{"id":36091,"date":"2022-01-12T14:43:07","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T04:43:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/?p=36091"},"modified":"2022-01-12T14:43:08","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T04:43:08","slug":"nfl-wild-card-weekend-tips-preview-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/2022\/01\/nfl-wild-card-weekend-tips-preview-3\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Wild Card Weekend Tips & Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wild Card Weekend is one of the most exciting dates on the NFL calendar, and there is no shortage of drama to be had with 12 teams hoping to keep their season alive. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Raiders and the Bengals kick us off on Sunday from Cincinnati, followed by a third meeting between the Patriots and Bills from a very cold Highmark Stadium in Buffalo. <\/span><\/p>\n

Monday\u2019s three-game slate is headlined by a fascinating game between the 49ers and Cowboys, right before the Chiefs host the Steelers in what could be Ben Roethlisberger\u2019s final game. <\/span><\/p>\n

Last but not least, we could be in for a shootout on Tuesday when the Cardinals take on the Rams from Los Angeles. <\/span><\/p>\n

Wild Card Weekend is always good for an upset or two, and our tips for all six games are available below!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Las Vegas Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Bengals to Cover the Line (-5.5 Points) @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Cincinnati Bengals are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n

Head coach Zac Taylor chose to rest most of his starters ahead of last week\u2019s loss to the Browns, which should see the likes of Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, and Ja\u2019Marr Chase fresh and ready to go. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Raiders weren\u2019t afforded the same luxury as they had to fight their way into the postseason with a dramatic overtime win over the Chargers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vegas has played only one playoff game over the last 19 years, but it\u2019s fair to say this year\u2019s appearance is a massive achievement for a team that has been through so much away from the field this season. <\/span><\/p>\n

As far as the actual game goes, I like Cincinnati to win big. <\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from the fact their top stars are well-rested, the Bengals have been one of the toughest defensive teams on third down, which should cause plenty of problems for the Raiders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vegas finished the regular season ranked 22nd in third-down completion percentage, and I really don\u2019t think the defence has what it takes to stop Burrow and Chase from doing what they do best. <\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no doubt the Raiders were helped out immensely by their home crowd last week, but in a raucous environment like \u2018The Jungle\u2019, I\u2019ve got the Bengals pulling off the biggest blowout of the weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Raiders @ Bengals<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Bills 1-13 @ $2.40 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Bills won the AFC East for the second year in a row last week with a big win over the Jets, while the Patriots suffered a disheartening loss to the Dolphins in Miami. <\/span><\/p>\n

Buffalo remains at home laying -4 against the spread, but if you\u2019ve watched the previous meetings between these two sides, you\u2019ll know this is probably one of the toughest games to pick. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Bills come in with all the momentum after rattling off four straight wins over the last month, but it\u2019s hard to forget their 14-10 loss at home to New England in early December. <\/span><\/p>\n

Snow wreaked havoc that day, but so did Bill Belichick and his unconventional \u201crun the ball 46 times\u201d game plan. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Bills got revenge three weeks later with a 33-21 win at home though, a game that saw Josh Allen throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots’ secondary has actually been one of the best in the league this year, but where they might run into trouble this week is quite literally, against the run. <\/span><\/p>\n

Devin Singletary has put together two very impressive games on the ground, and he\u2019ll be relied upon to try and answer New England\u2019s stout running game headed by Damien Harris. <\/span><\/p>\n

Whoever wins the battle on the ground should win this game, but I also think it comes down to how rookie quarterback Mac Jones handles the moment. <\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd in Buffalo is electric at the best of times, and aside from a cheap win over Jacksonville a couple of weeks ago, Jones has hardly looked like the quarterback we saw at the beginning of the season. <\/span><\/p>\n

Like he\u2019s done for 20+ years, you can never discount Belichick out-scheming the Bills, but if Jones struggles under pressure and Allen plays mistake-free football, Buffalo is going to be tough to beat. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Patriots @ Bills<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Eagles to Cover the Line (+8.5 Points) @ $1.87<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

