NFL playoff picks against the spread, Divisional Round: Chiefs-Bills, Texans-Ravens and more (2024)

Opening Line:Ravens -9.5

Schuster:Texans +9.5

I think the Ravens win outright, but Houston will put up points against a Baltimore team featuring a number starters who haven’t played in about three weeks.

Grimes:Texans +9.5

The Texans are just solid all around, and their rookie quarterback doesn’t turn the ball over. I wouldn’t dare pick them to win, but this is too many points to lay.

Curtis:Texans +9.5

That’s too many points, even for a rookie QB in his second playoff game against the No. 1 seed. C.J. Stroud isn’t just any rookie.

Zeglinski:Ravens -9.5

On a DVOA efficiency basis, the Ravens have one of the best teams of all time. They have an MVP-caliber quarterback at the peak of his powers, and a star-laden defense strangling offenses like a boa constrictor. The C.J. Stroud/DeMeco Ryans Texans need some heartbreak before they’re ready for this kind of moment.

D’Andrea:Texans +9.5

I might even put a little something on the Houston moneyline after last week.

Opening Line:49ers -10

Schuster:Packers +9.5

Same logic as the Texans pick with the added bonus of whatever devil magic the Packers tap into during the playoffs.

Grimes:49ers -9.5

I think Green Bay was a bad matchup for Dallas. I think San Francisco is a bad matchup for Green Bay.

Curtis:Packers +9.5

I almost took the favorites and then remembered how calm Jordan Love looked last week. The Packers are no fluke and they’ll at least cover.

Zeglinski:Packers +9.5

There’s no playoff tradition quite like the Packers heading to San Francisco to get their doors blown off. Except I don’t think that’s going to happen this time. Green Bay’s defensive front quietly manhandled a great Cowboys offensive line and Jordan Love looks like the next special Packers quarterback. It’s crazy what happens when someone actually listens to Matt LaFleur (cough cough). Anything less than the 49ers’ A-game leaves them ripe for an upset.

D’Andrea:Packers +9.5

Kyle Shanahan understands how to beat Matt LaFleur, but this is too many points for my liking.

Opening Line:Lions -7

Schuster:Buccaneers +6.5

I truly have no idea here so I am once again tailing Ben Fawkes’ pro bettor insights that leans towards the visitors in this one.

Grimes:Lions -6.5

I don’t know man. I could see Detroit winning by a touchdown, but I like the under a lot more.

Curtis:Buccaneers +6.5

It’ll be a close game for sure, and I’m hitting the under hard.

Zeglinski:Lions -6.5

The Buccaneers weren’t supposed to be here. We were talking about them being in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes this time last year. They have a remarkable story, but it still pales in comparison to the Lions. I cannot, in good conscience, pick against the boys in Honolulu Blue after watching Ford Field explode with joy last weekend. Dan Campbell’s crowning achievement continues.

D’Andrea:Buccaneers +6.5

The Lions just went through a tough game. That’s gonna make this a tough cover — especially given the condition of their secondary.

Opening Line:Bills -2.5

Schuster:Chiefs +2.5

This game will be close. I don’t know if the Chiefs win it outright, but I know I don’t want to be on the wrong side of the hook.

Grimes:Bills -2.5

Buffalo finally gets this matchup at home, and the Chiefs are vulnerable.

Curtis:Bills -2.5

The Chiefs didn’t even look that great last week, just like they have all season. On the road in Buffalo will be a tough environment.

Zeglinski:Chiefs +2.5

If not for Joe Burrow, we’d probably already be on Round 4 or 5 of the Patrick Mahomes-Josh Allen playoff rivalry. Needless to say, I’ve missed watching these two titans duel in a sudden death January game. Sunday in Orchard Park should provide us with an instant classic. One that very well may come down to who has the ball last. I can’t wait.

D’Andrea:Bills -2.5

Bills Mafia is gonna be out in force to FINALLY welcome the Chiefs to New York.