NFL Prop Bet Payday: Sunday Fun Day Edition

Previewing Sunday’s NFL Divisional Round playoff games between the Texans and Chiefs and Seahawks and Packers with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Sunday of Divisional playoff weekend will feature a couple of games with differing looks. People anticipate an offensive shootout between the Texans and Chiefs and just the opposite when Seattle heads to Green Bay – first team to 20 wins.

But, we’re focusing on the individual days the players from all four teams are going to have and have identified ones that we believe can take you to the pay window

Chiefs rookie Mecole Hardman provides sneaky value. Photo Credit: Stan Szeto – USA TODAY Sports

A Hardman Is Good to Find – Of all the stats that are out there for Chiefs players, the one that jumps out to us is Mecole Hardman with an over/under of just 19½ receiving yards (-112 for the over and the under). It’s a dice roll because Hardman has caught just 26 passes as a rookie. But, the key is that he averages 20.7 yards per reception and will be covered by a nickel corner or a safety. We think he can catch one pass and, if his average holds, he hits the number with one reception. Take the over.

Texans running back Duke Johnson has a small hill to climb. Photo Credit: Thomas J. Russo – USA TODAY Sports

The King of All Sir Duke – Duke Johnson was brought to Houston to be the team’s primary receiving back and caught 44 passes for 410 yards. His over/under for receiving yards is 24½ – a number he has surpassed in three of his last four games. The conventional wisdom is that the Chiefs are going to force the issue offensively and the Texans will have to pump. A couple of check-down passes to Johnson could be enough to his that low number if he finds a seam in the defense. Take the over.

All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers presents too much risk this time around. Photo Credit: Denny Medley – USA TODAY Sports

Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood – Aaron Rodgers is a Hall of Famer when his career is over, but he hasn’t been the same lights out player he was in previous years. Aside from Davante Adams, he has struggled to elevate one of his young receivers to be a clear No. 2 option. His over/under for passing yards is 251½ (-112 on both over and under). It’s a number you would think he would hit, but the Packers don’t have the explosiveness on offense they’ve had in past years and, with the emergence of Aaron Jones as a legitimate rushing threat, A-Rodg will struggle to hit the number. Take the under.

Seahawks stud Russell Wilson has tall odds to overcome. Photo Credit: Joe Nicholson – USA TODAY Sports

Where There’s a Wilson There’s a Way – Russell Wilson has an identical yardage number as Rodgers at 251½ (-112 on both the over and under). He’s coming off a huge game against a beat-up Eagles defense, but the Green Bay defense will bring a much more daunting challenge. Before last weekend’s game, Wilson had been held under the point in his last four games, six of his last seven and his last four road games. There’s a reason for that. Take the under.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Betting Guide – NFL Divisional Playoffs: Odds, lines, spreads, picks and best bets

Game-by-game NFL Divisional Playoff breakdowns, with NFL betting odds, lines, predictions, picks and betting tips for each game.

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NFL Playoffs continue this weekend, as we’re down to eight teams in the chase to be this season’s Super Bowl Champion. SportsbookWire’s NFL Playoff Betting Guide is at your service, full of NFL odds, lines, spreads, game-by-game predictions, picks and best-bet selections to help you make the best NFL sports bets for the week.

Be sure to also check out our recommendations around parlay picks to cash in on during the NFL Playoffs:

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round 

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers – 4:35 p.m. ET – NBC

Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens – 8:15 p.m. ET – CBS


NFL Divisional Playoffs BetMGM Special

Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) IF ANY NFL team scores a touchdown during the NFL’s divisional playoff rounds. Easy win. Win now at BetMGM!

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Sunday, January 12, 2020

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs – 3:05 p.m. ET – CBS

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers – 6:40 p.m. ET – FOX

Now that you have the skinny on what to do with each game, visit BetMGM to place a bet on your favorite matchup(s) now.

For additional sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com now and for a complete set of today’s live odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks, and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Divisional Round showdown between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs, with NFL betting odds, picks and tips

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The Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) host the Houston Texans (10-6) Sunday in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium, where the visiting Texans beat the Chiefs 31-24 back in Week 6. Below, we analyze the Chiefs-Texans sports betting odds and lines, while providing NFL betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Texans at Chiefs: Divisional Round preview, betting trends and notes


NFL Divisional Playoffs BetMGM Special

Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) IF ANY NFL team scores a touchdown during the NFL’s divisional playoff rounds. Easy win. Win now at BetMGM!

Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. 


  • The Chiefs have been on a roll, winning six straight games, and covering the spread in each of those contests.
  • The Chiefs went Over the total in their 31-21 win against the Chargers in their regular-season finale, but the Under had hit in each of their five previous five games. During that span, the Kansas City defense surrendered just 9.6 points per game.
  • The total has gone Under in 10 of 17 games for the Texans this season, including each of their last four road games.
  • The Kansas City defense should be able to put some pressure on Texans QB Deshaun Watson. Houston has allowed 16 sacks in their last three games (including seven last week against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round), while the Chiefs have recorded 34 sacks in their last 10 games.
  • Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes shouldn’t have too much trouble moving the ball against a Houston defense that has allowed the fourth-most passing yards on the season.
  • Both defenses rank in the bottom five in yards per rush attempt, as well as receptions and receiving yards to opposing running backs.

Texans at Chiefs: Key injuries

Texans WR Will Fuller (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, and appears to have a strong chance to return to action this weekend.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, but he should be good to go for Sunday. FS Juan Thornhill is out with a torn ACL suffered in the final game of the regular season.

Texans at Chiefs: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Chiefs 30, Texans 17

Moneyline (?)

The Texans pulled off the upset in Kansas City earlier in the year, and posted a 5-3 record on the road. But they’ll have their hands full this time, as the Chiefs have won six straight, with an average margin of victory of 16.3 points. The Chiefs should win this game, but at -455 on the moneyline, it’s best to AVOID the chalk and target the spread instead.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Chiefs to win the game outright returns a profit of just $2.20.

Against the Spread (?)

The Chiefs lost three straight home games earlier in the year, including one to the Texans, but they have been playing well lately. In their last three games at Arrowhead, they outscored their opponents (Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers) 94-33. The line has gone up a couple points since it opened, but is still in the single digits.

Armed with an explosive offense and improved defense, look for the CHIEFS (-9.5, -110) to get revenge, and win this matchup by 10 ore more points.

Over/Under (?)

The projected total has moved up to 50.5 points, the highest total on the board in the second round. Both teams have been going Under the total a lot lately, and while the loss of Thornhill is a big one, the improved Kansas City defense should be able to prevent this from becoming a shootout. UNDER 50.5 (-106) looks like the side to take.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Divisional Round: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s NFC Divisional Round showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, with betting odds, picks and bets.

The Minnesota Vikings (11-6) are coming off an overtime playoff road win to face a well-rested, top-seeded San Francisco 49ers (13-3) at Levi’s Stadium at 4:35 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Vikings-49ers odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 17 NFL matchup.

Vikings at 49ers: Divisional Round preview, betting trends and notes


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  • The total has hit the Over in five of Minnesota’s last six road games.
  • The total has hit the Over in seven of San Francisco’s last 10 games.
  • Minnesota is 7-3 against the spread in its last 10 games against NFC opponents.
  • Both teams have had their fair share of success. The Vikings have the seventh ranked scoring offense (25.5 points per game) and the sixth ranked scoring defense (19 PPG). Not to be outdone, the 49ers are second in scoring offense (29.9 PPG) and the eighth in scoring defense (19.4 PPG).
  • The 49ers are just 9-6-1 against the spread, including 3-4-1 at home.
  • The Vikings are 10-7 ATS, including 5-4 on the road.
  • The all-time record between the Vikings and 49ers is 23-23-1, but Minnesota has won six of the last eight.

Vikings at 49ers: Key injuries

Vikings: CB Mackensie Alexander (knee) is out and CB Mike Hughes was placed on IR last week. WR Stefon Diggs hasn’t practiced due to an illness, but is expected to play. S Jayron Kearse (toe/knee) and WR Adam Thielen (ankle) are questionable.

49ers: Everyone practiced Wednesday, but DEs Dee Ford (quadriceps/hamstring) and Kentavius Street (knee) and G Mike Person (neck) were limited.

Vikings at 49ers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

49ers 24, Vikings 20

Moneyline (?)