This is probably one of the most fascinating games of the weekend for a number of reasons. <\/span><\/p>\n

For the second year in a row, Tampa Bay\u2019s journey to the Super Bowl starts in the Wild Card round, this time against another NFC East opponent. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Bucs finished the regular season 13-4 with a win over the Panthers last week, but you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find anyone that thinks this team can repeat as Super Bowl champions right now. <\/span><\/p>\n

Bruce Arians\u2019 side was shutout by the Saints only a month ago, and since then they\u2019ve enjoyed two comfy wins over the hapless Panthers, with a close call against the Jets sandwiched in between. <\/span><\/p>\n

During that time, we\u2019ve seen injuries and the Antonio Brown saga unfold, all the while Tom Brady managed to finish the year with the most touchdown passes of any quarterback. <\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, the GOAT could win this game on his arm alone, but if the Bucs don\u2019t establish the run early against the Eagles, I think they\u2019re in trouble. <\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from how incredible this turnaround story is, Philly\u2019s defence has arguably been the most impressive part of Nick Sirianni\u2019s first year in charge.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Eagles do give up points, but they\u2019ve consistently ranked Top 10 in the fewest pass and rushing yards allowed throughout the year, which should create problems for a Bucs offence that is well short on receivers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Like a few teams, the Eagles chose to rest most of their top guys in a meaningless game against Dallas last week, so look for them to come charging out of the gates early. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s no secret Philly will look to run the ball down Tampa Bay\u2019s throat to take some of the pressure off Jalen Hurts, and if they do that successfully, this game should turn out much, much closer than the current market suggests. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Eagles @ Bucs<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Cowboys 1-13 @ $2.60 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

There\u2019s no question this game has to make Cowboy fans a little nervous. <\/span><\/p>\n

Dallas ran away with the NFC East this season behind a 12-5 record, but if you\u2019ve watched the 49ers over the last six weeks, you\u2019ll know they are more than capable of causing an upset. <\/span><\/p>\n

After opening the season 4-6, the 49ers have gone on to win four of their last five games, including last week\u2019s overtime thriller to book a playoff spot over the Rams. <\/span><\/p>\n

Getting some of their star players back from injury has helped immensely, while Jimmy Garoppolo has also stepped up when it matters most – much like he did last week with some clutch throws late in the game. <\/span><\/p>\n

On paper, the Cowboys have the talent on both sides of the ball to win this easily, but where things could really come undone is if they fail to establish the run. <\/span><\/p>\n

San Francisco\u2019s defence, much like Philadelphia\u2019s, has been tough to run against all season, while gaining yards through the air has proven just as difficult at times. <\/span><\/p>\n

On the flip side, the Cowboys don\u2019t have the strongest rushing defence, which could also spell some trouble against a rejuvenated Elijah Mitchell. <\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, this game feels more like a coin flip the more I think about it, but if it boils down to one possession late in the fourth quarter, I think Dak Prescott will stamp what has already been an incredible comeback season. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: 49ers @ Cowboys<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Chiefs to Cover the Line (-12.5 Points) @ $1.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The Chiefs have arguably been the most impressive team through the second half of the season, and it\u2019s no surprise to find them heavily favoured at home against the Steelers on Monday. <\/span><\/p>\n

Arrowhead will be rocking as the Chiefs look to move one step closer to returning to the Super Bowl, and it won\u2019t exactly be the most inviting atmosphere for Ben Roethlisberger in what could be his final game. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Steelers have done exceptionally well to make it to this point, but of all the games this weekend, this feels like the least likely to provide an upset. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh has struggled to score points for most of the year, and that\u2019s always a recipe for disaster against a team like Kansas City that can score in a hurry. <\/span><\/p>\n

Dealing with the crowd is tough by itself, not to mention the fact Tyreek Hill looks likely to play through a heel injury. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Chiefs manhandled Pittsburgh 36-10 when they met only two weeks ago as Patrick Mahomes threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns. <\/span><\/p>\n

