Chiefs Expected To Be Highest Scoring Team In Divisional Round

The NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend is about to arrive. As we get set for the games, a number of props have been posted on the outcomes, including the highest-scoring team, the biggest point differential and the margin of victory. Let’s take a closer look at the lines on the board:

HIGHEST-SCORING TEAM THIS WEEKEND

CHIEFS: +275
RAVENS: +300
49ERS: +550
PACKERS: +600

The Chiefs might be the popular choice, but the Ravens probably have the best chance of scoring at least 30 points. Their defense should be able to contain the Tennessee offense, creating great field position and more possessions. The Ravens had the fifth-best run defense, so if they can corral Derrick Henry, it will put the Titans in uncomfortable spots. The Chiefs’ defense might not contain the Texans’ offense well enough to create that same set of benefits. A team’s point total is partly dependent on its own offense, but it also depends on the defense’s ability to get the ball back often enough. This is why the 49ers and Packers – with strong defenses, especially the pass rush – should not be written off. They could both post high point totals this weekend. Ultimately, the Ravens are the best bet here.

BIGGEST POINT DIFFERENTIAL IN ANY GAME

OVER 16.5: -110
UNDER 16.5: -110

The two games between a No. 1 seed and a No. 6 seed are the more likely places where a blowout could occur. In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers start the divisional weekend by hosting the Minnesota Vikings. Then, the Baltimore Ravens host the Tennessee Titans. If you were to make the argument that San Francisco will absolutely crush Minnesota, you would have a reasonable case to put forth. First of all, the Vikings are playing on a short week. They played on Sunday and now have to play a Saturday afternoon game. Second, the Vikings have not won two games in the same postseason since 1987. That’s over 30 years. Also, Adam Thielen is not going to be 100-percent healthy. He had a minor procedure earlier this week, even though the Vikings expect him to play. Most of all, does anyone expect Kirk Cousins to play two strong playoff games in a row? If he plays a bad game, yes, the 49ers will thump the Vikings by at least 17 points if not more.

Then the Ravens play the Titans. Baltimore has the best team in the NFL, certainly in terms of the most quality players. Baltimore has 12 Pro Bowl selections, the most in the league. Tennessee was fortunate to play a struggling New England offense. Baltimore’s offense is not struggling, and moreover, Lamar Jackson is such a different challenge compared to Tom Brady. Baltimore’s speed and diversity on offense could get the Titans’ defense off balance. If Tennessee’s offense doesn’t score at least 20 points, this could be a runaway for Baltimore.

The Sunday games figure to be close, but you could very easily get a blowout from one of the Saturday games. Go with the over here.

MOST POINTS SCORED BY ONE TEAM IN ANY GAME

OVER 36.5: -120
UNDER 36.5: -120

The Ravens might hammer the Titans, but will they need 37 points to do that? Baltimore’s defense is very good and could easily win a game with a score of 31-14 or 27-10. A similar outcome could emerge in San Francisco, where the Niners’ defense might be the reason San Francisco crushes Minnesota. The 49er pass rush might demolish Minnesota’s offensive line. The Vikings’ defense is probably good enough to keep the San Francisco offense in check. The 49ers might score 28, but they won’t run wild on offense. They could win by 20, but mostly due to their defense.

The game most likely to produce a really high score is Kansas City versus Houston. The Chiefs have a healthy Patrick Mahomes, and he is going up against Deshaun Watson of the Texans. Yet, Houston now has J.J. Watt back in the lineup, and Houston was very solid on defense against the Buffalo Bills. Houston and Kansas City have dynamic playmakers, but in the playoffs, defenses often gain the upper hand because of increased familiarity with teams they previously saw during the regular season. The fact that these teams did play in the regular season should give the defenses more of an understanding of what they can do. The under is the best bet here. Seattle-Green Bay figures to be a game in which neither offense goes crazy.

TOTAL WILD CARD TEAMS (NO. 5 OR NO. 6 SEEDS, ROAD TEAMS) TO WIN THIS WEEKEND

OVER 0.5: -180
UNDER 0.5: +140

This is a choice of three teams, not four, since Houston is a No. 4 seed and a division champion. Will the Vikings, Titans, or Seahawks win this weekend? The odds are not good. San Francisco has a big matchup advantage over a Minnesota team playing on a short week and still carrying some injuries after an emotional game in New Orleans against the Saints. Baltimore’s matchup advantage over Tennessee is even bigger than the Niners’ advantage over the Vikings.

The Seahawks have a chance to beat the Packers, but their offensive line is so banged up, and the Packers’ pass rush is the main reason Green Bay is hosting a playoff game this weekend. None of the three wild card teams have especially good situations. Taking the under here is the smart move.

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