NFL 2023 Divisional Round – Odds, Predictions & Picks

It’s the NFL version of the Final Four in each conference with the AFC and NFC Divisional Round games on Saturday and Sunday. In year’s past, there’s always been at least one big surprise in this round. Who are the favorites and we tell you what teams we think will move on to the next round and what are the odds and factors you should consider before placing a bet? 

Odds provided by Fanduel

Houston Texans

Each of the last four years, at least one lower seeded team has staged an upset in the Divisional Round game. I think that team will be the Texans. Houston has a young superstar quarterback in CJ Stroud, a defense that is getting better each week - and has shut down corners - and matches up well with the Ravens. Also, the Ravens had the week off - it’s an early start - and if they get off to a slow start, the Texans could be ready to pounce. Houston is 0-4 all-time in Divisional Round games.

Injury report: 

• Sheldon Rankins - Q
• Robert Woods - Q
• Jonathan Greenard - Q
• Dieter Eiselen - Q
• Blake Cashman - Q
• Maliek Collins - Q
• Will Anderson Jr. - P
• Andrew Beck - Q
• John Metchie III - Q
• Jerry Hughes - Q
• Denzel Perryman - P
• Noah Brown - O

Baltimore Ravens

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson deserves the MVP after another special season where he threw for 3678 yards and 24 scores and also led the Ravens in rushing with 821. Baltimore’s defense is still good as ever, maybe not as good up front as it once was, but great in the secondary with Geno Stone and Kyle Hamilton combining for 11 picks. The Ravens have lost their last three Divisional Round games.

Injury report:

• Devin Duvernay - Q
• Tylan Wallace - Q
• Mark Andrews - Q
• Zay Flowers - Q
• Odafe Oweh - Q
• Marlon Humphrey - Q

Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love and the Packers got America talking with their beatdown of Dallas in the Wild Card Round. Love, making his first playoff start, looked cool and calm, making every big throw. It’s like the Packers are developing right in front of us. Their young offensive weapons like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs just kept making plays. This is a dangerous young team, but they are in for it against a Niners team that is loaded.

Injury report:

• Jaire Alexander - Q
• Kenny Clark - Q
• AJ Dillon - Q
• Kingsley Enagbare - Q
• Rashan Gary - P
• Elgton Jenkins - Q
• Aaron Jones - P
• Preston Smith - Q
   

San Francisco 49ers

San Fran is the No. 1 seed and had the week off to rest and recover.  The Niners can come at you in so many different ways on offense. If you try to take away Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy will take the one-on-one match-ups with the wide receivers all day. Defensively, Fred Warner leads the Niners spiritually. While I think the rest could hurt the Ravens who are more of a rhythm-based team, I think it helps the Niners prepare for the Packers.

Injury report:

• Logan Ryan - Q
• Arik Armstead - Q
• Dre Greenlaw - Q

Kansas City Chiefs

This is the third time in the last four years these teams are meeting in the playoffs. The Chiefs have won both, including the amazing OT win in 2021. This is the first time the game is in Buffalo - good news is the weather won’t be too bad. The Chiefs are still limited on offense, but the defense can get after you. They held the Dolphins pretty much to one big play, but they couldn’t hold off Josh Allen in the regular season meeting.

Injury report:

• Wanya Morris - O
• Justyn Ross - Q
• Kadarius Toney - Q

Buffalo Bills

The Bills beat the Chiefs 20-17 in Week 14, and haven’t lost since. That’s six wins in a row. Allen gets all the attention - and he should - but the Bills running game has become a big part of their success. James Cook has 1,122 yards this season. It becomes a pick your poison thing for the Bills opponents, focus on Allen and Cook can beat you. Don’t surprised if this comes down to the final minute. 

Injury report:

• Gabe Davis - O
• Taylor Rapp - O
• Tyrel Dodson - Q
• Rasul Douglas - Q