Andrew Wilsher
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There are few things better on a Saturday night than the NFL playoffs, and we’ve got arguably the matchup of the entire weekend to get excited for here as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills. Both teams have been in red-hot form, with the Ravens winning their last six while the Bills have registered a magnificent seven straight victories. Who can carry on that streak here?
With so much on the line between two entertaining teams this is bound to be an exciting game, but one way of making it even more thrilling is by betting a same game parlay. We’ve also got thoughts on the side and total for this one, which you can find out in our full game preview.
If you’re new to same game parlays and want to find out more, be sure to check out our handy guide, which details how they work and which sportsbooks currently offer them.
Baltimore Ravens Money Line (+126)
Under 52.5 points alternate total (-170)
Lamar Jackson to score a touchdown (+105)
Josh Allen to score a touchdown (+120)
Parlay odds: +2163
The benefit of same game parlays is that you can combine plays that correlate with each other, while also adding something slightly contradictory to give the odds a boost. I think Baltimore has what it takes to earn the victory here, and if they do it will be a slightly low-scoring game with Lamar Jackson scoring yet another rushing touchdown. However, by adding in Josh Allen also finding the endzone, which he has been pretty good at this season, the odds get bumped up to a pretty hefty payout. At odds of nearly 22/1 with FanDuel Sportsbook, this same game parlay looks to have solid value.
Baltimore Ravens Money Line (+126)
The Baltimore Ravens have looked phenomenal these past few weeks, and I’m backing them to pull off the road underdog win against Buffalo. Lamar Jackson and JK. Dobbins have combined to make this Ravens run game as hot as it was during the 2019 season, and given the Bills were lackluster at stopping the run during this campaign (tied seventh-worst) I expect those to runners to cause Buffalo plenty of problems.
However, it isn’t just the offense that has been getting it done for Baltimore. They have actually allowed 14 points or fewer in each of their last four games, and last week completely shut down Derrick Henry. This unit is legit, and I think they have a great chance of at least limiting Buffalo’s relentless attack.
Under 52.5 points alternate total (-170)
Much of what I highlighted above is why I think leaning under the total is the way to go, but I’ve also kept it conservative and given us an extra few points as a cushion. The Ravens were spectacular at stopping Tennessee’s offense, giving up just three points after the first quarter, and I expect Baltimore’s defensive coordinator Don Martindale to come up with a solid plan of limiting Josh Allen through the air and on the ground.
While I expect Baltimore’s ground game to be as potent as ever, that should also mean that the clock continues to run, and that they will have fairly long drives to keep Allen off the field. All those things considered, adding the under looks a smart move.
Lamar Jackson to score a touchdown (+105)
What really seems to crank up the odds in same game parlays is to take the under while also adding a touchdown scorer or two, which is my method here. By no means do I expect this to be an incredibly low-scoring game — and with 52 points to play with it doesn’t have to be — and I think Lamar Jackson will be able to find the endzone once again. The Ravens quarterback has scored five rushing touchdowns in his last six games, and looked as good as ever when putting up 136 yards and a touchdown against the Titans last week. I’ve already mentioned that Buffalo struggles against the run, and Jackson should find a way to capitalize on that.
Look at Lamar man, so inspirational 😳
Lamar Jackson puts #RavensFlock back into position and just ripped out a huge chunk of his rushing yard total with a 48 yard TD 👀pic.twitter.com/0ZgdQjLJHx
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) January 10, 2021
Josh Allen to score a touchdown (+120)
While Baltimore’s defense has been rock-solid, I don’t expect them to record a shutout, and Josh Allen has a great shot at being another quarterback to find the endzone. Allen has scored three touchdowns in his last four games, and last week had 11 carries for 54 yards and a score against Indianapolis. As our player props expert alluded to, Allen’s carries seem to skyrocket in the postseason and there should be a few occasions when he opts to take off. Zack Moss has already been ruled out which could lead to more designed quarterback runs, and Allen is always a threat of taking it in himself inside the 10-yard line. This play in particular really amps up the odds, and is worth adding in.
Free NFL Playoffs Divisional Round Picks and Predictions
Be sure to check out our full-game previews for every matchup in the divisional round:
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers
- Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
- Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints
Pickswise is the home of free NFL Picks. We have round-by-round analysis including our Wild Card Round Picks, Divisional Round Picks, Conference Championship Picks and Super Bowl Picks.