The defence is the only question when it comes to Kansas City, especially on the back of last week\u2019s lucky win over the Broncos. <\/span><\/p>\n

Considering the Chiefs held Roethlisberger to under 200 yards last time they met though, this shapes as a perfect bounce-back game, and a potentially sad end for a future Hall of Fame quarterback. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Steelers @ Chiefs<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/use><\/svg><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams <\/div>\n
Tip: Back the Rams to Win & Over 49.5 Total Points @ $2.90<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n

The NFC West has been the most exciting division this year, so it\u2019s only fitting that the Cardinals and Rams should attempt to end one another\u2019s season.<\/span><\/p>\n

These two teams looked to be serious Super Bowl contenders early on, and while that still might turn out to be the case, it\u2019s fair to say both have come crashing back down to earth recently. <\/span><\/p>\n

For the Cardinals, most of their recent bad luck has boiled down to injuries. DeAndre Hopkins suffered a serious knee sprain last month and is yet to return, while J.J. Watt\u2019s absence has been felt immensely on the defensive side of the ball. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, the star defensive end is set to return from a shoulder injury, and the timing couldn\u2019t be better with Arizona\u2019s pass rush falling off in recent weeks. <\/span><\/p>\n

As for the Rams, well it\u2019s been a bit of everything. <\/span><\/p>\n

Injuries and COVID have played their part, but LA\u2019s up and down form over the last couple of months can mainly be pinned on Matthew Stafford. <\/span><\/p>\n

Turnovers and some awful decision-making has crept into Stafford\u2019s game, which does make me feel a little uneasy betting on the Rams this week. <\/span><\/p>\n

That said, Stafford is surrounded by stars everywhere he looks. <\/span><\/p>\n

On defence, the Rams went out and got Von Miller to bolster an already lethal pass rush led by Aaron Donald, while they also added Odell Beckham Jr to a receiving corps that features the league\u2019s leading receiver, Cooper Kupp. <\/span><\/p>\n

Big names show up in big games, and with Kyler Murray having turnover problems himself this season, I think LA just gets the job done. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n Bet Now: Cardinals @ Rams<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wild Card Weekend is one of the most exciting dates on the NFL calendar, and there is no shortage of drama to be had with 12 teams hoping to keep their season alive. The Raiders and the Bengals kick us off on Sunday from Cincinnati, followed by a third meeting between the Patriots and Bills…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":24710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,344],"tags":[7213,7216,7215,7214,7217,2223,85,242,2079,2097,237,5616,239,274,47,48,234,3472,2077,4089,7212,7210,7209,7211,168,273,275,2209,2117,72],"hub_post_cat":[],"class_list":["post-36091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-football","category-sports","tag-2022-nfl-wild-card-weekend","tag-2022-nfl-wild-card-weekend-betting","tag-2022-nfl-wild-card-weekend-odds","tag-2022-nfl-wild-card-weekend-preview","tag-2022-nfl-wild-card-weekend-tips","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-betting","tag-buffalo-bills","tag-cincinnati-bengals","tag-dallas-cowboys","tag-kansas-city-chiefs","tag-las-vegas-raiders","tag-los-angeles-rams","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-nfl","tag-nfl-betting","tag-nfl-odds","tag-nfl-preview","tag-nfl-tips","tag-nfl-wild-card-weekend","tag-nfl-wild-card-weekend-betting","tag-nfl-wild-card-weekend-odds","tag-nfl-wild-card-weekend-preview","tag-nfl-wild-card-weekend-tips","tag-odds","tag-philadelphia-eagles","tag-pittsburgh-steelers","tag-san-francisco-49ers","tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","tag-tips"],"acf":{"md_tip_date":null,"md_tip_date_end":null,"md_market_url":"","tip_date":"12\/01\/2022","event_country":"Australia"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36091"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36091\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36091"},{"taxonomy":"hub_post_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.neds.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hub_post_cat?post=36091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}