Minnesota (+260) has a prohibitive moneyline number and could have a legitimate shot at winning the game outright. San Francisco (-334) is giving up too much for a return. If you’re betting the moneyline, a small bet on the Vikings would be the play, but, if you’re betting the 49ers, a stronger bet would be to give up 3.5 points at -189.

Against the Spread (?)

The Vikings likely aren’t capable of blowing out the 49ers. A rested San Francisco team going up against a Minnesota squad that had a short week of practice after playing an overtime game on the road Sunday and flying back to Minnesota is a scenario fraught with the potential for a Niners blowout. But, Minnesota could be down by 14 late and score a meaningless touchdown to hit the number. Realistically, the Niners need to win by two scores. Take the VIKINGS +7 (-110).

Over/Under (?)

The O/U is of 45.5 (Over +105, Under -129). This is a tough one because these are two of the best rush offenses and two of the better defenses. This game could – and likely will – include its share of punts with it being a field-position battle. Minnesota has allowed 23 or fewer points 13 times this season and San Francisco has a knack for protecting leads by shortening the game. Take the UNDER 45.5 (-129).

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Updated Super Bowl LIV Betting Odds

Eight teams remain in the mix to win Super Bowl LIV, we look at the sports betting odds on each

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A Super Bowl LIV potential matchup became a little bit clearer over the weekend, as four teams were removed from competition during the NFL Wildcard playoff rounds.

While eight teams remain in the mix in what is shaping up to be a wild finish, one thing is clear: We’ll have a different Super Bowl Champion and AFC representative after the Tennessee Titans knocked off the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots Saturday evening. The New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles were also removed from the conversation

The Baltimore Ravens (+210) and San Francisco 49ers (+325), both No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC respectively, are at the top of BetMGM‘s oddsmakers most-likely-to-succeed view in terms of Super Bowl betting odds. Like longshots and underdogs? The Houston Texans (+2800) and Tennessee Titans (+2800) come in tied with the longest of odds of the remaining teams.

New to sports betting? An NFL future bet on Super Bowl LIV lets you place a wager on which team you think will be this year’s champion. The longer the odds, the better the profit – and higher risk. +210 odds on Baltimore, the early favorite, represents a 32.26% implied odds that they’ll win Super Bowl LIV. A $100 wager profits $210 should they do just that … that same wager on Houston or Tennessee returns a $2,800 profit if one of them goes the distance.

Updated Super Bowl LIV Odds

Baltimore Ravens +210

San Francisco 49ers +325

Kansas City Chiefs +350

Green Bay Packers +700

Seattle Seahawks +1200

Minnesota Vikings +1400

Houston Texans +2800

Tennessee Titans +2800

Want action on Super Bowl LIV? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Prop Bet Payday: Wild Card Round Edition

Analyzing key Wild Card Round NFL prop bets poised for a payday, featuring props around Derrick Henry, Carson Wentz and Drew Brees.

With four wild-card games getting football fans ready for the big boys on bye to get the party started in full force, we team up with our friends and BetMGM and TheHuddle.com to find the prop bets most likely to hit this weekend.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.

DeAndre 3000

Dec 8, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) argues a hit to the head during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. (Photo Credit: John Glaser – USA TODAY Sports)

The Buffalo Bills have a good defense and a very good secondary that will be focused on limiting Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins by sliding safety help his way because of his obvious production. Buffalo had the fourth-ranked pass defense in the NFL this season, due in large part to being able to limit an opponent’s top receiver and make second options try to beat them. They averaged just 214 passing yards allowed per game.

D-Hop’s Over/Under is 78.5 yards (-115 on both). He has routinely topped that number, but Buffalo doesn’t allow days like that very often, especially when their season is on the line and they need to shut off the water to Houston’s top threat. The Huddle has him catching five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. We agree with that sentiment. Take the UNDER 78.5 (-115).


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No Henry!

Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry led the NFL in rushing with 1,540 yards and, if Tennessee is going to go up to New England and beat the Patriots, they will need a lot of Henry. His Over/Under for rushing yards is 88.5 (-115 for both sides). Two things make that number a little too ambitious.

The Patriots are going to try to take the air out of the ball (no pun intended) with their No. 1-ranked defense and head coach Bill Belichick has a knack of devising a scheme to take away a team’s top threat. That is Henry when you’re playing Tennessee. Take the UNDER 88.5 (-115).

