Josh Allen. Also, Buffalo has consistently gotten too many points at home which is why it is 3-5 ATS at home this season. The Bengals are 5-0 ATS in their last five January games. The Bills failed to cover against Miami and showed too many flaws, especially in the turnover battle as Allen threw two interceptions. Allen has thrown multiple interceptions in five of his last 11 games. His inconsistencies mixed with a Bengals team that has continually covered at a high rate makes the BENGALS (+4.5) the preferable bet.
Giants at Eagles
If there’s one thing the Giants did well this season, it was reward Under bettors. They were 6-9-2 Over/Under, and the combination of the Eagles elite defensive line and a potentially injured QB Jalen Hurts should result in a low scoring game. The Giants beat the Vikings 31-24, hitting the 47.5-point Over, but this game should be a different animal. The Eagles rank No. 1 in fewest opponents’ passing yards per game allowed (179.8) and No. 2 in opponents’ total yards per game (301.5). If Hurts isn’t 100%, expect the Eagles to utilize their run game more and keep the clock ticking. With an elite defense and the health of Hurts up in the air, ultimately, back the UNDER (49.0).
Jaguars at Chiefs
For a playoff game against a Doug Pederson-led team, this is just too many points. The Jags are 5-1 ATS over their last six games. They are middle of the pack in opponents’ completion percentage (64.1%) and rank top 15 in both rushing and passing yards per game.
They are a complete team that should give the Chiefs a battle. Kansas City has allowed the 10th-best opponents’ completion percentage and 14th-most passing yards. After QB Trevor Lawrence settled into the wild-card game, he looked like a force. Given the large spread, I would back the JAGUARS (+9).
Cowboys at 49ers
The Cowboys looked flawless against the Bucs, and although that was partially on Tampa Bay’s lack of execution, the Dallas defensive front is the real deal. So is its offense. Dallas’ defense will be prepared to go against San Francisco and has weapons to counter WR Deebo Samuel and RB Christian McCaffrey. If the 49ers have a weakness, it would be in the pass defense game, ranking in the bottom half in fewest passing yards allowed per game. QB Dak Prescott played a near-perfect game against Tampa Bay. He may finally be ready to prove his postseason worth and find the seams in the San Francisco defense. Questions could rise about 49ers QB Brock Purdy in what should be a competitive battle. This game should be a close one. That said, given the spread, back the (+4).