NFC Divisional Playoffs
Written by Greg Waters
Fri, 15 Jan 2010
Category sportsbook
Feedback Rating - no votes
After a tame Wild Card weekend, the exception of course being that “wild” 51-45 OT affair between the Pack and Cards, the Divisional playoff round steps into the spotlight with four matchups. At first glance, the matchups this weekend should provide more entertainment.
Arizona at New Orleans:
The Cardinals advance to play the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Saturday. Online sportsbooks have the Cardinals as 7-point underdogs with an Over/Under of 57.5. Bettors are looking for another shootout as the high total still hasn’t scared off “Over” money.
Seeing as the Saints were the league’s highest-scoring team during the regular season, averaging 31.9 ppg, it’s easy to see why. But will Over bettors be disappointed when all is said and done?
In Arizona’s last 15 games overall, the Total has only gone Over five times and the Under has hit 10 times.
In New Orleans’ last nine games, home or away, the Under has cashed seven times, the Over once and there was one Push as well.
In the Cards’ last nine road games, the Under has come up six times and in the Saints’ last seven home games, the Under has prevailed five times.
Arizona has not fared well in their last 10 overall against the Saints, going 3-7 ATS, but bettors take note, the Cards are 9-0 ATS the last nine times they have been an underdog of 8-points or less.
While New Orleans has failed to cover in its last two games when a fave of 8-points or less, they are still very impressive in that situation, going 10-2 ATS in the last 12.
While Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin missed the Wild Card round with ankle and knee injuries, he could see action in the Saints game as he told The Arizona Republic that he is “optimistic” about playing.
Currently the betting volume at SPORTSBETTING.com is split with 57% on the Saints and 43% on the Cardinals.
Dallas at Minnesota:
The Dallas Cowboys were able to exorcise some demons when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 34-14 straight up in their first-round matchup.
QB Tony Romo and head coach Wade Phillips both won their first playoff games ever and Dallas covered as 3.5-point home favorites.
The Cowboys advance to play the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome this week and are 3-point underdogs with a Total of 46.
The game is more than just a playoff game between Dallas and Minnesota though; it will be a QB duel between Romo and the Vikes’ Brett Favre.
History doesn’t seem to be on Dallas’ side as it is 3-9 SU and 2-10 ATS in its last 12 road games in January while Minny is 6-2 SU and ATS in its last eight home games in that same month.
When it comes to head to head matchups between the two, the Vikings have the edge, going 7-4 SU and 8-3 ATS in their last 11.
In Minnesota’s last 13 games when favorites of 4-points or less, the Under has prevailed 10 times.
We’re well on our way to the Super Bowl and there should be a lot of good football in store for this weekend.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
link: http://wheretobet.com/redirect/sportsbetting.com-205/all