After a whirlwind NFL season, we now have the 6 NFC playoff teams that will compete for the Conference title. Having stood out all season with very stellar 13-3 campaigns, both the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams will receive a well-earned bye. As fellow division title winners, both the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys will enjoy a home playoff game next week. Rounding out the final 6, we have the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles as wildcards. Let’s take a look at each team’s chances and provide our best bet.
New Orleans Saints $2.25
For me, the Saints have been the best team in football this year. QB Drew Brees had an incredibly efficient season, throwing for over 3900 yards and 32 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. The Running Back duo of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram was also outstanding, combining to go over 1500 rushing yards and 20 scores. The Saints defence also improved immeasurably down the stretch, going on a late-season run where they held 5 straight opponents to 17 points or less. With home-field advantage throughout the NFC, I’m liking the look of New Orleans at this $2.25 price point.
Los Angeles Rams $3
The Rams enter the playoffs after a very impressive 13-3 season of their own. QB Jared Goff took another step forward this season, throwing for a shade under 4700 yards and 32 touchdowns on the campaign. Todd Gurley also looked every bit an MVP candidate, going over 1800 total yards and 20 touchdowns in just 14 games played. The Rams defence also boasts a ton of talent, with Defensive Linemen Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh combining for 25 sacks this season. The Rams look strong value to at least make the NFC Championship game this year.
Chicago Bears $6
The Bears enter the NFC playoffs on an absolute tear, having won 9 of their last 10 to finish 12-4. QB Mitchell Trubisky showed his quality at times this year, throwing 24 touchdowns to 12 picks in his 14 starts. That said, the defence is really where the quality of this team stands out. Chicago held 6 of their opponents to 10 points or less this season, and a further 5 to 20 points or less. Superstar pass rusher Khalil Mack had an outstanding year, going off for 12.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. Having already beaten LA this season, Chicago could be undervalued at $6.
Dallas Cowboys $13
The Cowboys had a very solid finish to the season themselves, winning 7 of their last 8 to claim the NFC East at 10-6. QB Dak Prescott had an underrated season, throwing for a shade under 3800 yards and 22 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions. Running Back Zeke Elliott continues to lead the way for this team, going for over 2000 yards from scrimmage on the year. The Cowboys defence is also very underrated, only allowing 30 points in a game once all season. If they can get through a tough fixture against Seattle this week, it’ll be hard to rule Dallas out at $13.
Seattle Seahawks $15
Another team off an excellent late-season run, the Seahawks won 6 of their last 7 to sit 10-6 on the year. QB Russell Wilson had another outstanding year, sporting an excellent ratio of 35 touchdowns to just 7 interceptions. The Seattle rushing attack was also phenomenal, going over 2500 yards and 15 touchdowns on the campaign. Despite battling some injuries, a Seahawks defence led by Linebacker Bobby Wagner has largely been very good this season. Given that they’ll need to pull of 3 straight road victories to win the NFC, I’m just not sure the Seahawks are great value at $15.
Philadelphia Eagles $19
Despite looking dead and buried a month ago, the Eagles won 3 straight games to somehow nab the #6 seed. A large reason for the late success was the excellent play of backup QB Big **** Nick Foles down the stretch. Tight End Zach Ertz also had a phenomenal season, going over 1150 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Eagles also improved defensively down the stretch, holding 4 of their last 5 opponents to 23 points or less. Having led an improbable Super Bowl run last season, I won’t count out Philly just yet.
Best Bet: Saints at $2.25
It’s tough to overlook New Orleans to win the NFC. They’ve been the best team all year and get to enjoy one of the league’s premier home-field advantages. I expect Drew Brees to take us on one last ride this season.
Value Bet: Bears at $6
Winners of 8 of their last 9 games, bettors shouldn’t be sleeping on the Bears either. They have the league’s best defence and present a matchup challenge for the top teams in this conference. If they can manage another win over LA, Chicago seem strong value to me at $6.