The American football betting playoffs continue this weekend and although they have yet to take to the gridiron during this postseason, the New England Patriots just can’t seem to stay away from the spotlight. The reason being, a recent ESPN article which aimed to blow the lid wide open on an incoming New England break up. Normally, these type of stories seed betrayal in a locker room, with players beginning to point fingers and letting their egos grow. But this is the New England Patriots we’re talking about here. Normally, the Pats, somehow, find ways to make these types of stories into motivation. It’s not easy to do, but it’s something New England has mastered over the last 15 or so years. So, given the current atmosphere, should the best online sportsbook players bet against or for New England this playoff betting weekend?
Jon Robinson & Logan Ryan return to NE this weekend. #TENvsNE connections: https://t.co/wQDuAceyoG pic.twitter.com/PXMXtYerbr
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 11, 2018
AFC Divisional Round – Titans vs. Patriots – Saturday, Jan. 13th
- Start Time: 8:15 pm ET
- Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- TV Broadcast: CBS
- Online Stream: CBS Sports, NFL Game Pass
- American Football Betting Lines:
- Tennessee Titans +13 (-106) 47 ½ (-110) +627
- New England Patriots -13 (-114) 47 ½ (-110) -925
Unsurprisingly, the football teaser odds are siding with New England decisively. The Pats entered this year’s playoffs as the No. 1 seed and NFL bookmakers are certain the Titans don’t have what it takes to knock off the top dog in the conference. Additionally, sportsbooks are well aware of New England’s ability to come together late in the season and harrow in on some near-perfect football. Lastly, it’s clear that the bookies aren’t sweating that ESPN cover story, since bookmakers are well aware of what New England is capable of.
Best American Football Betting Stats to Ponder
Putting aside the drama, it’s important to understand how these teams match up statistically. It comes as no surprise to see that New England finished as one of the top teams in the NFL in the most important categories. Specifically, the pats finished the year ranking 2nd in terms of points per game, No. 1 overall in offense, 2nd in passing and 10th overall on the ground. Clearly, this offensive unit is one of the best in the game. So how can the Titans attempt to deter this onslaught?
Considering the type of performance Tennessee delivered defensively this season, it’s safe to assume that they’ll be laying an egg this weekend. The Titans finished 17th overall in points allowed and 13th overall in defense. However, Tennessee finished 25th against the pass. And since they’ll be going up against what many consider to be the greatest quarterback in Super Bowl history this weekend, it’s not looking good for the Titans.
NFL Sportsbook Predictions
Accounting for how ticked off that ESPN story has made the Patriots, NFL sportsbook players can expect a dominant routing this weekend. Brady tends to be almost perfect when playing on home turf, especially during the postseason. And since there’s not much value in taking the Pats straight up, bettors will be better off taking them on the spread.