What Can Drew Do For You?

Dec 29, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes the ball in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. (Photo Credit: Bob Donnan – USA TODAY Sports)

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees has a mammoth Over/Under for passing yards at 304.5 (-115 on both). Minnesota has one of the better scoring defenses in the league, but it has been middle-of-the-road in yardage allowed (13th rushing, 15th passing and 14th overall).

The reason to jump on this one is that Minnesota is going to be without CBs Mike Hughes and Mackenzie Alexander, and former Pro Bowl corner Xavier Rhodes is having the worst season of his career and has gone from a shadow corner who chases a team’s best receiver to a guy offensive coordinators are targeting. The Vikings have only two healthy corners (Rhodes and Trae Waynes) who have NFL pedigrees. Brees is going to attack that weakness all day long. Take the OVER 304.5 (-115) and take your time waiting.

Gone With the Wentz

Dec 29, 2019; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass against the New York Giants in the first half at MetLife Stadium. (Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports)

Seattle has one of the worst pass defenses in the league, but the Philadelphia Eagles receiving corps has been depleted and their top pass-catcher (TE Zach Ertz) has a painful rib injury and is a question mark. Wentz has an Over/Under of 267.5 passing yards (-115 on both). The Seahawks are capable of giving up big numbers in the pass game, but are guys like Greg Ward and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside going to get enough to put Wentz over the top? We don’t think so. Take the UNDER 267.5 (-115).

Now that you have the skinny on what to do with each player, visit BetMGM to place a bet on your favorite NFL Prop Bets now. For additional sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com now and for a complete set of today’s live odds, access them at USA TODAY Sports.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Should you bet on the Minnesota Vikings to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the Minnesota Vikings’ Super Bowl LIV chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets.

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the bigger Jekyll and Hyde teams in the league, and have been for some time. Their veteran-laden lineup has Pro Bowl talent on both sides of the ball, but when it comes to putting it all together in a season, it has yet to happen for the Vikings.

And this season shouldn’t be the exception to that rule.

Minnesota’s odds of winning the Super Bowl are currently at +3300. Only Buffalo (+6000) and Tennessee (+4000) have longer odds.

New to sports betting? A $100 wager on the Vikings to win the Super Bowl would return a profit of $3,300 should they run the table.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 5:15 p.m. ET.

Can the Vikings pull it off?

Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings know a thing or two about beating the Saints in the playoffs. (Photo credit: Harrison Barden – USA TODAY Sports)

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.


One thing that Minnesota has going for it is a defense that can contain opposing offenses. The Vikings defense gave up just 31 touchdowns this season — fewer than two per game and fewest of any NFC playoff team. The defense isn’t as dominant as it has been in previous seasons, but still held opponents to 21 or fewer points in 10 games.

The Vikings also have a penchant for stringing together wins. Over the last five seasons, Minnesota has had winning streaks of four or more games in all but one of them, including two streaks of five straight wins and one of eight.

This season, Minnesota won four straight in October to go from 2-2 to 6-2 and virtually cement its playoff position. This is a team capable of getting on a hot streak.

Or is it just too tall a task?

Running back Dalvin Cook is one of several players capable of carrying the Vikings far in playoffs. The problem is just how log that road will be with three road wins needed just to get to the Super Bowl. (Photo c: Brace Hemmelgarn – USA TODAY Sports)

The biggest problem with the Vikings, however, is that they didn’t win the NFC North. And it doesn’t help that a loaded NFC forced a 13-3 New Orleans team to play on wild-card weekend.

The 10-6 Vikings know two things. 1) They have to go on the road to play a 13-3 team in the first round of the playoffs (New Orleans) and 2) if they win that game, they have to go back on the road to play another 13-3 team (San Francisco). And if the Vikings get through that and the other half of the NFC bracket holds, it would mean a third trip to a 13-3 club, to face Green Bay in the NFC title game.

Then there’s the whole Saints looking for revenge for the Minnesota Miracle to postseasons ago, as well.

Minnesota has the horses to some damage with Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph on offense and Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes on defense — but the path through the NFC is just too daunting to expect that the Vikings can make the run needed to get to the Super Bowl, much less win it.

