By the time we get to Sunday, two of the four championship participants will be known. Still, the stakes have never been higher for the four remaining teams. Sunday’s slate kicks off with an AFC showdown between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. Subsequently, the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears take to the field for a spot in the NFC Championship Game.
We’re betting on two more dramatic and exciting conclusions on Sunday!
Where to Watch Houston Texans vs New England Patriots
- Stadium: Gillette Stadium
- Location: Foxborough, MA
- Where to Watch: ESPN
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Houston Texans vs New England Patriots Betting Odds
- Spread: HOU +3 (-104) | NE -3 (-118)
- Total: Over 40.5 (-115) | Under (-105)
- Moneyline: HOU +150 | NE -178
The Texans made short work of the Steelers in the Wild Card Round, but things won’t be as easy in Sunday’s Divisional Round clash in Foxborough. The Pats have emerged as a top Super Bowl contender, executing flawlessly on both sides of the football. Houston can match their defensive intensity, but New England wields a significant offensive advantage.
The Patriots have been unstoppable of late. The AFC East champs deploy a balanced attack, moving the ball effortlessly on the ground or through the air. Over their last four games, they’re up to 432.8 yards per game, eclipsing 235 passing and 146 rushing yards in three of those four contests. Predictably, that correlates with a sharp increase in scoring. New England is averaging a robust 31.0 points per game.
At the same time, the Texans can’t seem to figure things out on offense. While they put up 408 yards of offense in the Wild Card Round, they hadn’t eclipsed the 400-yard plateau since Week 10. More concerningly, they put up a below-average 323.3 yards across the seven games between those contests. Expect swift regression in the Divisional Round, with Houston struggling to gain any offensive traction at Gillette Stadium.
The spread implies this game will be closer than it actually will. The Texans don’t possess the same offensive firepower as their Divisional Round hosts. With that, we’re taking a pronounced stand on the Patriots covering the spread at home.
Best Bet: Patriots -3 -118
Where to Watch Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears
- Stadium: Soldier Field
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Where to Watch: NBC
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears Betting Odds
- Spread: LAR -3.5 (-118) | CHI +3.5 (-104)
- Total: Over 48.5 (-105) | Under (-115)
- Moneyline: LAR -205 | CHI +172
The Divisional Round concludes with an NFC clash between the Bears and Rams. By virtue of their division championship, the Bears hold home-field advantage, but it’s the Rams who enter Sunday’s showdown as the betting favorites.
LA’s betting advantage is deserved. The NFC West runner-ups currently operate the top-ranked offense in the league. Their 30.7 points and 395.6 yards per game both rank first among all 32 NFL teams. Moreover, we’ve seen them exceed that standard over their recent stretch. Across their previous six outings, the Rams are up to 466.5 yards and 36.3 points. Assuredly, that offensive success will continue against the Bears’ porous defense.
Nevertheless, Chicago possesses more than enough firepower to keep pace with their guests. The Caleb Williams-led unit has eclipsed 400 yards in three of its last four, an increase that is not yet captured in its scoring. Despite the surge in production, the Bears have averaged just 26.8 points per game. Naturally, we’re anticipating a sharp increase in output as scoring catches up with production.
The betting market has moved away from the over, but that seems counterintuitive based on these offensive profiles. We’re betting this is one of the more electric Divisional Round contests, easily going over the posted total.
Best Bet: Over 48.5 -105
NFL Divisional Round Preview: Sunday Best Bets
- Patriots -3 -118
- LAR-CHI Over 48.5
Sunday’s slate should deliver some of the same magic we witnessed in the Wild Card Round. We’re backing the Pats to cover the short number at home, and the Rams versus Bears to sail over the total.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
