Underdogs are 13-1-1 against the spread in the last two seasons of NFL Playoffs. That streak is astounding, and was aided by the Wild Card Round's 4-0 weekend of underdogs covering. The best betting sites in both Vegas and offshore have each home team listed as the favorite again this week for the Divisional Round.
Home teams were 1-3 in the Wild Card Round (only the Cowboys won, despite the Seahawks covering).
Here are the current lines for the Divisional Round:
Colts at Chiefs (-5)
Cowboys at Rams (-7)
Chargers at Patriots (-4)
Eagles at Saints (-8)
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All of these teams are hot straight up, with a combined record of 29-11 over their past five games. However, each of the road teams are hotter, as all are 4-1 or better. Each home team has gone 3-2 over their past five games. So, should you ride the underdogs this week?
Here's each team's last five games against the spread:
Colts: 4-1
Chiefs: 1-4
Cowboys: 2-2-1
Rams: 3-2
Chargers: 3-2
Patriots: 2-3
Eagles: 3-1-1
Saints: 1-4
Only the Cowboys have been .500 or worse ATS in their last five games among this week's underdogs. (Maybe don't give up a meaningless two-point conversion that covers...)
Looks like bettors are already in on the underdog action, riding the hot hand. Underdogs have taken on the majority of the bets in each game, as well as the money. Sportsbooks actually may be rooting for the favorites this week.
Let's take a look at each game:
Colts at Chiefs:
Saturday, 4:35p ET at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO
Weather: Cloudy, 38 degrees, minimal wind
The Chiefs haven't won a home playoff game since 1994, and are 1-10 in their last 10 playoff appearances dating back to the 1995 season. Will the streak end on the shoulders of quarterback phenom Patrick Mahomes? Or will Andrew Luck guide the Colts to their sixth straight win?
Cowboys at Rams:
Saturday, 8:15p ET at The Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 50 degrees, minimal wind
The Rams will make their second straight playoff appearance after being absent from the postseason since 2004. The Cowboys won only their fifth playoff game since the 1995 season last week... and in a battle of strengths (Rams offense vs. Cowboys defense), the question is easy - which strength wins out?
Chargers at Patriots:
Sunday, 1:05p ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 28 degrees, minimal wind
Cold weather = Patriots playoff wins, right? Philip Rivers and the Chargers are 0-2 against the Patriots in the playoffs during his career. While this may not be the Patriots team everybody has been used to during this dynastic run, can a warm-weather team go into Foxborough and win?
Eagles at Saints
Sunday, 4:40p ET at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA
48-7... since these two teams first met in the Superdome in Week 11, the Eagles have rattled off six wins in seven games and the Saints have look more vulnerable with losses to Dallas and Carolina (though many starters didn't play against the Panthers). More Foles magic, or is this Brees' send-off season?
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