Divisional Round NFL Picks

**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Jan. 18)

Houston Texans (11-7) @ Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)

The Texans were on the ropes for the majority of the first half last week until a botched snap that would seemingly lead to a broken play, resulted in C.J. Stroud finding Xavier Hutchinson downfield to salvage the drive and the game. The Texans rallied to blow the Chargers out at home and will now get the first crack to knock off the defending Super Bowl champions. Andy Reid and his staff are the best of the bunch remaining and the Chiefs will be well rested when they host the Texans on Saturday. They didn't need additional help, but it appears that the offense will get Marquise Brown back in the mix, giving them another weapon in the passing game. Pick: Chiefs, 24-17.

Line: Chiefs -9

ML: Chiefs

Spread: Texans

Washington Commanders (13-5) @ Detroit Lions (15-2)

Jayden Daniels is calm and cool under pressure for a rookie quarterback and he showed that once again by leading his team to a road playoff win last week. He's poised beyond his years, and I would imagine he won't be intimidated on the road here again in Detroit. The Commanders will need to slow down this Lions run game, which is expected to get David Montgomery back in a limited capacity alongside Jahmyr Gibbs. If the Commanders can get an early lead and trade punches with the Lions in the first half, we will see if Dan Campbell's aggressive coaching style becomes a factor. Pick: Lions, 34-24.

Line: Lions -9.5

ML: Lions

Spread: Lions

Los Angeles Rams (11-7) @ Philadelphia Eagles (15-3)

This is the one game on this weekend's schedule that could prove to be an upset. The Rams are a veteran-laden team offensively and Sean McVay's coaching pedigree has won them a Super Bowl before. While the Eagles have a stout defense at home, this upstart Rams front seven could pose some problems for Jalen Hurts and that will be the most intriguing matchup to watch. I would expect both running backs to find their open space in this game, but it will come down to which defense can sustain more pressure on the opposing quarterback and Chris Shula has done an excellent job with his disguised blitzes this season. Pick: Eagles, 24-20.

Line: Eagles -6

ML: Eagles

Spread: Rams

Baltimore Ravens (13-5) @ Buffalo Bills (14-4)

This is a career-defining game for Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson this Sunday. Both quarterbacks have made it to the AFC Championship game just once, and of course, one of them will be headed back there again this year. The narrative to this point is that despite their MVP-caliber play, both have lived in the shadow of Patrick Mahomes, and now is the time to seize the moment and change that. I really think the Ravens' two-headed monster of Lamar and Derrick Henry will carry them in this game as I'm a bit skeptical of this Bills defense heading into this one. Pick: Ravens, 26-23.

Line: Ravens -1

ML: Ravens

Spread: Ravens

Results

Wild Card Round

ML: 4-2

ATS: 2-4

Overall

ML: 189-89 (67.9%)

ATS: 144-130-4 (51.8%)