NFL Playoffs are always a good time to hit the exotics market and bet on some fun props along the way. FanDuel Sportsbook has released odds on which team will score the most points during Wild Card Weekend.
There are some real nice payouts as you work your way down the list but, of course, it’s tougher to see a path for the teams at the bottom. Here are all the teams, odds, and best bets:
Baltimore Ravens: +470
The Ravens are the team with the shortest number because they are the favorite in the game with the highest total of the weekend, -3 points in Tennessee at FanDuel with a total of 54.5.
Baltimore may have a run heavy attack, but against a Titans defense that is bottom 10 in the league in stopping both the rush and pass, the Ravens should be able to move the ball with ease.
Buffalo Bills: +500
Buffalo’s offense is firing on all cylinders heading into the postseason, eclipsing 30 points in five of its last six games. Josh Allen is in command of an offense that will be matched up with a bend don’t break Indianapolis defense. Buffalo’s offense is unrelenting, picking up nearly 50% of its third downs, best in the NFL.
Keep an eye on the injury report, though, as wide receiver Stefon Diggs is nursing an oblique injury. Diggs unlocks Buffalo’s downfield passing attack and the Bills need him healthy for a playoff run. Not to mention, fellow wideout Cole Beasley missed Week 17 and has been on the injury report as well.
New Orleans Saints: +600
The Saints are the biggest favorite of the weekend, laying 10 at home against the Bears, but I really like this bet because of the big play ability of the New Orleans offense against a leaky Chicago defense. While Chicago is fantastic at stopping the run, when they get hit, they get hit hard.
The Bears rank 30th in explosive run defense and 20th in explosive pass defense, per SharpFootballStats. The Saints may have Michael Thomas back at receiver and can open this game up against an outgunned Bears defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +700
Tom Brady and the Bucs are big favorites on the road against Washington, but the Football Team defense is going to be able to make this game ugly. While Tampa may take care of business, I don’t expect them to put a big number on the scoreboard.
Chase Young may eat his words when he said “I want Tom [Brady],” but I do envision Washington getting some success against the future Hall of Famer, who is tied for sixth in the NFL in adjusted sack rate, per Football Outsiders.
Pittsburgh Steelers: +850
This is an interesting one, but I think there is value on Pittsburgh. The Steelers gave themselves a pseudo-bye week in Week 17, sitting many significant contributors against the team they are playing this weekend, the Browns.
Cleveland is dealing with COVID-19 protocols that are leaving them without a handful of players and staff members, including head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive lineman Joel Bitonio. The team also lost pass rusher Olivier Vernon to a ruptured achilles last week.
The Cleveland defense has been prone to allowing points at a high clip throughout the season, allowing 30 or more in six games. Pittsburgh is fresh and may be primed to put up a big number on the Browns.
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Tennessee Titans: +900
Tennessee has had success against Baltimore over the past two seasons, and if there is an underdog to bet in this market, it’s the Titans with their big-play ability in both the running and passing games.
These two did meet in Week 11 and the Titans were able to hang 30 on the Ravens in an overtime victory. However, Baltimore was banged up in that one and will have the likes of Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams playing on the defensive line. This could be a perfect storm for a Ravens win.
Seattle Seahawks: +1000
The NFC West showdown sets up for a defensive battle. These teams have combined for 29 and 39 points when they played each other this season, and I don’t see much difference this week. Stay away from Seattle on this bet.
Indianapolis Colts: +1200
The Bills do have a shaky run defense and the Colts are going to likely lean on rookie running back Jonathan Taylor, fresh off a 253-yard rushing performance in Week 17 to pull the upset. But I don’t think Frank Reich and the coaching staff want to get into a shootout with the Bills.
If the Colts win, it is probably in a slower paced game and a few turnovers.
Cleveland Browns: +1500
Down their head coach and left tackle, it will be difficult for the Browns to put up the biggest number of the weekend. It doesn’t help that Cleveland will be trying to score on one of the best defenses in the league. Pittsburgh is one of three team’s in the league allowing less than 20 points per game.
Chicago Bears: +2200
Sorry, Bears fans. Not happening.
Los Angeles Rams: +2200
The only case here is if Seahawks safety Jamal Adams, who is nursing a shoulder injury, can’t go, and Seattle's defense falls apart. Adams is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss and sacks.
However, with questions surrounding the Rams quarterback situation, it is probably best to stay away from this one. As mentioned above, these teams have already played two low-scoring games this season.
Washington Football Team: +2600
There are better ways to spend your money than betting this offense to score the most points on Wild Card Weekend, or any other weekend, for that matter.
Best Bets
New Orleans (+600) seems primed to put up a big number on Chicago. If Thomas can get back in the lineup, expect the Saints to use the game as a tuneup for a deep playoff run.
Pittsburgh (+850) is a must play in this market. Cleveland has a lot of issues heading into this matchup and they can get overwhelmed by a rested Pittsburgh squad. Steelers offer the best value on the board.