This past weekend, American football betting players were ecstatic in welcoming the start of the 2018 playoffs. It’s safe to say that we were all prepared to bet on this weekend’s action, but few were prepared for the surprises we got along the way. Up next is the NFL’s divisional round. But before we take the next step on this year’s Super Bowl journey, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we witnessed this past weekend. Here is a sportsbook recap of the NFL’s Wild Card round.
AFC Wild Card: Titans vs. Chiefs
If you placed a straight bet on this past weekend’s action, it’s likely that you picked Kansas City over Tennessee. The Titans hadn’t been to a playoff in longer than we can remember, and the Chiefs wielded one of the NFL’s most dominant offenses through most of the season. With this in mind, it’s easy to understand why so many bettors were taking Alex Smith and the Chiefs over Tennessee.
But once the dust had settled, it was the Titans who emerged as the victors. And one of the most surprising aspects of this game was just how vital of a role Marcus Mariota ended up playing. If you had to pick one quarterback to lead your team in the playoffs, there’s no doubt that few would be picking Mariota. But the way the young quarterback performed this past weekend might just change that. After all, it was Mariota who led the Titans to a 22-21 comeback victory over the dominant Chiefs.
NFC Wild Card: Falcons vs. Rams
The American football betting lines had made their minds up about this one. In short, the football teaser odds had Los Angeles coming out on top decisively. However, football betting experts knew it would be difficult for a team that hadn’t made the playoffs in over a decade to compete with last year’s Super Bowl loser. Ultimately it took Los Angeles nearly 3 quarters of football to shake off their nerves. And by that time, Atlanta had already established themselves in that matchup.
AFC Wild Card: Bills vs. Jaguars
The Buffalo Bills and their fanbase were thrilled to finally crack the playoffs. It had been 18 years since Buffalo was awarded such an honor, but it wouldn’t be long before the Bills were sent home. Had the game been in Buffalo, things might have been different. But in the end, it was the Jaguars who emerged triumphant, 10-3.
It was a low scoring game, which made it rather dull. In fact, the most interesting topic regarding this matchup is the trash talk. Heading into the weekend, some Bills players expressed confidence in Blake Bortles, the Jags’ quarterback, tendency to choke. But it was Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo’s QB, who threw the late-game interception, sealing the Bills’ fate. Ironic.
NFC Wild Card: Saints vs. Panthers
This proved to be the most entertaining game of the weekend. It might have been the third time this year that we’ve seen this NFC South matchup, and the results were as to be expected; the Saints picked up their third win over the Panthers. But Carolina’s valiant efforts should not be understated. But once the game was over, it was Drew Brees and the Saints that rode off into the American football betting sunset.