Are you ready for some football?
The NFL postseason is upon us and the cool January air is filled with excitement, nerves and anticipation. Wild Card weekend gets this Saturday underway with two games on the docket before a three-game slate on Sunday and a solo matchup on Monday. And with three days of NFL playoff games dispersed across this holiday weekend, bettors get three days to try and win some big money.
We’re here to help ensure that you do. So, before the madness occurs, let’s take a look at every one of the holiday weekend’s games and conclude on one bet to make for each of them.
All odds via BetMGM
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (Saturday at 4:30 pm ET on FOX)
George Kittle – Over 3.5 Receptions Made
Deebo Samuel’s and Elijah Mitchell’s returns to the 49ers’ offense could mean fewer opportunities for some guys. Still, with how much of a connection Brock Purdy and George Kittle have had for nearly one whole month, it’s hard not to see Kittle coming up with at least four catches.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Saturday at 8:15 pm ET on NBC)
Austin Ekeler – Over 4.5 Receptions Made
The versatile, dual-threat running back caught 107 passes this year. ONE HUNDRED SEVEN! Not only for a running back is that almost unheard of, but that total placed him in the top 5 of any player in the NFL this season (wide receivers and tight ends included). Ekeler had eight catches against the Jaguars in the Chargers’ 38-10 Week 3 loss. Jacksonville could force Herbert again into checking down, especially since Mike Williams is officially ruled out. That is good news for Ekeler’s prop.
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins (Sunday at 1:00 pm ET on CBS)
Josh Allen – Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns
If we know one thing about Josh Allen it’s that he’s going to show up in the postseason. He’s thrown multiple touchdowns in his last three playoff games, including five in the Wild Card Round against the New England Patriots a year ago and four against the Kansas City Chiefs a weekend later. Allen threw at least two TD passes in 10 of 16 games this past regular season and 6 of those came in two contests against the Miami Dolphins. Don’t expect anything less from Allen on Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants (Sunday 4:30 pm ET on FOX)
Total Points – Over 48.0
If the Vikings’ line were -3.5 instead of -3, I’d be willing to be on the Giants to cover — too many times have the Vikings’ games been decided on a game-winning field goal. But since the line is what it is, I’m more comfortable betting on this game to hit the over. New York’s defense is good but Minnesota’s offense is dynamic enough to put up points.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (8:15 pm ET on NBC)
Total Points – Under 40.5
Bengals-Ravens games were really weird this season, which is typical of AFC North battles. Baltimore’s defense is good enough to muck this game up and slow the Bengals’ offense at least a little, and Cincinnati’s strong defense should be able to limit a likely Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore offense. Take the under.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys (Monday at 8:15 pm ET on ESPN)
Dak Prescott – Over 0.5 Interceptions Thrown
The Dallas Cowboys are a good football team and have a great offense because of the wonderful things Dak Prescott can do with the football. That said, he’s an interception machine. This past regular season, he was one of the few quarterbacks in the league to average over 1.0 interceptions per game. He was picked off in 10 of the 12 games he appeared in, including in Week 1 against Tampa Bay, I’m not sure who’ll win this game but I’m pretty confident the Bucs will find a way to intercept one of Prescott’s passes.
