X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NFL Prop Bets Preview - Divisional Round Picks and Predictions

There has only been one No. 1 seed to lose in the divisional round the last five seasons (Cowboys in 2016 against Packers). In those nine games (excluding Cowboys loss), the No. 1 seeds have won by an average of 10 points. There were some blowouts that inflated those numbers but here are the winning margins; 4, 5, 7, 7, 7, 8, 14, 18, 21. In that same time span, No. 2 seeds are 6-4.

In this column, I will be breaking down all four games of the divisional round including several prop bets for each whether it's a player prop or game prop. Prop odds I used were on FanDuel Spoortsbook, Sportsbook.ag, and sportsinteraction.com.

These props are not only recommended bets but can also help you gauge a player while making your DFS lineups.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!

 

Colts (+5.5) @ Chiefs | Saturday - 4:30 PM ET

I was all-in on the Colts last week and they didn't disappoint. They jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back. They let Luck take control early throwing for 191 yards and two touchdowns in the first half before they let Marlon Mack take the game over rushing for a career-high 148 yards. Indy's offense will be set up against the 27th ranked rush defense and 31st pass defense. KC struggles to get off the field on third down (25th in league). Indy thrived on keeping drives alone during the season ranking first and continued that last week in Houston converting nine of 13 third downs.

Indy's defense has been terrific of late, but there's no stopping KC's offense. They can be slowed, but not stopped. For that reason, I expect Indy to open the game running while they keep the ball out of Pat Mahomes's hands. Marlon Mack should have another big game.

While Andy Reid is the Marty Schottenheimer of this generation with early playoff exits, this team may be different with Mahomes at the helm. No defense can stop them. The least amount of points KC has scored this season has been 26. So if neither team can stop one another so that means we can expect a shootout.

There's something magical about Mahomes and he himself can get Andy Reid over the playoff-hump.

*There is a high chance it snows during the game. If so, that favors the Colts because they will control the line of scrimmage.*

Prediction: Chiefs 38 - Colts 34

Recommended Prop Bets: Travis Kelce over 6.5 receptions (-120). *He is too hard to stop. Marlon Mack over 74.5 rushing yards (-125)

 

Cowboys @ Rams (-7.0) | Saturday - 8:00 PM ET

The under-the-radar Rams "host" the Cowboys and I put host in quotations because this game will be 40-50 percent Cowboy fans. But will that make a difference? I don't believe so. The Rams went 13-3, but it feels like a bad 13-3 because of their back-to-back losses in Weeks 14 and 15. Those losses came to the Bears and Eagles, both playoff teams. Their only other loss was against the Saints. It's not like their 13 wins were flukey as they were third in point differential while the Cowboys were 14th.

If you're a regular reader of my column, you know I love third-down conversion percentage and scoring touchdowns in the red zone. The Rams were fifth in third-down conversions, Dallas was 11th. However, the Cowboys struggle in getting off the field ranking 23rd while the Rams were much better ranking 12th.

In terms of red zone touchdown scoring, Dallas was 27th, LA was 18th. On the defensive side, the Cowboys ranked ninth while the Rams were 14th.

The Cowboys should try and get Ezekiel Elliot going often and early not only to keep the Rams offense off the field, but also because he's their best chance to win. The Rams struggled to stop the run all season ranking 23rd. But as good as Elliot has been this season and as good as the Cowboys defense has played, the Rams have been waiting for this game since last year's home playoff loss to Atlanta. That game got those first playoff jitters out. Wade Phillips will have a stout defensive game-plan against the team he used to coach. I trust Sean McVay a ton more than Jason "The Clapper" Garrett. I also just think the Rams are being disrespected by the public – not Vegas – and will come out firing. Once the Rams get a 7-0 lead, that will be it because Dak Prescott can't play from behind.

Prediction: Rams 34 - Cowboys 21

Recommended Prop Bets: Jared Goff over 281.5 passing yards (-120). *I think he regains his early-season form. Dak Prescott under 21.5 completions (-120)

 

Chargers (+4.0) @ Patriots | Sunday - 1:00 PM ET

The Pats have played 22 home playoff game in the Brady/Belichick era and only four other times has the line been 4 or less. It makes sense why this line is low. The Chargers have not lost outside of Los Angeles this season (8-0), while the Patriots have looked mortal. New England has not lost at home this season though and are 18 points better in differential at home than on the road.

I the Pats to run, run, and run some more. They ran the ball on average 10 more times at home than on the road for 59 more yards. How many times have you seen the New England in big games slow things down and physically beat the other team. They'll go on those long methodical seven minute drives that result in touchdowns.

