NFL Divisional Round Betting Tips
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – Here are a few betting tips and strategies for betting this weekend’s NFL Divisional Round matchups.
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The main rule that should be applied during the divisional round is to hone in on the strengths and weaknesses of the number one seeds coming off of a bye. History has shown that some teams based on leadership and experience are doomed when having the first round off, while the ones with veteran leadership thrive.
The Atlanta Falcons, for example, have been dominant over the last five years in the regular season while earning a number one seed and bye during Wild Card weekend. It was not until last year that Atlanta won their first playoff game after Matt Ryan gained five years of experience in the league, which comes with wisdom and knowledge.
This weekend we have Denver, New England, Carolina and Seattle all dominant during the regular season against the spread. But the playoff inexperience for Carolina and Seattle could make the bye week a nail in the coffin. Russell Wilson gained experience in last year’s playoffs while Cam Newton will be playing in his first post season in early NFL career. Although Seattle’s quarterback had one playoff win the prior year, this will be the first time Seattle has earned a first round bye, which kills momentum for hot teams (such as the Panthers and Hawks this year).
When it comes to Denver and New England, with hall of fame leadership on each side, the first round bye proves beneficial to veteran teams coming off the bye. Such has have covered the spread 61 % of the time.
The number one key to success in this weekend’s round is to side with the veteran quarterback off of a bye against the spread. Although Indianapolis and San Diego have been nice stories, the NFL is branded behind parity and change of direction from what the public witnesses during the previous week.
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