NFL Line Watch Divisional Round

Each week during the pro football season, AAA Sports looks at the NFL odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later, and which total to watch as the week plays out.

Game to bet now

Atlanta at Philadelphia (+3)

This one opened with the No. 1-seed Eagles as the first underdog ever to a 6 seed, and the 3-point number is unlikely to budge as early-week betting is showing pretty much equal money on each team. With Carson Wentz on the shelf, all eyes are now on Eagles backup QB Nick Foles. Philly moved on from Foles even after his quality 2013 season, when he tossed for 27 TDs with only two interceptions, and now he’s viewed as only a decent backup. The door is wide open for the Falcons, who are itching for another shot at New England after Atlanta’s epic Super Bowl choke job 11 months ago. The Falcons have been a solid cover team since mid-season, beating the number 7 times in their last 10 games.

Games to wait on

Tennessee at New England (-13.5)

Patriot Nation has been rocked by allegations made in that ESPN story which said that there is a rift involving ownership, Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Brady’s personal trainer. If any team can batten down the hatches, it’s the Patriots – and there is some thought that this will make the key principals circle the wagons and take out their frustrations on the Titans. Tennessee, which saved Mike Mularkey’s job with its strong second half in beating KC on Saturday, has been involved in one close game after another. The Titans – who have averaged barely 18 points a game in their last 6 – have to tighten things up offensively if they want to stay in this one. Might be worth waiting to get a feel for what’s going on in both camps before risking any cash.

New Orleans at Minnesota (-4)

It’s hard to run the ball against the Vikings, and its hard to pass the ball against the Vikings. Drew Brees, though, seems to always find a path to the end zone – and the route this time could just be on the ground. After trading away PITA Adrian Peterson early in the season, the Saints unveiled their tandem backs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, and they each ran for more than 1,500 yards this season. And if the Vikings jam the line of scrimmage, well Brees still has that gleam in his eye and tons of playoff experience.

Total to watch

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh (41)

Over players took a beating on Pittsburgh (6-10-0) this season, but there is good news for points-lovers – Antonio Brown is reportedly close to 100 percent and will almost certainly play in this one. Brown wasn’t needed vs. Houston and Cleveland, but the J-Ville defense is legit, and its pass coverage is the best in the league by far. The Jaguars better work on their offense a lot this week after scoring just 10 points in each of the last two games.

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