NFL Divisional Round Predictions: A Look at the Picks and Survivor Pool Strategy
As we head into the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, here are my picks for straight-up wins, against-the-spread bets, and a strategy for a survivor pool.
First up is Buffalo Bills (-1.5) vs Denver Broncos. The Broncos' ability to pressure quarterbacks has been their biggest strength this season, but I have more confidence in Josh Allen's ability to make plays with his legs than Bo Nix can. Give me the Bills.
Next, we have the San Francisco 49ers (-7) at Seattle Seahawks. In Week 18, the Seahawks dominated the 49ers physically, and I expect a similar result this week. The Niners lost George Kittle to injury in their Wild Card Round win, which makes them even more vulnerable. Take the Seahawks to cover.
Moving on to New England Patriots (-3) vs Houston Texans. While the Texans have an outstanding defense, they're difficult to trust because of C.J. Stroud's tendency to go cold for long stretches. Give me Matthew Stafford and the Rams' offense in this matchup instead.
Speaking of the Rams (-3.5), they'll face a tough test against the Chicago Bears at home. The Bears have had an impressive string of comeback victories, but I believe the Rams will close them out. The weather conditions won't be ideal, but Caleb Williams has shown his ability to make plays with his legs in cold temperatures.
Finally, we have my survivor pool strategy. I'll take the Patriots this week and either the Bills or Broncos next week. There's a lot of money on the line, as I've made a comeback against the spread this season and need four wins out of five to stay above .500.
Here are my picks for straight-up wins and against-the-spread bets:
- Buffalo Bills (+1.5)
- Seattle Seahawks (+7)
- Houston Texans (+3)
- Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)
In terms of the survivor pool, I'll be taking either the Bills or Broncos next week.
As we head into the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, here are my picks for straight-up wins, against-the-spread bets, and a strategy for a survivor pool.
First up is Buffalo Bills (-1.5) vs Denver Broncos. The Broncos' ability to pressure quarterbacks has been their biggest strength this season, but I have more confidence in Josh Allen's ability to make plays with his legs than Bo Nix can. Give me the Bills.
Next, we have the San Francisco 49ers (-7) at Seattle Seahawks. In Week 18, the Seahawks dominated the 49ers physically, and I expect a similar result this week. The Niners lost George Kittle to injury in their Wild Card Round win, which makes them even more vulnerable. Take the Seahawks to cover.
Moving on to New England Patriots (-3) vs Houston Texans. While the Texans have an outstanding defense, they're difficult to trust because of C.J. Stroud's tendency to go cold for long stretches. Give me Matthew Stafford and the Rams' offense in this matchup instead.
Speaking of the Rams (-3.5), they'll face a tough test against the Chicago Bears at home. The Bears have had an impressive string of comeback victories, but I believe the Rams will close them out. The weather conditions won't be ideal, but Caleb Williams has shown his ability to make plays with his legs in cold temperatures.
Finally, we have my survivor pool strategy. I'll take the Patriots this week and either the Bills or Broncos next week. There's a lot of money on the line, as I've made a comeback against the spread this season and need four wins out of five to stay above .500.
Here are my picks for straight-up wins and against-the-spread bets:
- Buffalo Bills (+1.5)
- Seattle Seahawks (+7)
- Houston Texans (+3)
- Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)
In terms of the survivor pool, I'll be taking either the Bills or Broncos next week.
I mean like what's up with the Buffalo Bills, they're looking pretty strong right now 
Josh Allen is a beast on the field! but Denver's defense is pretty solid too 
how do you think they'll do against the Broncos' pass rush? 
and omg can't believe Seattle beat San Francisco in Week 18 
I'm still feeling bad for that one 
. I also think Seattle's gonna come out on top against SF - they just looked too physical in their last matchup 
. And don't even get me started on the Rams' offense, Matthew Stafford's a beast! The only thing that might mess up their game is the weather 
. As for survivor pools, I'm all about taking calculated risks and hoping for the best 
and the seahawks have way more depth than people think they do, george kittle or not 
. and dont even get me started on the patriots, matthew stafford is like 10 times better than caleb williams 
... also what's with all the teams that are gonna get blown out? 
they've got a solid defense and caleb williams is on fire 
like i gotta say i'm feelin buffalo bills all the way they got josh allen and that's a big deal bo nix can't touch him in a physical game 
and Seahawks are all over them this week 
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. personally, i'd take the Bears to pull off an upset at home. 
that guy can make some crazy plays when he needs to! but seriously, it's gonna be a wild ride this weekend with all these big matchups...
and I trust him to make plays with his legs more than Bo Nix can 
, especially since they lost George Kittle to injury - that's like taking out the best player on the opposing team 
Caleb Williams might try to make some magic happen in the cold, but I think he'll get frozen out 
. Bring on the playoffs! 
I mean, what if the Broncos' defense is too much for Allen? Ugh, my head is spinning! 
And can't wait to see Caleb Williams in action against the Bears... or is it gonna be a total snowdown 
can't see the 49ers taking down the champs at home. and on a separate note, i'm all about that rams offense led by matthew stafford 
meanwhile the patriots are looking solid against the texans CJ stroud can get cold at any moment Matthew stafford is my man 
and whoa the rams facing the bears at home will be a battle but calvin wilson has shown he's got game