2020-21 NFL Playoffs Preview
Sing it with me now: It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
For fans and enthusiasts of the NFL, this couldn’t be more true. The NFL playoffs are back after a season that was, in lockstep with the running theme of 2020, unpredictable and uncertain in almost every conceivable way. Many teams found themselves without their otherwise-healthy superstars on the inactive roster due to Covid-19 illness or exposure. Despite these ebbs and flows, the 2019-2020 regular season has managed to reach completion without the NFL cancelling one single game due to the pandemic. If you ask us, that feat surely deserves its own Super Bowl ring.
Which brings us to our next undertaking: the NFL playoffs, and naturally, NFL playoff betting. To put some extra oomph in an already erratic season, check out Bodog’s NFL playoff odds, plot your gamplan, and prepare to Bet on the NFL Playoffs Now.
For your viewing pleasure: happy punters, we present the lineup as it stands here at Bodog.
1. Kansas City vs Cleveland (AFC)
Baker and the Browns face their biggest challenge yet in quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the 2020 Super Bowl champions, Kansas City Chiefs. While it was an eye-opener to see Big Ben and the Steelers falter against Cleveland (48-37), the Chiefs are simply too well-coached, too talented, and too unstoppable on offense to let it happen again. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the Chiefs easily handle the inexperienced Browns for this match. As far as the Bodog NFL odds go, you’ll want to keep a keen eye on the Chiefs.
2. Baltimore vs Buffalo (AFC)
Emerging quarterback superstars Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are facing off in prime-time on Sunday night. JK Dobbins is a rookie running back sensation. Pair him with Jackson, who is arguably the fastest mobile quarterback in the last ten years, and it seems that Baltimore will gouge any defenses that aren’t 100% prepared to play at full steam. And since Jackson was drafted #32 in his class, despite clearly being a top talent, he may well be heading forward with a chip on his shoulder. Overall, Baltimore is the team to keep your eye on for NFL playoff betting.
3. Los Angeles vs Green Bay (NFC)
When it comes to NFL playoff betting and the NFL playoff odds, this is a matchup for the history books.
Somehow, the Rams have combined the league’s top defensive player, Aaron Donald, with arguably the most overpaid quarterback in Jared Goff. Still, they managed to stumble their way into the playoffs once again. The optimism, however, is likely to fade when they run into the Green Bay Packers’ buzzsaw offense that is Aaron Rodgers, who is clearly a forerunner for the NFL MVP award this year. It will be no surprise when Green Bay cruises to a lopsided victory.
4. Tampa Bay vs New Orleans (NFC)
This is the stuff dreams are made of! In this matchup, two legendary quarterbacks will duke it out for one last shot at greatness. Although Brady’s six Super Bowl rings certainly outshine Brees’ one, Brees is clearly playing for his legacy this time. Just this past November, the 42-year old quarterback recovered from 11 fractured ribs and a punctured lung in less than two months, and still led his team to a playoff victory. Add the array of formidable, human weapons at each team’s disposal, and we’ve got ourselves just the skill-matched, juicy shootout that NFL playoff betting was made for.
5. NFL Futures
This one’s for the bettors who have their sights set on the NFL odds down the road. We can’t deny that a few teams stand out – either as legit contenders, or the underdogs likely facing defeat. Either way, check out our top picks with the most competitive NFL odds on futures.
Favourites
We’ll start with the teams you can’t help but commend right now.
Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look poised to repeat as a perennial threat in the NFC south. Tampa Bay has spared no expense surrounding Tom Brady with players he loves and trusts (Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, etc.). As long as the offensive line can keep him upright, there’s no reason the Bucs can’t repeat their starring role as playoff favourites. As far as NFL betting goes, backing Tampa Bay surely wouldn’t be a bad choice.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals barely missed the playoffs this season after a week-17 loss to the Rams. They also have one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the league in Kyler Murray, as well as superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. It’s safe to say the Cards will continue to show up and be a thorn in the side of the NFC west for years to come.
Underdogs
A long shot? Maybe. But that doesn’t hold us back, it just makes us more analytical. So what does the future of NFL odds hold for our well-loved, but unlikely heroes.
Chicago Bears
Some argue the Bears undeservedly made the playoffs after defeating Arizona. And some pundits are wondering how it is that head coach Matt Nagy and general manager, Ryan Pace, managed to keep their respective jobs for another season. On the other hand, the Bears declined to pick up Mitch Trubisky’s 5th year option this season, leaving them with arguably the best back-up quarterback in the league, Nick Foles. All things considered, while we may not expect a Super Bowl ring for the monsters of the midway anytime soon, they’re still a team to watch out for.
The San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were last year’s Super Bowl runner up. Despite that, the team may have been dealt the worst hand this season after racking up physical injuries and Covid-19 cases. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was just hired by the New York Jets for their head coaching vacancy. That leaves Head coach Kyle Shanahan on his own. Having said that, in a more organized 2021 season when vaccines become available for all players and personnel, we could expect San Francisco to be healthy and strong going into the new year.
Despite some serious disturbances and challenges for all teams alike, we’re a lucky bunch to sit back and watch the action unfold this year. If you haven’t figured it out quite yet, now is the perfect time to gear up and back your favoured team for NFL playoff betting. You know the drill: research, check the NFL playoff odds, and wager up. Let the games begin.
