NFL Playoffs Best Bets for Saturday, January 22, 2022
We've had an outstanding playoff-opening, punctuated by the first touchdown scorer prop we hit on Monday Night. Odell Beckham Jr.'s touchdown got us 9.2 units on just that play alone. We also hit the under on Kupp's receiving yards, and the moneyline parlay between the Grizzlies and Rams. Let's keep it going.
Bengals at Titans
I have never believed in the Tennessee Titans. Not when Derrick Henry was healthy, not when he was hurt, and not now. They've had some good wins, don't get me wrong. But, I've watched them quite a bit over the last few years and they have one thing consistent about them: inconsistent play. Ryan Tannehill is not a good quarterback, despite flashes of very good and competent play. Henry is the premier running back in the league and cannot be stopped, but he also hasn't played in weeks. That means he will either be well-rested, or rusty. The bigger concern to me is that the Titans rarely play a full and complete game. I've seen many games start with them dominating only to let the opponent come back, or them to come out flat before ramping it all up in the second half. There is no luxury like that in the playoffs. I'm backing the Bengals to win this game. I don't think it is a stretch to say they have the better quarterback in Joe Burrow. I'll take the points (3.5) and the moneyline (+152).
One last note: If you took the Bengals at +220 to get to the AFC Championship game, you can play the Titans at -180 for one unit. You'll get a small profit if the Bengals win, but won't be down anything if they lose. I'm not hedging, personally.
49ers at Packers
The weather looks like this game should be all Packers. I was wrong about the 49ers last week, but I can't support them here against Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has a personal vendetta against the organization and has had one his entire career. You think he will lose at home? Not a chance. Sure, the 49ers could win with their run game and the defensive line could prove successful against a Packers line. They could hold Devante Adams down, and even stop the run game. But, Rodgers just finds a way - part of the reason he is likely the MVP for the second consecutive year. The 49ers are better on the road, for whatever reason, but that doesn't mean they will be better at Lambeau Field in five-degree weather? There really isn't anything that points to a 49ers win for me. Packers don't need to even win by a touchdown? Sign me up. Packers -5.5 at -110. I'd also lean towards the under 47 points.