The NFL Divisional Round has begun, and we were already treated to two outstanding games on Saturday. We’ll discuss these games below and which teams will advance to the next round. As well, we’ll take a look at some NFL divisional playoff odds for the remaining games on Sunday when it’s time for your NFL betting.
Playoff Recap of Saturday Games
The NFL playoff bracket in 2024 is updated once again with two Saturday games resulting in two teams advancing, and two teams leaving the playoffs and thinking about next season! Here’s what went down in the most recent contests.
49ers pull off great comeback to defeat the Packers
The Packers, who had been ahead for the majority of the game, ended up losing 24-21 to the 49ers in the closing minutes of play. For the fourth time in their previous five seasons, the San Francisco will reach NFC Championship.
This is the first year with Jordan Love as a the starting QB, with the Packers moving on from long-time starter, Aaron Rodgers, as the team's leader. Green Bay has lost their sixth straight post-season game against San Francisco, and it appears as if the Packers just can't beat this team in the playoffs.
The 49ers, put simply, held up under duress. For the most part of the match, they fell behind as QB Brock Purdy found it difficult to maintain tempo in the damp, rainy weather. But Purdy focused after the Packers' Carlson botched a field goal attempt that could have pushed Green Bay ahead by 7 points. On the 49ers' last drive, Purdy converted 6/7 throws for 37 yards, with a nine-yard run that concluded with McCaffrey's game-winning touchdown just one play afterwards.
Green Bay's youth and energy got them this far in the playoffs, but at the end of the day, their lack of expertise cost them the game. With 6:21 remaining, Carlson's attempt at a 41-yard field goal missed badly and swung the momentum to the 49ers. San Francisco had so much time to score the game-winning TD due to the mistake. Plus, Love's final throw of the game ended in a horrific interception that gave no chnace to the Packers.
Ravens cruised past Texans in landslide victory
When the NFL playoff bracket in 2024 matched up the Houston Texans against the Baltimore Ravens, we all knew this was going to be a lopsided amtch. It was with no surprise that the Ravens had little trouble winning this game, 34-10, especially as the scored 24-0 in the second half.
The primary distinction separating the two sides was how successfully the Ravens ran the ball during the entire match, even though they were much better in the second half, as they gained 134 yards on 25 carries.
The Ravens playing the running game was nevertheless an ongoing feature throughout the entire contest. QB Jackson passed the football to nine other players as well, which helped keeps things unpredictable and fresh. Jackson was also not sacked at all in the second half, after being sacked three times in the first.
Baltimore's defense stopped Houston from getting easy attempts in the red zone, and the Texans could never get into their offesnive groove due to the tough restrictions.
The Texans' deficiency in running the ball became a major factor in the defeat, but they also picked up 11 pentalties, as opposed to just 3 from Baltimore. In the second half, the Texans' defense was again unable to respond when Baltimore modified the passing strategy.
Divisional Playoff Schedule
For the remaing games in the NFL playoff bracket for 2024, we’ve got two on Sunday night that are certain to be fascinating:
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions (Ford Field) at 3pm on NBC.
- Kansas City Chiefs @Buffalo Bills (Highmark Stadium) at 6:30pm on CBS.
NFL Divisional Playoff Odds
Before we discuss a few NFL playoffs predictions, let’s just look at the NFL odds for the remaining Divisional Round matchups. Check out advice on how to bet on football before making your wagers.
Buccaneers at Lions
- Moneyline: Buccaneers +235 | Lions -292
- Spread: Lions -6.5
- Over/under: 48.5
Chiefs at Bills
- Moneyline: Chiefs +122 | Bills -145
- Spread: Bills -2.5
- Over/under: 45.5
NFL Playoff Predictions and Betting Tips
Here’s what we think will happen when the teams take to the field on Sunday.
Buccaneers vs. Lions predictions
The offensively versatile Lions are still playing at an excellent pace, particularly at home. The Buccaneers pass defense has been iffy at times and typucally gives up a lot of passing yards, which is good news for Lions fans.
Detroit is in a good position to succeed if they can keep QB Goff from getting sacked and the WRs must work extra hard to get free. Goff is expericned enough right now to handle the bright lights and Detroit should trust him to deliver when it matters.
The Buccaneers are palying at an equally high level and are no pushover, espeically with Mayfield taking things up a notch in his QB game. However, the Lions' defense has been great at annoying opposing teams' QBs, and this is likely to happen again at their home satdium. Lions win but choose the under in a low-scoring game.
Chiefs vs. Bills predictions
These squads know each other well, but it's Kansas City all the most recent playoff games against Buffalo. The Bills have had great performances from running back James Cook, and the Chiefs will be looking hard to contain his game. Buffalo also loves the passing game but Kansas City are one of the best in the league at preventing passing yards.
Mahomes is the most terrifying adversary for any defense to handle in a playoff game, even though he's been less than amazing at times during the regular season. A post-season Mahomes is a different entity! You can't ignore that championship experience and Buffalo has several key injuries to their linebacker and secondary positions, which means Mahomes can carve up the defense and exploit these vulnerabilities. Chiefs win and choose the over in this high scoring contest.
Final Thoughts on NFL Playoff Bracket 2024 Games
While that’s all for now regarding the NFL playoff bracket in 2024, there’s always more betting tips and guides to catch over at How To Bet, so read it all before the games begin. Check out the HowToBet YouTube channel for videos, podcasts and more.
