NFL Divisional betting predictions & preview | Saturday, 1/18/25

The NFL Playoffs continue this Saturday with two blockbuster Divisional Round matchups featuring both #1 seeds.

Below are our NFL betting picks and previews for each game.

Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs preview

Saturday, January 18 – 4:30pm EST – Arrowhead Stadium

The Kansas City Chiefs, the AFC’s #1 seed, begin their quest for another Super Bowl as they host the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Texans were dominant in their playoff opener last Saturday, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 32-12. After a shaky start conceding the first six points, Houston responded with 23 unanswered points to secure a convincing victory.

Running back Joe Mixon (106 rushing yards, one touchdown) and wide receiver Nico Collins (122 receiving yards, one touchdown) were standouts, while the defense recorded four sacks and forced four turnovers. However, concerns linger over quarterback C.J. Stroud’s three turnovers. As road underdogs this week, the Texans are priced at +380 to pull off the upset with leading bookmakers.

Kansas City had a bye during Wildcard Weekend, giving their key players extra rest since clinching the #1 seed on Christmas Day. Despite Patrick Mahomes posting a statistically modest season, he has led the Chiefs to just one loss all year.

Tight end Travis Kelce (+120) remains Mahomes’ primary target, supported by receivers Xavier Worthy (+200) and DeAndre Hopkins (+275). On the ground, Isiah Pacheco (+150) and Kareem Hunt (+165) are expected to split carries. The Chiefs are favored to win the AFC at +135, according to top sportsbooks.

With Kansas City’s playoff pedigree, home-field advantage, and Houston’s struggles with turnovers, the Chiefs are well-placed to cover the -8.5-point line at -111.11 with Bovada.

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Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions preview

Saturday, January 18 – 8:00pm EST – Ford Field, Detroit

The Detroit Lions, NFC’s #1 seed, are heavy favorites as they face the Washington Commanders in Saturday night’s showdown.

The Commanders edged past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday with a game-winning field goal as time expired. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showed composure during a decisive fourth-quarter drive, while the Washington defense delivered a critical late-game turnover.

Daniels has impressed in his rookie campaign, priced at +175 to score this week, with wide receiver Terry McLaurin (+165) and running back Brian Robinson Jr. (+162) providing additional scoring threats. Despite their recent success, the Commanders are significant underdogs at +400.

The Lions secured the NFC’s top seed despite battling numerous injuries. They boast the league’s highest-scoring offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff. Running back David Montgomery (-151.52) is set to return, partnering with Jahmyr Gibbs (-227.27) in the backfield. Top receiving options include Amon-Ra St. Brown (-125), Jameson Williams (+140), and tight end Sam LaPorta (+140).

While Detroit’s secondary allowed the third-most passing yards this season, their offense has scored over 30 points in five straight games. They remain Super Bowl favorites at $3.60 with the top online casinos. Expect the Lions to pressure the rookie quarterback on defense and establish their ground game early. Despite the line set at 9.5 points, Detroit is well-positioned to cover comfortably at -111.11 with Bovada.

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