**All betting lines are from bet365.com**
Los Angeles Rams (11-6) @ Green Bay Packers (13-3)
The Packers come into this game well rested, having claimed the first-round bye in the NFC and now get a home game on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field against a West Coast team -- what more could they ask for? There is a slight chance of snow for this game, but regardless, the biggest storyline will be Jared Goff's comfort level with his injured thumb. Sure, the Rams took advantage of a flawed Seattle Seahawks team last week, thanks to its league-leading defense, but I think Goff's stat line is being overlooked here. He completed just nine of his 19 passing attempts for 155 yards and a TD. And, at times, the ball would randomly come out of his release point like a knuckleball. How healthy is he and when you factor in the cold elements, this could be an uphill battle.
The Packers scored a league-high 31.8 point per game this season and has won its last four home games by an average margin of 16 points. This is definitely their toughest task of the year so far, going against a Rams defense that surrendered a league-best 18.5 points per game during the regular season. But, Aaron Donald appears to be banged up heading into this game as he deals with a rib injury and even though Jalen Ramsey has shutdown every corner he's faced this year, he hasn't faced Davante Adams. I just don't think Goff's injured thumb holds up here and the Rams will need a couple of turnovers -- something the Packers have only committed once in their last six games -- to change the tune of this football game. Packers, 23-16.
Line: Packers -6.5
Spread: Packers -6.5
ML: Packers
Baltimore Ravens (12-5) @ Buffalo Bills (14-3)
Josh Allen was impressive last week against a tough Indianapolis Colts defense, going 26-of-35 for 324 yards and 2 TD's. There were a couple of nervous moments in that 4th quarter -- primarily the near sack fumble at midfield -- but the Bills hung on to secure the franchise's first playoff victory in 24 years. Now, the Ravens come to town (in front of a small contingent of Bills Mafia fans) with the leagues top rushing offense. Why is this a problem? Well, the Bills are susceptible on the ground, allowing 119.6 rushing yards per game in the regular season (16th in NFL). It's not necessarily a glaring hole in their defense, but certainly a chink in the armor and it will have to be the key to the Ravens' success.
Lamar Jackson exercised his playoff demons in a 20-13 win over the Tennessee Titans last week. Can he do it again in Buffalo? This is a difficult game to call as both teams are playing some great football to this point of the season. Sean McDermott preached all year long to his team about hosting playoff games in the winter elements of Bills Stadium and it certainly plays an advantage considering Jackson admitted he's barely played in the snow before (if it snows that is). I think the Ravens lean on their strong rushing attack here and Jackson breaks through for a couple of big chunk plays to advance to the AFC Championship. Ravens, 24-23.
Line: Bills -2.5
Spread: Ravens +2.5
ML: Ravens
Cleveland Browns (12-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)
What a Cinderella story the Browns are. Last week, they walked into Heinz Field and blew the doors off the Pittsburgh Steelers without their head coach, two key offensive linemen and down a flurry of defensive players. Despite the odds, they took it to the Steelers from the opening snap and never looked back. The strength of the Browns is their run game, averaging 148.4 rushing yards per game (3rd in NFL) during the regular season. Why is this significant? The Chiefs surrendered 122.1 rushing yards per game (12th-most in NFL) this year and their run defense ranked 31st in DVOA.
The Chiefs are missing two key players in this matchup as right tackle Mitchell Schwartz and wide receiver Sammy Watkins will be out. It also appears that rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a longshot to play, so we could be in for a RBBC between Le'Veon Bell, Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson. Expect the Chiefs to pass early and often, especially to Travis Kelce as the Browns have been weak against tight ends this year, allowing 90 catches (29th), 907 yards (25th) and 10 TD (T-27th). The Browns will have to throw a little more in this game than they would like to and I think that will end up being overwhelming. Chiefs, 30-23.
Line: Chiefs -9
Spread: Browns +9
ML: Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-5) @ New Orleans Saints (13-4)
This is an intriguing game as we get Tom Brady and Drew Brees squaring off for the third time this season (and possibly the last of their careers). The Saints got the better of the Bucs in both matchups during the regular season, surpassing the 30-point mark in both contests. There are two key injuries that will play a factor in how Sean Payton approaches his offensive game plan on Sunday, as both Taysom Hill and Latavius Murray will be sidelined. The Hill injury is the most fascinating because Payton has a borderline obsession with him, to the point where he has come in and thrown the deep ball on set plays rather than Brees.
For the Bucs, their offense has been clicking on all cylinders and they are averaging 35.8 points per game during a five-game winning streak. Most notable in that stretch has been the play of Brady, who has thrown 14 touchdowns to just one interception in that span and he should have his full arsenal of weapons out there on the field Sunday. The key to this game will be defensive line pressure by the Saints on Brady, who adapted well last week against the Washington Football Team. The Saints will rely on a heavy dose of Alvin Kamara and their defense to put them over the top and head to Lambeau Field next weekend. Saints, 24-21.
Line: Saints -2.5
Spread: Saints -2.5
ML: Saints
Wild Card Results
Spread: 2-3-1
ML: 4-2
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