For the sixth consecutive year, DNA of Sports in partnership with Unibet, offers you every week a detour on our favorites and the most interesting odds of the upcoming Sunday matches. Here are the ones that caught our attention for this first round of playoffs!
The surprises
Dallas Cowboys – San Francisco 49ers: 49ers win: odds at 2.23
In a match that smells like the 80s and 90s, the confrontation between Cowboys and 49ers is fascinating. San Francisco will primarily rely on the ground game to advance. With 127.4 yards per game in the trenches, the Californians are the 7and most productive offense, an area in which Dallas has problems. The Cowboys have allowed 4.5 yards per attempt (23rd in the NFL) and 100 yards or more in 11 of their last 12 games. The 49ers have been solid on defense in recent weeks. They haven’t given up more than 300 total yards since Week 14 and have kept their last five opponents below 25 points. The Texans offense was excellent in Week 18, but make no mistake, they haven’t solved their problems. The 49ers have a good chance of advancing to the next round.
Cincinnati Bengals – Las Vegas Raiders: Raiders victory: odds at 2.70
Cincinnati is a talented team, but they are inexperienced in many areas. For the first game for the team (and most of the squad) in the playoffs for a long time, which is moreover at home, the emotion could be too strong. After two last successes snatched at the very end of the match, the Raiders arrive with their morale pumped up. Especially since they have nothing to lose and will play their luck to the fullest. They’ve been able to set up their ground game against the Chargers, and if that side of the offense works, they’ll be tough to beat.
Combined
Buffalo Bills – New England Patriots: more than 44.5 points scored: odds at 1.81
For the 3and times of the season, the division rivals go head-to-head. 1-1, ball in the middle, but the away team prevailed each time. The impact of the weather will also be important. In calm conditions, the Bills offense unfolded, moving the ball with relative ease. On the other hand, New England had the advantage when the elements dictated the game. The forecast calls for a cold weather game with moderate winds and some snow. With two strong defenses on the field and conditions that look complicated, the total points should not fly away.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Philadelphia Eagles: more than 28.5 points scored by the Buccaneers: odds at 1.73
With a hyper-productive ground game, the Eagles have been impressive this season. But facing the defending champions on his ground, it is perhaps a lot to ask of them. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers put the drama of Antonio Brown’s release in the rearview mirror and were able to avoid further injury in the final week. Several returns are expected, especially in defense. Enough to give them the necessary impetus to start their playoff campaign well.
Kansas City Chiefs – Pittsburgh Steelers: more than 46.5 points scored: odds at 1.75
We saw this game in week 16 and it wasn’t pretty. In the end, the 26-point loss somewhat flattered the Steelers. Miracle survivors of the last week, they will have nothing to lose behind Ben Roethlisberger, who is 13-9 in the playoffs. But they seem limited to keep pace with the Chiefs. Kansas City knows how to be opportunistic when necessary and have the assets to burn up the scoreboard.
