The divisional round of the postseason is quite possibly the most intriguing time of the year to bet on NFL lines. The best of the best of the NFL are in action this week and Bodog is here to get you ready for this weekend with the Saturday instalment preview, which features Falcons-Eagles and Titans-Patriots. Which teams will prevail and secure a spot in the two conference championship games? Tune in on Saturday to find out.
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles
Favourite: Falcons -3
This weekend’s playoff slate will open up in Philadelphia, where the Atlanta Falcons face the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. One of the most impressive teams during the 2017 NFL campaign, the Eagles have earned the top seed in the NFC thanks to strong overall play up and down the roster, ranking top four in the NFL both offensively and defensively. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t the same team at this stage of the season, having lost their spark on offense in quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 14 due to injury.
The Falcons will be looking to take advantage of backup Nick Foles, who isn’t nearly as productive as Wentz. Riding high after a 26-13 upset win over the Los Angeles Rams last weekend, NFC’s sixth-seeded Atlanta are 3-point favourites over the Eagles when it comes to this weekend’s NFL playoff odds. Should the Falcons’ defense continue their error-free play into this week, they will be hard to beat. However, the Eagles field a strong roster, so this promises to be a back and forth battle. Super Bowl 52 odds have the Falcons at +650 and the Eagles at +1400.
Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots
Favourite: Patriots -14
Speaking of Super Bowl 2018 odds, the AFC’s first seeded Patriots remain the favourites for the title, as they have been throughout most of the season. The Pats are +200 to win it all, while their opponent this week, the Titans, are the least likely team to win at +5000 Super Bowl odds. That same discrepancy can be seen in the Patriots vs Titans odds, too. Fifth-seeded Tennessee is a significant underdog this weekend, getting 14 points from New England after overcoming the odds a week ago and stunning Kansas City as a 9-point underdog. Marcus Mariota willed his team to victory, scoring 19 unanswered points to come out of Arrowhead with a W. The Titans will be hoping for a similar outcome this weekend.
The Patriots, meanwhile, seem ready after a week’s rest in which some turmoil within the organization has been uncovered. Reportedly, there was controversy and conflict within the organization between owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, but all parties deny the allegations. Whether the story is true or not, one thing’s for sure – the Pats are ready to let their play on the field do the talking and will be ready for the Titans.
*Odds as of January 11, 2018