The regular season is over and the playoffs are finally here. Wild Card Weekend kicks off on Saturday which means it is time to partake in some gambling.
Prior to making your NFL wagers, it's worth knowing which sides are drawing sharp and public action.
To learn more about the betting markets for this weekend, we talked to Johnny Avello, sportsbook director for DraftKings, for his insights.
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills (-6.5, 51)
DraftKings opened this line at Colts +7.5 and that number was immediately hit by the sharps.
“They bought Indianapolis at the key numbers of 7.5 and 7,” Avello stated. “Now at 6.5, it’s all public money on Buffalo coming in.”
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (-3, 42)
Avello admitted they opened this number a little high at Rams -4.5. After some initial Los Angeles money, they adjusted.
“Once we moved the number to 3, we saw Seattle money come in,” he explained. “We now have balanced action on this game and are where we want to be.”
One player to keep an eye on is Jared Goff, as LA's quarterback is coming off thumb surgery. He has been throwing in practice this week, which is a good sign. If Goff can't go, the Rams will turn to John Wolford for the second straight week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8, 44.5) at Washington Football Team
A big liability for the books this weekend is on the Bucs.
“We’re seeing all Tampa Bay money,” Avello said. “Moneyline, parlays, you name it.”
As for Washington’s QB situation, the oddsmaker explained that the public is loving TB, even if Alex Smith does start.
Avello does point out that early betting on the total surprised him, as he was expecting some love for the over.
“People are betting the under,” he said. “Washington needs games to be in the teens to low 20s, so it makes sense.”
Baltimore Ravens (-3, 55) at Tennessee Titans
In what might be the best matchup of the weekend, Avello said they are seeing balanced action.
“We have split-action on this game,” he said. “We’re a little heavy on the Ravens, but I don’t see this number changing.”
The Titans have beaten the Ravens twice in a row, including knocking off No. 1 seed Baltimore in last year's playoffs. Can the Ravens reverse the trend on Sunday? This should be one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (-10, 47.5)
Per the bookmaker, all the early action on the spread and moneyline has been on New Orleans.
“The Saints continue to get bet,” he stated. “But, this might be one where I could see some late money coming in on Chicago by game day.”
Bettors may be onto something laying 10 points with the Saints. Favorites of 10 or more points in the playoffs are 11-6 against the spread since 2005.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (-6, 47.5)
The Browns are suffering from a COVID-19 outbreak, but Avello pointed out that bettors were already liking the Steelers.
“Yes, the COVID-19 news affected the line, but people wanted the Steelers anyways,” Avello said. “85% of the money is on Pittsburgh, and that is from the sharps and public alike.”
He doesn’t anticipate that changing throughout the weekend. Avello also indicated the total is getting bet over and the Steelers moneyline is getting hit hard.
