NFL Divisional Round picks: Why you should consider Texans, Lions, and Bills
Lorenzo Reyes is back with his three best bets for the NFL’s Divisional Round weekend.
Lorenzo’s Locks
Well, a divisional foe in the wild card round didn’t seem to slow the Baltimore Ravens down. They ran all over the Pittsburgh Steelers en route to a 34-17 victory. However, their efforts have won them a matchup against the Buffalo Bills, fresh off arguably the most dominant victory of wild card week with their 31-7 victory over the Denver Broncos.
This is a matchup between the two frontrunners for MVP: Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson. Even though voting for the award has already come and gone, that’s not going to stop supporters on either side from using this game as a reason why their guy should win MVP.
Both of these quarterbacks have battled playoff woes over the years, and one of them will get a shot at an AFC Championship. Here are our experts’ predictions for this Divisional Round showdown.
Bills vs. Ravens odds, moneyline, over/under
The Ravens are favorites to defeat the Bills, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
- Spread: Ravens (-1)
- Moneyline: Ravens (-120); Bills (+100)
- Over/under: 51.5
NFL divisional round odds, predictions and picks
Chiefs vs. Texans | Lions vs. Commanders | Eagles vs. Rams | Bills vs. Ravens
Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 28, Ravens 25
This should be a fascinating game, and either team is certainly capable of winning here. My concern with Baltimore is one that always concerns me late in the season: the Ravens often abandon the things that got them this far — namely the rushing game. But if Todd Monken resolves to stick with the run, and if he feeds Derrick Henry and uses Lamar Jackson on designed misdirection rushes, I can easily see the Ravens winning. But, with this game in Buffalo, and with Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady striking a solid balance in the offensive game planning recently, I’ll cautiously back the Bills here, who opened the week as home dogs.
Tyler Dragon: Ravens 27, Bills 24
Some MVP voters wish they could cast their vote after this game. Maybe the people who think Josh Allen should win the MVP will change their minds after Lamar Jackson puts on a show in Buffalo and leads the Ravens to its second win over the Bills this season. MVP ballots are already submitted but this could very well be a statement game.
Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 34, Bills 31
It’s anyone’s guess who will win this. Both teams can be explosive with MVP-caliber quarterbacks. In a back-and-forth affair, Justin Tucker redeems himself with a game-winning kick for the road victory.