Saturday marks the beginning of the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs, and we have a pair of solid matchups to consider.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (10-8) and Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) start things off with a Saturday afternoon AFC matchup, followed by the New York Giants (10-7-1) meeting the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) in the nightcap.
It should be a great day of football, and we’re looking forward to a big NFL betting weekend. For the best odds and latest promos, have a look at our list of legal NJ betting apps.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs January 21, 4:30 pm
Jacksonville is a +8.5 underdog, and the Jags should cover the spread Saturday.
Since 2018, the Chiefs have been 8-3 in playoff games, and a big reason for this success is QB Patrick Mahomes and TE Travis Kelce. The two have connected for 11 playoff TDs since 2018, and this year hooked up 110 times for 1338 yards and a dozen TDs. RB Jerick McKinnon has seven receiving TDs over his last five games, and Mahomes has more than he needs to attack and score against the worst passing defense remaining in the playoffs.
Kansas City will need to slow down Jags QB Trevor Lawrence–Lawrence threw four 1st half-interceptions but bounced back with four 2nd half-TD passes last week against Los Angeles, and he can’t afford a 27-0 halftime deficit against the Chiefs. Lawrence is surrounded by weapons like WRs Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, TE Gerald Engram, and a big-time RB in Travis Etienne that can keep things close, and close is all we need.
The Chiefs are 2-6 ATS over their last eight contests. Jacksonville can score with Kansas City, and if the weather turns this into a running game, the Jags and Etienne will have the edge. Take the Jags to cover the spread.
Best Bet: Jacksonville Jaguars +8.5 -110 (Caesars)
New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles January 21, 8:15 pm.
New York is a +7.5 underdog, and the Giants should cover the spread Saturday.
This bet has more to do with the number than anything else–a wise man once told me never to lay -7.5 in an NFL contest as most games end in either three or seven-point outcomes. The three and seven are key numbers, and the hook is the insurance against both numbers.
New York is 14-4 ATS this season and plays good ball. The Giants have won three of their last five, including its first playoff victory since 2011. The strength of the offense centers around the rushing of QB Daniel Jones and RB Saquan Barkley, and they have a good opportunity against the 7th best-rushing defense remaining in the playoffs. Jones is an adequate passer but faces the best-passing defense in the NFL–Jones did sling it for 300+ last week, but if the Giants stick to its strength, they should be able to keep this game closer than 7.5 points.
The Philly offense is similar to the Giants, only with more passing weapons. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts been incredible with his feet and arm and was the MVP frontrunner before missing Weeks 16 & and 17 with a shoulder injury. New York doesn’t stop the run or the pass–Hurts, and the offense will move the ball, but the Giants allow 1.3 passing and less than a rushing TD per contest. That doesn’t add up to a huge Eagles victory, and it’s a good idea to back a Giants team that covers the spread like a blanket.
Best Bet: New York Giants +7.5 -110 (Bet365)
