The NFL divisional playoff round brings four matchups this weekend, and CBS Sportsline handicapper Bruce Marshall has identified trends that could shape betting decisions. Saturday’s slate features the Bills at Broncos and 49ers at Seahawks, followed by Sunday’s Texans at Patriots and Rams at Bears.
In Denver, the Broncos host Buffalo as 1.5-point favorites. The Bills won and covered a wild-card rematch last season, 31-7, but are 1-2 SU and ATS in the divisional round over the past three years. Denver has won 13 of its last 14 home games but hasn’t won a playoff game since Super Bowl 50. The under is 6-3 on the road for Buffalo and 12-7 overall for Denver. Marshall’s edge: Under and slight to Broncos.
The Seahawks are 7-point favorites against the 49ers in Seattle. San Francisco has won and covered its last four trips to Seattle, and the road team has won and covered all four meetings between these NFC West rivals since last season. The 49ers are on a 7-2 ATS run overall and 5-0 ATS on the road. Kyle Shanahan is 4-1 ATS in road playoff games. Marshall’s edge: 49ers and slight to under.
Sunday’s opener has the Patriots as 3-point favorites hosting Houston. The Texans won and covered at Gillette Stadium last season, 41-21, and are 5-0 ATS as underdogs this season. Houston is 10-5 ATS since an 0-3 start. New England is 12-3 ATS since its 1-2 start. The under is 12-6 for Houston. Marshall’s edge: Slight to under and Patriots.
The Rams are 4-point favorites at Chicago. Los Angeles had covered three straight playoff games before failing to cover as 10.5-point favorites last week. The Rams are on a 7-0 over run. Chicago is 7-2 ATS as an underdog and 5-2 ATS at home. Marshall’s edge: Bears and slight to over.
