The matchups for the first round of the NFL playoffs are now set and the betting markets are open for punters who fancy a wager on the top U.S. gridiron league this coming weekend.
The Oakland Raiders v the Houston Texas will be the lead off game on Saturday (Sunday AEST). The Raiders were looking like world-beaters until they lost starting quarterback Derek Carr to a broken leg. Houston will have to eat crow whilst restoring Brock Osweiler to the starting job as his replacement, Tom Savage, is sidelined by the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Later that day, the Detroit Lions will visit the Seattle Seahawks in a game the bookmakers have declared beyond the Lions’ grade.
The following day, the Miami Dolphins will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh is heavily favoured, but they have shown a consistent ability over the years to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and they have an almost schizophrenic nature that leaves many observers wondering which Steelers will show up for the game. The spread is 10 points, which might make it a good punt to take the Dolphins and the points, but we do not give betting advice, so punters should chart their own course.
Wild Card Weekend concludes with the New York Giants and their Aussie punter Brad Wing traveling to frigid Green Bay Wisconsin to take on Aaron Rogers and the Packers.