Want action on this bet? Sign up and bet at BetMGMIf you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Wild Card Round matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Minnesota Vikings (10-6) meet the New Orleans Saints (13-3) in the playoffs for the first time since the Minneapolis Miracle game in January 2018. This time, however, the Saints will have a distinct home-field advantage when the game kicks off at the Merecedes-Benz Superdome at 1:05 p.m. Sunday. We analyze the Vikings-Saints betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

Vikings at Saints: Wild Card Round preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.


  • The Saints have gone 10-2 against the moneyline in their last 12 home games against opponents with winning records.
  • Minnesota played to the Over in each of its last five road games and six of its last eight games overall.
  • New Orleans hit the Over in five of its last seven games.
  • Both teams have winning records against the spread this season – New Orleans is 11-5 ATS (the best record in the league), while Minnesota is 9-7.
  • The Saints won their last three games by an average of 23 points.
  • Minnesota is 5-1 against the spread in its last six games played at the Superdome.
  • In his last five games against Minnesota, Saints QB Drew Brees has completed 129 of 175 passes (74%) for 1,410 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions.
  • Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has thrown for 1,005 yards with nine touchdowns and one interception in three career games against the Saints – including 359 yards and two TDs in his only game as a Viking.

Vikings at Saints: Key injuries

Vikings CB Mackensie Alexander (knee), CB Mike Hughes (neck) and LB Eric Kendricks (quadriceps) are headed toward questionable statuses. RBs Dalvin Cook (shoulder) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) will play.

Saints CB Eli Apple (ankle) and FB Zach Line (knee) didn’t practice Thursday.

Vikings at Saints: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Saints 34, Vikings 20

Moneyline (?)

Because the teams appear to be headed in different directions, this is by far the worst moneyline bet of the Wild Card Round games. The Saints are a whopping -400. That is simply too big of a number to support given Minnesota likely would have been 11-5 if not for laying down in Week 17.

The only bet to make here is Minnesota (+310) because the price is too steep to bet the Saints, but we’ll PASS and look to the spread.

Against the Spread (?)

The Saints opened as 6.5-point favorites at a lot of sports books, but the line quickly jumped over 7 and currently sits at 7.5 points (Saints: -115, Vikings: -106). The NFL has waited for Cousins to have a signature game and, despite considerable personal success against the Saints, he has the stigma of not coming up big when needed. Brees is just the opposite. Take the SAINTS (-7.5, -115).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Saints to win by at least 8 points returns a profit of $8.70.

Over/Under (?)

Just as the point spread for this game is the highest of any Wild Card game, so is the projected total of 49.5 points (Over: -115, Under: -106). That’s a big number, but this has the potential to be a risk-taking, big-play producing game like their last playoff meeting two years ago. Scores get big in the Big Easy and this one likely will follow suit. Take the OVER 49.5 (-115).

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Should you bet on the Eagles to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIV NFL chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets

The NFL playoffs begin this weekend and, as NFC East champions, the Philadelphia Eagles will host the final of the four wild-card games on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles finished the season 9-7, beating the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 then closing out the division crown with a 34-17 road win against the Giants in Week 17.

In all, the Eagles had to win four in a row to do it. And they needed every win.

Now Philadelphia readies for its playoff run with one looming question: Can the Eagles win four more games and take home its second Super Bowl title in the last three seasons?

The question for you is whether you should bet on the Eagles to actually sweep through the playoffs and win Super Bowl LIV.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 6:30 pm. ET.


Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.


The odds certainly wouldn’t point to the Eagles even making the playoffs, as they sit at +1200 to win the NFC, tied with Seattle for the second-longest odds in the NFC. Only Minnesota (+1600) has longer odds.

Philly is tied for the third-longest odds to win the Super Bowl at +3300. So while their odds of pulling it all off seem unlikely, the Eagles offer one of the biggest potential paydays in the playoffs.


New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl would return a profit of $330 should Philadelphia win the game.


Yes, it is a big payday. The question is whether it is worth betting on the Eagles.

Eagles to win the Super Bowl: Worth the risk?

Carson Wentz and the Eagles conquered the Dallas Cowboys in December. Can they conquer the rest of the NFL in January and February? (Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons – USA TODAY Sports)

They did win their final four games to get into the playoffs, so they are hot. However, those four games were all against the NFC East. They did not beat a winning team in the final eight games of the season.

