NFL Playoff Picks Against The Spread 2019: Predictions ATS For First-Round Games

All eight teams playing on Wild-Card Weekend have a good chance to win and move on to the Divisional Playoffs. Three teams are favored by less than a field goal. The defending champs are the biggest underdogs, but they enter the postseason on a three-game winning streak.

Below are picks against the spread for every game in the first round of the 2019 NFL Playoffs, as well as updated betting odds at Las Vegas and online sportsbooks. Betting lines and trends are courtesy of OddsShark.

Indianapolis Colts (+1.5) at Houston Texans

The Colts enter the playoffs with wins in nine of their last 10 games. Indianapolis did win in Houston during that stretch, but most of those victories came against bad or mediocre teams. There’s no reason why the Texans shouldn’t be favored by a field goal at home after winning the AFC South and finishing the season with 11 victories in 14 games. As well as Indianapolis’ offensive line has protected Andrew Luck, Houston sacked the quarterback six times in two games. Deshaun Watson could put up big numbers against a defense that has barely been tested on the road.

Prediction ATS: Houston

Seattle Seahawks (+1.5) at Dallas Cowboys

This is a matchup between two teams that win with good defenses and rely on running the ball more than almost anyone. Both Ezekiel Elliott and Chris Carson should have some success on the ground in a low-scoring affair. That could mean the winner will be determined by which quarterback makes more big plays. It was the case when Seattle beat Dallas in Week 3 when Elliott ran for 127 yards, but the Cowboys were held to 13 points because of Dak Prescott’s two interceptions. Russell Wilson has cemented himself as a top-five quarterback, and he’ll be the difference in this one.

Prediction ATS: Seattle

Los Angeles Chargers (+2.5) at Baltimore Ravens

It was only two weeks ago when Baltimore went on the road and beat Los Angeles 22-10. The Ravens have won four straight games at home with the NFL’s No.1 ranked defense. As well as Philip Rivers played in the regular season, he’s still prone to making mistakes with two interceptions in each of his last three games. Lamar Jackson had his best passing game of the season against the Chargers when he had 9.27 yards per attempt and no picks. A similar performance could be more than enough for a Baltimore defense that held three of the NFL’s best offenses to 16 points per game in Weeks 14-16.

Prediction ATS: Baltimore

Philadelphia Eagles (+5.5) at Chicago Bears

Nick Foles and the Eagles are playing well, but this is not the same team that won the Super Bowl a year ago. Philadelphia is 23rd in both total yards allowed and yards allowed per play. Chicago averages more than 28 points per game at home, and Mitchell Trubisky could play well against a defense that has more takeaways than just five other teams. The Bears lead the league by holding opposing quarterbacks to a 72.9 passer rating. Look for the Nick Foles that was held to 451 yards and 5.5 yards per attempt in his first two starts to show up Sunday.

Prediction ATS: Chicago

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