As the NFL postseason reaches a fever pitch, the Divisional Round brings together eight teams with championship aspirations. This weekend’s slate is a mix of storied rivalries, cross-conference clashes, and matchups between rising stars and established veterans.
From the high-altitude air of Denver to the hostile environments in Chicago and Seattle, every snap carries the weight of a season. We break down the individual battles and lines for NFL Playoff betting that will decide which four teams move one step closer to the Super Bowl.
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
Spread: Texans +2.5 (EVEN) / Patriots -2.5 (-120)
Win: Texans +155 / Patriots -135
Total: O41.0 (-110) / U41.0 (-110)
This matchup features a fascinating clash between the Texans’ high-powered offense and the Patriots’ disciplined defense. The primary battle to watch is C.J. Stroud navigating a complex New England secondary.
Rookie sensation Drake Maye faces his biggest test against an aggressive Houston pass rush led by Will Anderson Jr. If the Patriots’ offensive line can’t protect Maye from the Texans’ “spy” packages, Houston’s defense could dictate the tempo and force critical mistakes.
The odds for betting on the New England Patriots suggest they will win by just under a field goal.
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
Spread: Bills -1.0 (-115) / Broncos +1.0 (-105)
Win: Bills -120 / Broncos EVEN
Total: O46.5 (-115) / U46.5 (-105)
A rematch of last year’s Wild Card thriller, this game hinges on Josh Allen’s ability to avoid turnovers against a Denver defense that ranks among the league’s best in red-zone efficiency.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix must find a rhythm against a Buffalo secondary that excels at disguising coverages. Denver’s success depends on keeping the score close enough to allow its consistent running game to wear down the Bills’ front late in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Spread: 49ers +7.5 (-115) / Seahawks -7.5 (-105)
Win: 49ers +285 / Seahawks -370
Total: O45.5 (-110) / U45.5 (-110)
Familiarity breeds contempt in this third meeting of the season. The spotlight shines on Christian McCaffrey, who must contend with a Seattle run defense that has statistically become the NFL’s best by EPA.
For Seattle, Sam Darnold has a wealth of targets like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, but he must navigate a pocket that will be under constant duress from a rejuvenated San Francisco pass rush.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears
Spread: Rams -3.5 (-115) / Bears +3.5 (-105)
Win: Rams -200 / Bears +170
Total: O51.0 (-115) / U51.0 (-105)
This contest is a showdown between the surgical precision of Matthew Stafford and the improvisational magic of Caleb Williams. The Rams’ offense relies on Stafford’s chemistry with Puka Nacua, but they face a Bears defense that recently shut down Green Bay in a late-season surge.
The X-factor is the Bears’ defensive front against the Rams’ interior line. If Stafford is kept clean, he can pick apart any secondary. However, if Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore can replicate their late-game heroics, the Chicago home crowd could become the defining factor.
We’re leaning towards betting on the Bears to cover the -3.5 points.
