The NFL playoffs have reached the penultimate week of action. With a trip to the Super Bowl at stake, the final four teams will be going all in to reach New York. Likewise, bettors should be all in on the teams who have paid off for bettors who had trust in them recently.
[sc:BettingArticlesShortcoder ]NFL Betting Power Rankings as of January 15, 2014
*All odds as of January 15, 2014
| TEAMS | TRENDS |
|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | 8-1 SU at home; 12-3 SU in last 15 games vs NE |
| Seattle Seahawks | 16-1 SU at home in last two years; 5-0 ATS in last 5 games vs SF |
1. Denver Broncos (-4.5)
Next Game: vs New England Patriots (January 19, 3:00 PM ET)
The Denver Broncos haven’t lost very many home games with Peyton Manning, and they don’t fancy adding one more with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. With their win over the Chargers on Sunday, the Broncos are now 8-1 SU at home this season and 15-3 SU with Manning under center, the third best home mark in the NFL since 2012.[sc:NFL240banner ]
On the other hand, all four of the New England Patriots’ losses this season came on the road and are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on the road. The Pats will also be playing their first road playoff game since 2006 – when Manning’s Indianapolis Colts knocked them out in the conference championship.
A lot has been made of New England’s revitalized running game. But they’ll be going up against a Broncos defense that limited a Chargers running attack. Chargers gained over 140 yards in five straight games but were held by the Broncos’ defense to just 65 rushing yards last week.
2. Seattle Seahawks (-3)
Next Game: vs San Francisco 49ers (January 19, 6:30 PM ET)
Speaking of homefield advantage, Seattle’s CenturyLink Field is the best in the business. The Seahawks are an astounding 16-1 SU at home over the last two years. Against the 49ers, Seattle has gone 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.
The defense – which has reached all-time great levels – will no doubt be ready for the visit of their fierce division rivals. Russell Wilson’s recent inconsistent play is a concern, but with Marshawn Lynch going Beast Mode for 140 yards and 2 TDs, the Seahawks are still getting more than enough points from their offense.
It also helps having arguably the most accurate kicker this season. Steven Hauschka’s 94.3% accuracy (33-for-35) is 2nd in the NFL, but has nine more attempts than the leader, Denver’s Matt Prater. With the game expected to be close – Seattle is currently favored by a field goal – having a reliable kicker could make the difference.
Head over to the sportsbook and place your bets now on the Conference Round.
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