NFL Playoff Picks Against The Spread 2017: Predictions, Updated Las Vegas Odds For Second-Round Games ATS

It’s been all chalk thus far in the 2017 NFL playoffs with the four home teams advancing in the first round. The trend could continue in the divisional round as the higher seed is favored in every game.

Only one of the four second-round games features a betting line of fewer than four points, and the New England Patriots are a historically large favorite for their first postseason game of the year. Every game is a rematch from the regular season, though two teams are underdogs after beating their opponent earlier this year.

Below are picks against the spread for every game in the 2017 Divisional Playoffs, as well as updated betting odds at Las Vegas and online sportsbooks. Betting lines and trends are courtesy of OddsShark.

Seattle Seahawks (+5) at Atlanta Falcons

This isn’t the same Seattle team that reached the 2014 and 2015 Super Bowls. While their defense remains one of the league’s best, it would take a dominant defensive performance that the team likely isn’t capable of to slow down Atlanta. The Falcons’ offense was historically good in the regular season, especially at home, where they scored 35 points per game and never failed to total less than 24 points. Allowing an average of 24.5 points in the final four regular-season games without safety Earl Thomas, the Seahawks won’t be able to contain Matt Ryan, who should be the league MVP.

Prediction ATS: Atlanta

Houston Texans (+16) at New England Patriots

This betting line can’t be high enough. Houston is only in the second round because they faced Oakland’s third-string quarterback on Wild-Card Weekend, and they don’t stand a chance against a team that has the best quarterback of all time and a defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL. The Patriots shut out the Texans 27-0 when they were forced to start Jacoby Brissett in Week 3 over the suspended Tom Brady, and it could be just as one-sided Saturday night.

Prediction ATS: New England

Pittsburgh Steelers (+1.5) at Kansas City Chiefs

The betting line moved from a pick’em when it was discovered that Ben Roethlisberger was dealing with an injury, but the quarterback has proven to be mostly indestructible. When Roethlisberger is healthy and the Steelers are playing at their best, they are better than the Chiefs. That appears to be the case now with Pittsburgh winning eight straight games, scoring at least 24 points in each contest. As good as the Chiefs have been this year, Alex Smith won’t be able to keep up with the trio of Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, as was the case in Week 4.

Prediction ATS: Pittsburgh

Green Bay Packers (+4.5) at Dallas Cowboys

Most of the public is backing the Packers before Sunday’s game, but the Cowboys are still the best team in the NFC. It’s easy to forget how good Dallas is because it’s been so long since they’ve played a meaningful game, but they’re still led by an elite running back and a quarterback that was among the best signal callers in 2016. Aaron Rodgers has looked unstoppable for two months, giving Green Bay a chance to pull off the upset. However, Jordy Nelson’s injury and the Packers’ banged-up secondary should help the Cowboys reach the NFC Championship Game.

Prediction ATS: Dallas

Season Record: 133-119-7