NFL Divisional Round Trends
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – With the Divisional Round of the 2014 NFL Playoffs rapidly approaching, what are some trends that every sharp bettor should be aware of this weekend?
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In the kickoff game of the NFL Division Round, we have a rematch between the Seahawks and New Orleans as the Saints look for revenge from that Week 12 beating they took in Seattle. In that game, the Seahawks held New Orleans to 44 yards rushing and only 144 total passing yards. Seattle was also able to pass for over 300 yards against a top 10 defense.
In recent revenge games, the outcome is typical to the previous meeting. While the recent trends show Seattle winning outright and covering the spread with ease, one has to take note that the Saints have initiated a new trend of winning in the playoffs on the road for the first time since their Super Bowl run in the past.
Another matchup this weekend features the 49ers taking on the Panthers in Carolina as Colin Kaepernick will attempt to atone for his mistakes from the previous meeting, which occurred Week 9 in San Francisco.
During the last matchup, Kaepernick had his worst outing of the year throwing for a dismal 46 yards on 11 attempts. Although the Panther defense was able to hold San Francisco’s offense in check, Carolina will have to account for the talented Michael Crabtree, who did not play in the first outing.
The obvious trend here is that when a starting quarter back gets his number one receiver back from injury, the passer rating increases an average of 10 points. Mix a more explosive Jim Harbaugh offense with a stunning defense and we could see a team finally get the payback they deserve in this matchup where the winner takes a spot in the NFC Championship game next week.
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