They were 5-3 at home and 4-4 on the road. They likely will only have one playoff game at home — and that’s against the Seahawks, who have a better record than the Eagles (11-5) and were literally one yard away from winning the NFC West.

The Eagles’ receiving corps is underwhelming and Philadelphia struggles in the secondary. And last week, the club saw one of its best linemen, guard Brandon Brooks, go down for the remainder of the season. Running back Miles Sanders, a revelation in the second half of the season, also went down against the Giants and his availability is in question. And then there are injuries to All-Pro tight end Zach Ertz and All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson, both of whom are also uncertain for Sunday.

And if the Eagles do get past the Seahawks, they will likely be sitting in the divisional round with a trio of 11-3 teams … and that’s before we start talking potential Super Bowl opponent.

The potential payout is huge, but unless it is a casual, small bet, the Eagles aren’t worth wagering much.

Want action on this bet? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Should you bet on the 49ers to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the 49ers’ Super Bowl LIV NFL chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets

The San Francisco 49ers steamrolled their way to an 8-0 record to open the season, allowing more than 20 points just once in that span. Then came an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10 and a 3-3 run over the next six games as the San Francisco defense came back down to earth.

Nevertheless, the 49ers finished the season 5-3, earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, and still look like one of the best teams in the NFL. The oddsmakers see it that way, too. As of Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, BetMGM lists the 49ers at +400 to win Super Bowl LIV, the second-best odds only to the Ravens (+225).

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Wednesday at 3:30 pm. ET.


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The upside of betting on the 49ers isn’t nearly as high as picking a team like the Texans (+3300), but the risk is also much lower, given the fact that San Francisco has a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the NFC.

So should you lay down a wager on the 49ers to win it all? Absolutely. In fact, they’re one of the best bets in the playoffs for a couple of reasons.

Sizing up the NFC field

Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers spent much of the regular season perched atop the NFC. (Photo credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports)

First is San Francisco’s seeding and the NFC side of the playoff bracket. The 49ers haven’t had a week off since Week 4 — in late September. Earning a first-round bye with their riveting win over the Seahawks in Week 17 will do the 49ers a world good as banged-up veterans such as Emmanuel Sanders get extra time to recover and get healthy, while their first opponent won’t have that benefit.

And speaking of their first opponent in the playoffs, it won’t be the Saints or the Packers — the next-best teams in the conference. Green Bay is the No. 2 seed and also has a bye. New Orleans is the No. 3 seed and would automatically visit the Packers in the divisional round should it beat Minnesota this weekend. That leaves the 49ers to face the Seahawks, Eagles or Vikings.


New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the 49ers to win the Super Bowl would return a profit of $40 should the 49ers win the game.


The Eagles are a nice story of perseverance and overcoming injuries, but they’re too banged up to make a deep run in the playoffs with Carson Wentz being their only consistent source of offense. Seattle isn’t as good as its record — the Seahawks have only one win by more than one possession but three losses by at least two touchdowns.

The Vikings are an interesting team, but Kirk Cousins can’t be trusted on the big stage. Plus a deeper look at Minnesota’s schedule shows the Vikings beat only one opponent that finished with a winning record. In other words, they beat up on lesser teams and lost to their tougher foes.

On top of the playoff bracket, the 49ers are one of the most consistent and proven teams in the postseason. They lost in overtime to the Seahawks before beating them in Week 17, lost by three points on the road to the Ravens and were upset by the Falcons at the last second in Week 15 with a decimated secondary.

 

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is a big reason why the 49ers are looking down at the rest of the NFC playoff field. (Photo credit: Stan Szeto – USA TODAY Sports)

When healthy, the 49ers have a terrifying defense that’s outstanding at all three levels — from the pass rush with Nick Bosa to the linebackers with Fred Warner to the secondary with Richard Sherman.

On offense, their relentless ground game with the three-headed running-back monster of Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman helps balance the offense with Jimmy Garoppolo behind center. As long as Garoppolo doesn’t fold under pressure, the 49ers will be in good shape.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has the smarts to outduel even the best defensive masterminds — including Pete Carroll and Mike Zimmer. He has a golden opportunity to lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl, where a rematch with the Ravens could ensue.

Talent and coaching win in the playoffs, and the 49ers have both. Feel good about putting money on the 49ers to win it all in February.

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