The NFL’s first-ever Super Wildcard Weekend was fantastic. Can the divisional round come close to matching the dramatic and surprising playoff-opening weekend?
There were two upsets in the opening round of the playoffs. The “biggest” upset coming in a wild and whacky weekend finale on Sunday night, as the Cleveland Browns (+5800 Super Bowl Odds) held off the Pittsburgh Steelers (+1800) 48-37. Cleveland, which was without head coach Kevin Stefanski (Covid), led 28-0 after the opening quarter, and the Browns defense came up with five turnovers — four interceptions — and a touchdown.
With the victory, Cleveland moves onto the playoffs divisional round for the first time since 1994. The Browns win over the Steelers also snapped a 17- game losing streak in Pittsburgh.
While Cleveland’s odds of winning Super Bowl LV improved significantly after Sunday night, the Browns are still FanDuel’s Sports Book longest shots at +2800. Cleveland now heads to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
Like the Browns, the Los Angeles Rams saw their Super Bowl odds drop (-700) after pulling off a 30-20 upset victory over arch-rival Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. The Rams (+2200), whose SB LV odds are said to be optimistic that defensive end Aaron Donald (ribs) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (bursitis in the knee) will be available for Saturday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. However, their quarterback situation is still in flux as John Wolford has a stinger, and Jared Goff is still recovering from thumb surgery.
Super Bowl Odds
The odds are courtesy of FanDuel. The second number is how much the odds changed after Super Wild Card Weekend.
Kansas City Chiefs (+200): The Chiefs Super Bowl odds decreased -20 despite not playing this past weekend.
Green Bay Packers (+380): The Packers also saw their odds drop (-100) despite being on a bye.
New Orleans Saints (+550, -200): The Saints were tied with the Bills as the third choice to win the Super Bowl last week. WR Tre’Quan Smith may be able to come off of injured reserve this week. New Orleans is in the divisional round for the third time in the last four years.
Buffalo Bills (+600, -150): Running back Zack Moss is expected to miss this weekend’s game against the Ravens after suffering an ankle injury in the Bills 27-24 win over Indianapolis. Buffalo is in the divisional round for the first time since 1995.
Baltimore Ravens (+800, -300): The Ravens saw the third biggest decrease in their odds after defeating the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Baltimore is in the divisional round for the second consecutive season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+800, -200): Guard Alex Cappa is expected to be listed as doubtful for this weekend’s contest versus New Orleans with an ankle injury. Tampa Bay is in the divisional round for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in 2002.
Los Angeles Rams (+2200)
Cleveland Browns (+2800)
Divisional Round Betting Lines
Saturday’s Game
Los Angeles Rams (11-6) at Green Bay Packers (13-3), Lambeau Field, 4:35 p.m.( Fox).
Spread: Packers – 7 (-115)/ Rams +7 (-105). Money Line: Packers -350/Rams +285. Total: Over 45.5 (-114)/ Under 45.5 (-106).
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) at Buffalo Bills (14-3), Bills Stadium, 8:15 (NBC)
Spread: Bills -3 (+104)/ Ravens +3 (-128) Money Line: Ravens +118/Bills -138 Total: Over 50.5 (-106)/ Under 50.5 (-114).
Sunday’s Game
Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium, 3:05 p.m (CBS)
Spread: Browns +10 (-110), Chiefs -10 (-110) Money Line: Browns +385/ Chiefs -500 Total: Over 55.5 (-115)/ Under 55.5 (-105)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints, 6:40 p.m. (Fox)
Spread: Buccaneers +3 (-106)/ Saints -3 (114) Money Line: Buccaneers +138/ Saints -164 Total: Over 51.5 (-106)/Under 51.5 (-114).
Odds Of Reaching Super Bowl /Winning Conference
NFC
Green Bay (+135)
New Orleans (+200)
Tampa Bay (+360)
Los Angeles (+800)
AFC
Kansas City (-125)
Buffalo (+280)
Baltimore (+400)
Cleveland (+1200)
Super Bowl Winning Conference
AFC: -148
NFC: +122
