Divisional Round preview: eight Super Bowl LX contenders remain — Bills, Broncos, 49ers, Seahawks, Rams, Patriots, Texans, Bears. Betting angle: back Josh Allen and the Bills to win outright and cover a narrow spread vs Denver; consider under on defensive matchup between Bills and Broncos.
Divisional Round Preview: Eight Teams Chase Super Bowl LX
The NFL field has been cut to eight, with the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams still alive. Two wins separate any of these clubs from a trip to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. As the playoffs tighten, form, injuries and defensive matchups will drive betting lines and strategic wagers.
Super Bowl Contenders Ranked and Matchup Predictions
8. Chicago Bears (12-6)
Chicago showed grit in the Wild Card but still trailed big early in key moments. The offense remains inconsistent and the Rams present matchup problems with elite pass-catchers. Betting tip: fade Chicago on the road — the Bears are better suited as underdogs and live-bet candidates if the line grows.
7. San Francisco 49ers (13-5)
San Francisco scraped past the Eagles and now faces a rested opponent without full depth at tight end. Injuries are mounting and the 49ers’ margin for error narrows. Betting tip: consider player props over team totals if Kittle remains limited; lean on the 49ers in moneyline markets only if injury reports clear.
6. Houston Texans (13-5)
Houston rode a dominant defense through a 10-game win streak after an uneven start. C.J. Stroud’s progress will be decisive; the defense carries this club when the offense stalls. Betting tip: take the Texans if the line favors them at home, but expect a low-scoring tilt — look to the under and defensive player markets.
5. Denver Broncos (14-3)
Sean Payton’s offense has pushed Denver to sustained success, and Bo Nix has thrived under Payton’s system. The Broncos boast home-field advantage, but offensive consistency remains a question against elite QB play. Betting tip: Denver can be taken against spread-heavy favorites, but be cautious against high-powered QBs like Josh Allen — small spreads favor Allen.
4. Buffalo Bills (13-5)
Josh Allen was the Wild Card's MVP, guiding the Bills through a road thriller and showcasing clutch play. Buffalo matches up well against Denver’s defense if the Bills can control tempo. Prediction: Bills 23, Broncos 17. Betting tip: back Buffalo to win outright and consider a squeeze on the under if both defenses dominate.
3. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
Matthew Stafford poured in 304 yards and three TDs in a Wild Card win, with a balanced attack that can overwhelm Chicago. The Rams pair elite weapons with a top-10 defense, a dangerous combination in the postseason. Prediction: Rams 27, Bears 24. Betting tip: Rams moneyline or a modest spread in your favor is smart; look at Stafford passing props.
2. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
Sam Darnold’s playoff experience and a ferocious defense give Seattle an edge, especially with an extra week of rest. The Seahawks’ home crowd and balanced attack could force a 49ers letdown. Prediction: Seahawks 28, 49ers 24. Betting tip: consider Seattle on the moneyline in a close line and shop player prop markets for Darnold and top receivers.
1. New England Patriots (15-3)
New England’s playoff performance stifled a top quarterback in the Wild Card, and they now face a Texans squad with elite defensive talent. Coaching chess between Mike Vrabel and DeMeco Ryans will shape the game plan. Prediction: Patriots 20, Texans 17. Betting tip: slight lean to New England in low-scoring expectations; back the Patriots against the spread.
What This Means for Super Bowl LX Betting
This Divisional Round reshapes futures and prop markets. The Bills’ momentum and Allen’s form make Buffalo a leading contender in bettors’ eyes — a reasonable play for outright or short futures.
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Defensive-heavy matchups (Texans, Patriots, Seahawks) increase the appeal of unders and defensive player props. Always check final injury reports and weather for last-minute line movement before placing wagers.
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