Media by Associated Press – New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (9) celebrates after winning against the Minnesota Vikings following an NFL wild-card football game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
The NFL Divisional round has an interesting mix of teams still remaining in pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. Sure the heavyweights — the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles — are still around. But there are a few underdogs who are hanging on that are hoping to crash the party.
Here’s a look at three bombs worth combining into a parlay.
Dallas Cowboys (+4) at San Francisco 49ers
The Cowboys won a road playoff game for the first time in nearly 30 years last week. Now, Dallas will have to go on the road and beat long-time rival San Francisco on the road to send the Cowboys to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1995. The Cowboys are 5-3 all-time against San Francisco in the playoffs, but the 49ers won their meeting in the divisional round last season.
This time around, the 49ers will be relying on rookie quarterback Brock Purdy to win. San Francisco has seen great success from Purdy, who was a seventh-round pick. Purdy threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Seattle last week.
Dallas found success last week through quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw four touchdown passes in a win. The Cowboys will keep this game close and may win outright.
New York Giants (+7.5) at Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have been an offensive juggernaut all season. Philadelphia, however, did show some weakness down the stretch when quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered some injuries. While Hurts played in the season finale, a 22-16 Philadelphia win over the Giants, he said after the game he didn’t feel 100 percent.
Meanwhile, New York is coming off one of its best performances of the season. The Giants upset Minnesota 31-24. New York quarterback Daniel Jones ran for 78 yards and also passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants have their flaws on offense, and Jones has to prove he can handle the increased pressure of the playoffs, but New York is on the path to being able to keep this game within a touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills (-5.5)
The Bengals’ offensive line is in shambles. Three regular starters are on the injury report. Cincinnati was able to survive a Wild Card win over Baltimore by the skin of its teeth, thanks to its defense. The Bengals may not be able to weather its storm with its defense against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo barely survived Miami last week, but it wasn’t necessarily because of anything the Dolphins did. The Bills, and especially Allen, were hampered by turnovers. Buffalo’s decision-making will have to improve to win at home.
The Bills have been good at home, but there will be some concerns for both teams due to the weather. Inclement weather is expected in Buffalo, and neither team has a strong running game.
Buffalo should survive the elements and win by a touchdown.
Parlay Pick: +597
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