The Chargers have been so good this year, but how will they respond to brutal cold weather and another early 10 a.m. game on their body clocks? This team has beaten the Steelers, Chiefs, and Ravens all on the road in cold weather. I can't doubt Phillip Rivers with how he's played this season. Their defense has the pass rushers to get to Tom Brady, but until Brady/Belichick go down at home in a playoff game, I can't pick against them. But I will pick against them here in terms of the spread. The other reason the Pats pull this off is because the Chargers were inept in the red zone against the Ravens and you can't do that against New England.

Prediction: Patriots 24 - Chargers 21

Recommended Prop Bets: Sony Michel over 61.5 rushing yards (-120). *This may very well be James White, but I think Belichick goes with the more physical back. Keenan Allen under 70.5 receiving yards (-120). *Since his injury in Kansas City a month ago, his games have been: 5-58, 4-64, 4-37. His two career games against the Pats he's averaged three receptions (four targets) for 32 yards.

 

Eagles @ Saints (-8.0) | Sunday - 4:30 PM ET

Like the Rams, it feels like the public – not Vegas – is against the Saints who have been nothing short of dominant this season. They lost one game at home which came in Week 1. They've won games in blowout fashion and even beat teams scoring 12 points. One of those teams embarrassed were the Eagles who lost 48-7 in Week 11. Since then the Eagles are 6-1. They're on a miracle run with Nick Foles, but that's going to end Sunday.

Drew Brees and Sean Payton are 5-0 at home in the playoffs. They are a different team in that dome. They may not have the sexiest defense but they get pressure on the quarterback. They have the fifth-most sacks in the league. I keep remembering the Thanksgiving game against the Falcons when Matt Ryan was under constant pressure. The defense seemed to feed off the crowd. It's going to be much louder in that dome Saturday.

While the Eagles have a good pass rush, Drew Brees has been hit the least amount of times and sacked second least. He will have time to shred the porous secondary that Mitchell Trubisky threw for 303 yards on them and had big windows to throw into. The Saints have one too many weapons plus the random receiver you've never heard of.

Prediction: Saints 37 - Eagles 21

Recommended Prop Bets: Keith Kirkwood over 24.5 receiving yards (-112). *He'll be the random receiver that gets a deep ball or two. Alvin Kamara over 38.5 receiving yards (-120)

 

Best of luck and be sure to check in next week for my preview of Championship Sunday!

More NFL Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mike Ford24 mins ago

Signs Deal With Reds
Edouard Julien27 mins ago

Riding Pine On Opening Day
Duncan Robinson29 mins ago

Heat Rule Out Duncan Robinson Friday
Bryan Reynolds32 mins ago

In Opening Day Lineup
Connor Joe36 mins ago

Leading Off For The Pirates
Jimmy Butler39 mins ago

Probable Against Portland
Onyeka Okongwu1 hour ago

Remains Out Thursday
Dejounte Murray1 hour ago

Questionable With Back Soreness
Kyle Farmer2 hours ago

Starting At Second On Opening Day
Jordan Romano2 hours ago

Not Expected To Be Out Long
Gerrit Cole2 hours ago

Yankees Put Gerrit Cole On 60-Day Injured List
Elly De La Cruz2 hours ago

Batting In Six-Hole On Opening Day
Marco Luciano2 hours ago

Giants Option Marco Luciano, Blake Sabol
Anthony DeSclafani3 hours ago

Goes On 60-Day Injured List
Anthony Rendon3 hours ago

Hitting Leadoff On Opening Day
Robert Stephenson3 hours ago

Angels Officially Place Robert Stephenson On Injured List
Wander Franco3 hours ago

Placed On Administrative Leave
Aaron Ekblad3 hours ago

Returning To Panthers Lineup Thursday
Will Benson3 hours ago

Batting Second For The Reds On Thursday
Nikita Kucherov3 hours ago

Establishes New Career High With 42nd Goal
Shane Pinto3 hours ago

Collects Career-High Four Points
Corbin Burnes4 hours ago

Faces Off With Angels On Opening Day
Valeri Nichushkin4 hours ago

Nursing A Lower-Body Injury
Samuel Girard4 hours ago

Battling An Illness
J.K. Dobbins4 hours ago

Visiting With Chargers On Thursday
Oskar Sundqvist4 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season With Torn ACL
Ethan Bear4 hours ago

