NFL Divisional Playoffs: AFC Matchup Odds
After dominating the Houston Texans in the NFL Wild Card Round the Kansas City Chiefs get a much tougher test in the Divisional Round in New England against the Patriots.
The Chiefs were a 3-point road favorite in last week’s 30-0 blowout win over Houston. Knile Davis got things started early with a 106-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and the Chiefs never looked back. One piece of bad news from the game, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was injured and his status for Saturday is considered questionable.
The Patriots begin their run for another Super Bowl title at home as a 5-point favorite at online sportsbook 5Dimes. New England’s biggest concern when the regular season ended was Tom Brady’s health. The Pats QB suffered an ankle injury in Week 17, but should be ready to go. Also reportedly ready to go will be wideout Julian Edelman, who has been out since Week 10 with a broken foot.
Kansas City enters this game on a five-game winning streak SU and ATS on the road. They’re also 6-3 SU and ATS in their last nine road games, but when they’re a road underdog they’re a lackluster 6-14 SU and 9-11 ATS.
New England is 7-1 SU and 4-1-3 ATS in their last eight home games. At home in the postseason the Pats are 6-3 SU and 4-5 ATS in their last nine.
Interestingly, the last time New England and Kansas City faced off the Chiefs pulled out a 41-14 upset win as a 2.5-point home underdog. The Chiefs have lost their last three Divisional Round games both SU and ATS, while New England are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in their last trips to the Divisional Round.
In Sunday’s AFC matchup Pittsburgh heads to Denver to face the Broncos as a 6-point underdog at 5Dimes.
The Steelers won a close battle with Cincinnati last week, 18-16 as a 2-point favorite. Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) and Antonio Brown (head) were injured in the win, but both are hopeful to suit up on Sunday. However, DeAngelo Williams, who missed last week’s game with an ankle injury, remains considered questionable.
The Broncos will hand the ball back to veteran QB Peyton Manning after he spurred Denver to a win over San Diego in their regular season finale. At home this season Denver was a strong 6-2 SU, but only 3-5 ATS. As a home favorite the Broncos were 4-2 SU, but a terrible 1-5 ATS.
In Week 14 with Brock Osweiler starting for the Broncos in Pittsburgh the Steelers won 34-27 as a 7-point favorite. In their last nine games versus the Steelers Denver is 6-3 SU and 5-3-1 ATS, and at home they’re 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS in their last eight games.