Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
The NFL playoffs kick off with an AFC South rivalry matchup as the Texans host the Colts on Sunday. After starting the season 0-3, Houston dominanted at home with a 6-2 record and they surprisingly won the division with an 11-5 record. Coming into the playoffs, Houston went 3-2 in their last 5 games and both losses were by under 3 points. So with home field advantage, they will start as the favourite in the betting. For the Colts, it's a fairly similar story. They were 1-5 at one stage but behind Andrew Luck and an improved defence, they've now won 9 of their last 10. Last week was another divisional matchup and a must win game against the Titans. They outplayed Tennessee on the road in a 33-17 victory and should be confident as they hit the road again to Houston. In 2018, the two meetings between these sides ended in a field goal so it's likely going to be another close affair on Sunday. So I like the Unders trend in this matchup. When the Colts play the Texans, the under has saluted in 4 of the last 5 meetings. They met recently in Houston and the two sides combined for just 45 total points. Also, the Colts are now 8-4 against the under on the road. For the Texans at home, they hold a 5-2 record against the under. In the end, both sides are top 10 in the NFL for points allowed and that should see a defensive battle.
Stadium Record
Since 2014, the Colts are 6-4 against the Texans. This season, both sides won a game against each other by a field goal.
Head to Head Record
The Colts are 5-1 in Houston against the Texans. Houston has won 6 of their last 7 games at home.
Best Bet
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks will meet at AT&T Stadium on Sunday morning. Both sides finished with a 10-6 record and each side finished the season with a 4-1 record in the last 5 games. Dallas played most of their starters last week as they rallied agianst thte Giants in a one point victory. Star RB Ezekiel Elliott had the week off so he'll be extra fresh for this matchup. At home this season, Dallas has dominated with a 7-1 record and they finished top 6 in the NFL for points allowed. With the Rams 13-3 record in the NFC West, Seattle could only manage a wildcard spot and they'll have to travel for a spot in the next round. They were average on the road this season with a 4-4 record. But this team has a wealth of playoff experience and QB Russel Wilson at the helm. The two sides met earlier in the regular season and Seattle came away with a 24-13 win at home. They do have a good record in Dallas as they've won the last 2 meetings - 23-12 and 13-12. However, the line is very short for this game and the Unders looks the best bet again judging by the last 2 meetings at this venue. Overall, the Under is 5-1 both when the Seahawks meet the Cowboys and when they play in Dallas. The Cowboys hold a 17-8 record against the under in their last 25 games as well. Both sides love to run the football which is another factor in this game becoming a grinding, defensive type of playoff game.
Stadium Record
Dallas has won 7 of their last 8 home games. In Dallas, the Seahawks are 2-0 since 2015.
Head to Head Record
Seattle is 3-0 against the Cowboys and they hold a 6-4 head to head record since 2005.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens
On Monday, the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens will host the LA Chargers. In Week 17, the Ravens closed out the regular season with a nail-biting 26-24 win over the Browns, which earnt them the divisional title and a home playoff game. The victory also erased memories of last season's devastating loss in Week 17 agianst the Bengals. The story for the Ravens has been young star QB Lamar Jackson. Since he took over as the starter, they've gone 6-1 and now start as favourites in this matchup against the Chargers. They ended the season with 3 straight wins and that includes a 22-10 victory against LA. The Chargers will count themselves as unlucky in 2018. A 12-4 record would have won them a home playoff game in all the other AFC divisions. However, they have a great record in road games recently and should be confident. Overall, they've won 5 straight away games and have covered the line in 7 of 8. The fact that the Chargers played the Ravens just a few weeks ago will help their defence prepare for Lamar Jackson. They also play well at this venue as they've covered the line in 4 of the last 6 meetings. The key will be the Chargers defence against the run and they finished 9th in the NFL in this category. So against the Ravens #2 rushing offence, the Chargers D should be able to contain them and make Lamar pass the ball. So in a tight playoff affair, take the Chargers at the line of 4.5 points for the safe bet. A Chargers win is a good possibly and is at great odds of $2.25.
Stadium Record
Baltimore has won 4 of their last 5 home games. The Chargers hold a 1-1 record at this venue since 2014.
Head to Head Record
Since 2000, the Ravens hold a 7-3 advantage over the Chargers. They won the last matchup 22-10 on December 23, 2018.
Best Bet
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
Soldier Field plays host to the 12-4 Bears against the 9-7 Eagles. The trip to Chicago has not been easy in 2018 as the Bears won 7 of 8 home games. Which is mostly thanks to a defence that's allowing just 17.7 points and that ranks first in the NFL. They're also number 1 for rushing yards allowed and 9th when defending the pass. With an elite defence, the offence has played it's part behind Mitchell Trubisky and a two-man running attack between Cohen and Howard. They've won 5 straight home games and have covered the line in all 5. They've also won 9 of their last 10 games. For the Eagles, they have injury issues at QB and it's kind of been the story of the season. Injuries have hit this team hard and has resulted in a 9-7 record. But they're in the playoffs and still a chance to defend their title. They ended the season with 3 straight wins and that includes victories over fellow playoff teams in the Texans and Chargers. The question mark will be whether QB Nick Foles is healthy enough to lead his side to victory against the toughest defence in the league. Much like last season, the Eagles are underdogs for this matchup but they love that tag and I think that will keep this game close and low scoring. The Bears last faced a playoff team at home and they kept the Rams to just 6 points as the two sides totalled 21 points. Chicago also has a 5-1 record against the Under and they have not allowed over 17 points in this 4 game winning streak.
Stadium Record
Chicago holds a 7-1 record in home games this season and they've won 5 in a row. Philadelphia is a 6-2 at this venue against the Bears and won the last meeting 29-14.
Head to Head Record
The two sides met last season and the Eagles were victorious 31-3. They have a 9-4 record against the Bears in the last 13 meetings.
Best Bet
