NFL Divisional Round Straight Up, Against the Spread, and Survivor Pool Picks
In a highly anticipated set of matchups this weekend, bettors will be hoping to capitalize on these intriguing contests. Here are my predictions for each game, as well as some analysis of why I'm taking certain teams.
**Bills at Broncos (-1.5)**
A closely contested matchup is expected between the Bills and Broncos. The Broncos have been known for their strong pass rush all season, racking up 68 sacks to lead the league. Meanwhile, Josh Allen will be looking to prove himself in his second-ever NFL playoff game. Despite my reservations about Bo Nix's ability to perform under pressure, I'm willing to take Allen against an opponent who can't quite keep pace with him.
**Prediction:** Bills +1.5 (I'll trust the quarterback)
**49ers at Seahawks (-7)**
This one looks like a blowout in favor of the Seahawks. The 49ers suffered a significant injury setback when George Kittle went down with a torn Achilles, and I'm not sure how they'll recover in time for this matchup. The Seahawks have been dominating their opponents on both sides of the ball, and I think it's likely that they will run up the score against San Francisco.
**Prediction:** Seahawks -7
**Texans at Patriots (-3)**
A tough one to call here, as the Texans have a stout defense but lack a reliable running game. The Patriots, meanwhile, are always difficult opponents, especially on short rest after a Thursday night win over the Jets. However, I think C.J. Stroud's tendency to go cold will give me pause.
**Prediction:** Patriots -3
**Rams (-3.5) at Bears**
Bears history shows that they have a knack for coming from behind in games, but this matchup looks like a trap game for them. The Rams are on the verge of clinching a top seed in the NFC and will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing loss last week.
**Prediction:** Rams -3.5
**Survivor Pool Pick**
Given my confidence in each team's chances, I've decided to take an AFC team this week (Texans) and another next week (Bills). The key to winning a survivor pool is choosing the right team to advance to the next round, rather than just picking the winners outright.
This weekend: Texans +3
Next week: Bills +1.5
**Overall Record**
After this week's games, I'll be at 52-58-2 against the spread for the season, with a 178-97-1 straight-up record and a 0.646 win percentage in the playoffs.
* 2024 Season Straight Up: 205-80
* 2024 Season Against the Spread: 62-44-3
Note: The predictions provided are based on the author's personal analysis and should not be considered as investment advice or taken seriously for purposes other than entertainment.
In a highly anticipated set of matchups this weekend, bettors will be hoping to capitalize on these intriguing contests. Here are my predictions for each game, as well as some analysis of why I'm taking certain teams.
**Bills at Broncos (-1.5)**
A closely contested matchup is expected between the Bills and Broncos. The Broncos have been known for their strong pass rush all season, racking up 68 sacks to lead the league. Meanwhile, Josh Allen will be looking to prove himself in his second-ever NFL playoff game. Despite my reservations about Bo Nix's ability to perform under pressure, I'm willing to take Allen against an opponent who can't quite keep pace with him.
**Prediction:** Bills +1.5 (I'll trust the quarterback)
**49ers at Seahawks (-7)**
This one looks like a blowout in favor of the Seahawks. The 49ers suffered a significant injury setback when George Kittle went down with a torn Achilles, and I'm not sure how they'll recover in time for this matchup. The Seahawks have been dominating their opponents on both sides of the ball, and I think it's likely that they will run up the score against San Francisco.
**Prediction:** Seahawks -7
**Texans at Patriots (-3)**
A tough one to call here, as the Texans have a stout defense but lack a reliable running game. The Patriots, meanwhile, are always difficult opponents, especially on short rest after a Thursday night win over the Jets. However, I think C.J. Stroud's tendency to go cold will give me pause.
**Prediction:** Patriots -3
**Rams (-3.5) at Bears**
Bears history shows that they have a knack for coming from behind in games, but this matchup looks like a trap game for them. The Rams are on the verge of clinching a top seed in the NFC and will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing loss last week.
**Prediction:** Rams -3.5
**Survivor Pool Pick**
Given my confidence in each team's chances, I've decided to take an AFC team this week (Texans) and another next week (Bills). The key to winning a survivor pool is choosing the right team to advance to the next round, rather than just picking the winners outright.
This weekend: Texans +3
Next week: Bills +1.5
**Overall Record**
After this week's games, I'll be at 52-58-2 against the spread for the season, with a 178-97-1 straight-up record and a 0.646 win percentage in the playoffs.
* 2024 Season Straight Up: 205-80
* 2024 Season Against the Spread: 62-44-3
Note: The predictions provided are based on the author's personal analysis and should not be considered as investment advice or taken seriously for purposes other than entertainment.
i mean, they said that last year and this year and next year too lol but seriously tho, chicago's got a good thing goin with kyber and the rest of the team so why fix what ain't broke?
. People say they can't stop Josh Allen, but I think Bo Nix is actually pretty underrated as a QB and he's definitely got the potential to make some huge plays when it matters most 
Plus, the Broncos have been struggling on D all season, so I'm expecting big things from the Bills 
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. I think the Bills taking the Broncos by 1.5 is a solid pick - Josh Allen's got game 
. And with the Seahawks looking like they're gonna run up the score on the 49ers, I'll take Seattle to win big 
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. But I think they've got this one in the bag - Rams -3.5 is lookin' like a safe bet 
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. But we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out this weekend!
, it's all about which teams are actually gonna show up to play. like, 49ers -7 against a team that's been injured? gimme the Seahawks money 
. And on the flip side, C.J. Stroud might chill in that Patriots game 
. But for me, the Rams -3.5 is a no-brainer, Bears are all about coming from behind 
I've been trying to get into that stuff but I just don't understand it yet... can someone explain it to me in simple terms pls? 
. The Broncos have been running all over everyone except Kansas City, and Josh Allen's been playing lights out lately. So, taking Buffalo at +1.5 seems like a solid play to me 
The Bills have been quietly building momentum all season, and their passing game could be the difference maker here. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are looking like a blowout candidate against the 49ers... how long can they keep up that dominant form? 
what if he gets sacked like 5 times? 
c.j. stroud's gotta bring his A-game or else they're gonna get destroyed 
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. But on the other hand, I'm not counting out the Bills just yet, Josh Allen's got some serious game 
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i was in this one with my friends last year and we all ended up having a pretty good run but then someone else jumped out at the right time 
49ers getting destroyed by seahawks is gonna be a thing this weekend 
and patriots gonna crush the texans for sure 
, and Bo Nix will be lucky if he sees the ball more than 5 times 
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. The Seahawks are gonna blow it out for sure.
. I love a good underdog story, but this one's gonna be tough to pull off.
Chicago is always gonna be coming from behind in these games, and LA's just gonna get back on track after that loss last week.
. And what's with the "strong pass rush" line for the Broncos? Did someone actually watch their games this season or just rely on some old stats from last year? 