Enters Player Assistance Program
Keita Bates-Diop4 hours ago

To Miss Rest Of Season
Dyson Daniels4 hours ago

Remains Out On Thursday But Nearing Return
LaMelo Ball4 hours ago

Ruled Out For Rest Of 2023-24
Jose Alvarado5 hours ago

Questionable To Face Milwaukee
Jaden Springer5 hours ago

Considered Questionable
Xavier Tillman5 hours ago

Sr. Questionable Thursday
Gabe Vincent5 hours ago

Expected To Return To Action On Sunday
Al Horford16 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report
Derrick White16 hours ago

Off The Injury Report
Kris Bryant17 hours ago

In A "Great Place" Physically
Nick Lodolo17 hours ago

Reds Place Nick Lodolo On 15-Day Injured List
TJ Friedl17 hours ago

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Aaron Gordon17 hours ago

Cleared To Face Phoenix
Michael Porter17 hours ago

Jr. Good To Go Wednesday
Nikola Jokic17 hours ago

Playing Against Phoenix
Jackson Chourio17 hours ago

Will Start In Right Field Friday
Jrue Holiday17 hours ago

Might Return On Thursday
Khris Middleton18 hours ago

Expected To Play On Thursday Night
Joel Embiid18 hours ago

To Return Soon?
Jamal Murray18 hours ago

Out Again On Wednesday
Jake Odorizzi19 hours ago

Starting At Triple-A
Rudy Gobert19 hours ago

Ready To Rock Against Pistons
Eduardo Rodriguez19 hours ago

Starts Throwing Program
Mark Hubbard21 hours ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson21 hours ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Akshay Bhatia21 hours ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen21 hours ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers21 hours ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers22 hours ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers22 hours ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Wyndham Clark23 hours ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers24 hours ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
Jayden Daniels24 hours ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
Tank Bigsby1 day ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Josh Reynolds1 day ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Doug Ghim1 day ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA1 day ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry1 day ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox1 day ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak1 day ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan1 day ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg1 day ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn1 day ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby1 day ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin1 day ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord1 day ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala1 day ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark1 day ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler1 day ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Sam Ryder1 day ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen1 day ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama1 day ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin1 day ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Taylor Moore2 days ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson2 days ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery2 days ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Amon-Ra St. Brown2 days ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff2 days ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins2 days ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams2 days ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
PIT2 days ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn2 days ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield2 days ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR2 days ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras2 days ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen2 days ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb2 days ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
D'Andre Swift2 days ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson2 days ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad2 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson2 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Pittsburgh Steelers3 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson3 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Amanda Ribas3 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas3 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron3 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs3 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher3 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley3 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr4 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR4 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain4 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott4 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala4 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 1

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire on draft night. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the first round of the draft. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller!... Read More


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Early Look At Wide Receivers In 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts

The upcoming NFL Draft is less than a month away. While everyone is excited for the NFL Draft, fantasy players are looking forward to the regular season. While we won’t have meaningful NFL football for months, it’s never too early to prepare for your fantasy football drafts. Last year, the fantasy football world saw multiple... Read More


Spencer Rattler, College Football Transfers

Underrated Rookie Draft Targets - Early 2024 Sleepers for Dynasty Fantasy Football

We are a month out from the NFL Draft, meaning if you are here, you are probably looking for draft content and reading up on prospects. You probably have all of the information you need on stud prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. That’s not what you’re here for.  Rookie draft season for... Read More


Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part II

The NFL's offseason, including trades and free agency, can strongly impact a player's fantasy football value. This effect can be positive or negative. For this series, we're focusing on fantasy football players who have seen their fantasy value increase. This can occur via a player's direct movement, such as a trade or signing with a... Read More


UFL RANKINGS, FANTASY FOOTBALL,

UFL Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 1: QB, RB, WR, TE Rankings and Analysis (2024)

It's finally here: the UFL season is set to kick off with two games on Saturday, March 30 and two games on Sunday, March 31. Saturday's games will be broadcast on Fox Sports while Sunday's matchups will be on ESPN. The most anticipated Week 1 matchup pits the 2023 USFL champion Birmingham Stallions against the... Read More


Jared Goff - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Will the Lions Extend Jared Goff's Contract This Offseason? 2024 NFL Outlook

Jared Goff's career in Los Angeles didn't take off like many expected after his appearance in Super Bowl LIII, and he was traded to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. Goff's first season in the Motor City was terrible, but he has completely turned things around over the last two seasons. In 2022, he almost led... Read More


Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More