Super Wild Card Weekend Review:
The only thing that would have been better than our 6-1 prop record from the Super Wild Card Weekend would have been a perfect 7-0. That was clearly in play as Cooper Kupp caught 4 passes in the first quarter and a half, but then failed to tally another reception falling short of the 4.5 marker. Our other six plays really covered with ease including Russell Wilson’s yardage under (video below), which gives us some good momentum heading into the Divisional Round.
Divisional Round Preview:
A total of six player prop bets, only featuring five players as we’re going over and under on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. It may seem a little obvious to load up on his rushing and fade his receiving, but it just seems to keep on working each week. A couple of tight ends, a wide receiver and running back we’re expecting big things from round out the plays for what should be a great weekend of football.
Our Picks:
Lamar Jackson – Under 196.5 Yards Passing (-110) and Over 74.5 Yards Rushing (-110)
All eyes will be on Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen in a game even average fans seem excited to watch. Jackson is coming off another big game with an electric run showcasing his almost unreal quickness in a game full of quick players. The Ravens offensive game plan won’t change against a Bills defense that is very susceptible to the run. In a game that could be close, be a rout, or go either way, Jackson is a great play. No matter what is going on in the game, LJ8 almost always gets his yards on the ground. Conversely, he has been falling short of the 200 yard marker throwing just as regularly, and shouldn’t have too much success in this game despite the Bills playing a lot of cover one. Buffalo generally does not give up a lot of long yardage plays in the passing game so Jackson would have to earn his yards with shorter passes. Lastly, the weather report is showing some wind and potential snow which means there could be even more running and less passing, particularly for a QB who’s never thrown the ball in the white stuff.
Cole Beasley – Over 45.5 Yards Receiving (-110)
For such a small player, Cole Beasley is one tough guy as he proved last week against the Colts. Hobbling on one leg, he still found ways to get open and secure one handed catches in critical situations. There’s no question that when the Bills need a big play it’s going to be Stefon Diggs or Cole Beasley in the passing game. In last year’s meeting against the Ravens, Beasley was Allen’s favorite target and that could be the case again today. Diggs will draw Marlon Humphrey for much of the game, and Marcus Peters will be matched up on Gabriel Davis and John Brown. Allen’s best area to attack will be the middle of the field with Beasley in the short passing game. As mentioned earlier, weather could be a factor, which means more and more shorter and safer passes. Having another week for his injuries to heel should only benefit his effectiveness and opportunity to get over a yardage total that provides some value.
Austin Hooper – Over 3.5 Receptions (-120)
It’s hard to know if the Cleveland Browns will be able to go toe to toe with the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs when they meet in Arrowhead on Sunday. Whether they do, or whether they don’t shouldn’t impact Austin Hooper’s involvement in the offensive gameplan. If the Browns are rolling, that should mean Hooper has had some success. If they’re trailing big, he will see a lot of late targets with Cleveland in passing mode. Hooper has been pretty hot of late seeing almost double the targets in the second half of the season as opposed to the first half. With the Chiefs likely to play their safeties and linebackers up to support the run defense, Hooper should find some open spots over the middle.
Travis Kelce – Over 86.5 Yards Receiving (-110)
The Kansas City Chiefs point total is set at an over/under of around 33 points which obviously means a lot of offense is expected. While Tyreek Hill may make the splash plays in the offense, Travis Kelce is the steady and consistent force that keeps the chains moving for KC. Patrick Mahomes loves to target Kelce in big spots, and their first playoff game of the season is a pretty big spot, even with the Chiefs as heavy favorites. The Cleveland Browns defense has struggled in general, and have had extra trouble against quality tight end play. Kelce will get a lot of looks, and as a guy who averaged this number during the season, it’s very reasonable to expect he’ll go over against a poor defense in a playoff game.
Alvin Kamara – Over 34.5 Yards Receiving (-110)
Tom Brady and Drew Brees will draw the headlines when the Buccaneers and Saints tangle on Sunday evening in what is shaping up to be a great game. The Tampa defensive gameplan really never changes for Todd Bowles no matter who the opponent is. He wants to shut the run down on early downs and bring pressure on third down and obvious passing situations. What that means to the BetCrushers is that Kamara could find some resistance in the running game against the Bucs’ number two ranked run defense. Sean Payton knows this and also understands how important it is to get Kamara involved in the offense. Look for him to get a lot of action in the short passing and screen game. He’s too good of a player to not get his yards during a game, it just varies sometimes on how he gets those yards. In this matchup he should find his yardage through the air.
Follow us @TheBetCrushers on Twitter 
