Media by Associated Press – Los Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelley (25) runs against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs has a number of matchups that have interesting angles surrounding them. Several games are impacted by quarterbacks being injured, while there are a few rematches on the slate. The Wild Card round also has plenty of football on, including a Monday night matchup.
Here’s a look at a couple of bets worth putting together on a parlay.
Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars (+121)
Do you trust the Chargers? Despite Los Angeles having a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers struggled through the early part of their schedule before closing the season strong to clinch their first playoff appearance since 2018. One of Los Angeles’ early season losses was a 38-10 beatdown from Jacksonville.
The Jaguars also had to dig their way out of a major hole to make the playoffs and feature an inconsistent young quarterback. The Chargers’ have a strong passing game, which ranks third in the league at 269.6 yards per game. Los Angeles still struggles on defense and may have a hard time stopping the Jaguars’ offense again.
This game will be closer than the first meeting, but getting Jacksonville plus money at home is good value.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5)
The Bengals and Ravens split in the regular season, including a 27-16 win by Cincinnati last week, but Baltimore won’t have all the pieces it needs for this game. The Ravens won’t have superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is out with a knee injury. What that means is Cincinnati will have a home-field advantage and will need to focus on shutting down Baltimore’s running game.
The Bengals were able to force the Ravens into four turnovers last week and were able to win despite being outgained 386-257. Cincinnati may not produce as many turnovers this week but should be able to win by a comfortable margin against the depleted Ravens.
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that has been wildly inconsistent as well. The Buccaneers are 4-12-1 against the spread and struggled to win the NFC South Division with an 8-9 record. Tampa Bay’s defense did suffocate Dallas in Week 1, limiting the Cowboys to three points in a 19-3 win.
However, that game seems like ages ago. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has never been able to find the rhythm he was looking for on offense, and Tampa Bay hasn’t been able to put up many points. The Buccaneers have one of the worst rushing attacks in the league.
Dallas has employed one of the best running games in the league. The Cowboys were in the top 10 in rushing yards per game and were fourth in points scored per game at 27.5 points per game. For Dallas to beat Tampa Bay, it will have to limit turnovers. The Cowboys have turned the ball over 23 times this season.
Pick: +689 (Jacksonville +121/Cincinnati -9.5/Dallas -2.5)
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