NFL divisional round predictions: Picks against the spread for Sunday

NFL divisional round predictions: Picks against the spread for Sunday

The Post’s Dave Blezow makes his picks and predictions for Sunday’s NFL divisional playoff games.

SUNDAY 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-6) over Los Angeles Rams; Under 44: Another game with lots to consider. Let’s start with Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards — including two touchdowns of 70-plus yards — in the Eagles’ 37-20 victory over the Rams at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 24. 

Barkley likely won’t hit that number again, but know there hasn’t been much of a learning curve when it comes to stopping him. He had 109 yards vs. the Packers, then 119 in the second meeting. He rushed for 66 and then 167 vs. Dallas. And 146 then 150 vs. Washington. He faced the Giants only once. 

For all the success the Rams defense had against Darnold with nine sacks and a scoop-and-score, it’ll be different at the Linc with all the attention that will need to be paid to Barkley. 

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles rolled over the Rams earlier this season.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles rolled over the Rams earlier this season. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Though McVay and Stafford are as good as it gets as a coach-quarterback tandem, at least on the far side of Reid-Mahomes, the Rams are in a brutal situational spot. 

They played Monday night, had to travel home to L.A., then cross country to face a more-rested team. Also, the forecast of low 30s with rain or snow is not ideal for Stafford, who has played the majority of his games indoors. 

Eagles, 27-16. 

BUFFALO BILLS (+1) over Baltimore Ravens; Under 51.5: It’s easy to fixate on the first meeting, a 35-10 Ravens rout at the Inner Harbor in Week 4, and stop there. 

After all, Derrick Henry ran for an 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens’ first play from scrimmage, then caught a 5-yard touchdown pᴀss from Lamar Jackson. He finished with 199 yards rushing. 

Similar to Barkley, familiarity is not the key to stopping Henry. Consider the Steelers faced him three times since mid-November, and Henry rushed for 65, then 162, then 186. 

Derrick Henry will need to be stopped by the Bills if they have any hope.
Derrick Henry will need to be stopped by the Bills if they have any hope. Getty Images

I believe the Ravens are the better team, top to bottom, at this stage of the season. But they’re not unbeatable, and there’s something psychological about taking a team that’s undefeated in its building as a home underdog. Yes it’s only one point, but it could be more than that motivationally. 

Josh Allen has done some magical things this season, including his touchdown pᴀss/catch/dive in the snow to beat the Chiefs. If it’s his time, it’s his time. 

Bills, 24-23. 

Betting on the NFL?

LOCK OF THE WEEK: Lions (Locks 8-9 in 2024-25). 

LAST WEEK: 5-7 (2-4 sides, 3-4 Over/Unders). 

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Dave Blezow’s one of the longest tenured NFL handicappers at the Post with picks dating back 31 years. He won the Post’s NFL betting standings in 2021 and the Playoffs most recently in 2023.

Related Posts

EXCLUSIVEFrom homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes… how Quincy Avery became the NFL’s quarterback guru

EXCLUSIVEFrom homelessness to training Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes… how Quincy Avery became the NFL’s quarterback guru

Football jerseys line the walls where Quincy Avery sleeps. Just as they did nearly two decades ago, when he drove his Mustang out west to California. Avery…

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith had to be held back by security during an ugly fight while coaching a youth football game this weekend in…

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins majority owner Stephen Ross is digging into his pockets for a new venture as he reportedly is closing in on a roughly 45% stake of…

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

The Kansas City Chiefs have paid tribute to former team running back Joe Delaney, who pᴀssed away 42 years ago Sunday trying to save three children from…

Worrying update on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future as Browns decision looms after QB’s draft humiliation

Worrying update on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future as Browns decision looms after QB’s draft humiliation

There’s been a worrying update on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future as the Cleveland Browns prepare to name their starting quarterback later this summer. Sanders, who infamously fell…

NFL fans hail ‘incredible’ Jason Kelce over million charity gesture after Eagles legend’s Speedo dance

NFL fans hail ‘incredible’ Jason Kelce over $1million charity gesture after Eagles legend’s Speedo dance

Jason and Kylie Kelce has been widely praised after helping raise more than $1million for the Eagles Autism Foundation. The former NFL star and his wife were…