NFL betting tips: Los Angeles Rams to dismantle the Carolina Panthers, Eagles will continue to soar
The postseason officially begins on Saturday, January 10, as wildcard weekend gets underway following 18 weeks of gruelling regular-season action.
The Los Angeles Rams kick off the playoff gridiron action, heading to the Carolina Panthers as they look to make yet another deep postseason run.
Elsewhere, the Buffalo Bills take on a young and exciting Jacksonville side, who will be hoping to upset the favourites and progress into the next round.
While the Eagles might be back to their best, they will have to put on a show against San Francisco to convince those still worrying about their midseason slump.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy breaks down his three favourite picks ahead of the NFL Playoff opening weekend.
Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers
The Rams are huge favourites heading into the Saturday matchup, with the bookmakers currently favouring them by 10.5 points.
Carolina really didn’t have a great season. They are the only team to make the playoffs with a negative record, and will have to pull out all the stops to make their first playoff appearance since 2017 a successful one.
Granted, they did beat the Rams in the regular season, but with LA expected to make a deep run in the postseason once again, the odds are certainly stacked against them.
Carolina has the worst scoring differential amongst the playoff teams, and with the Rams' offence on fire throughout the season, I can only expect a blowout this weekend.
It’s the end of the road this week for Carolina, and the Panthers could be left hoping for a mercy ruling.
Suggested bet: Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) @ 10/11 with Ladbrokes
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Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars’ team may be young and untested, but they have risen above expectations this year.
Ranking first in run defence, Jacksonville have cemented itself as a tough team to run up a scoreline against.
With Buffalo’s James Cook leading the league in rushing, the Jaguars could find themselves at a huge advantage if they can keep the running back at bay.
Don’t get me wrong, I'm sure Josh Allen will put up a fight and hold it close, but I have a feeling Jacksonville may just edge this one in the fourth quarter.
Suggested bet: Winning Margin: Jacksonville Jaguars 1-6 @ 17/5 with Bet365
San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia will be hoping to keep their two-time dreams alive against San Francisco, who - let's be honest - may have the worst defence in all of the NFL Playoffs.
The Eagles, on the other hand, have held things together. Despite a worrying dip in the mid-season, the Birds are back on form and have flourished on the defensive end.
Philly looks to be peaking at the perfect time, and while there are still some question marks over their offensive game, they are more than capable of running up the score against a disgruntled and disjointed San Fran outfit.
Suggested bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5) @ 13/10 with Paddypower
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