A familiar storyline will once again grace the NFL Playoffs this season.  The Buffalo Bills will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship on Sunday Night, as they meet in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.  It’s no secret that the Chiefs have been the Bills’ biggest hurdle to a highly-coveted Super Bowl appearance, but things could finally be different this time.  Let’s take a look at game predictions, best bet and player props to look out for Bills vs. Chiefs on January 26.

AFC Championship – Bills vs. Chiefs Predictions

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Bills (+108) vs. Chiefs (-126)

Spread: Bills (+1.5) vs. Chiefs (-1.5)

Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110)/Under 47.5 (-110)

Game Prediction

Bills 24, Chiefs 21

The Bills are 0-3 against the Chiefs in their recent playoff meetings, but hopefully, the fourth time can be the charm for this formidable team.  The Bills survived against the Ravens last week, getting some help from Mark Andrews’ brutal drop on a 2-point conversion to win 27-25.  Meanwhile, the Chiefs had another uninspiring win to advance against the Texans, a game where they were outgained on offense by 124 yards.

Despite clinching top seed in the AFC once again, the Chiefs have looked far from their best all season. Patrick Mahomes had the worst season of his career statistically, despite the Chiefs achieving a 15-2 record.  From blocked kicks to last-gasp fumble recoveries, Kansas City found some extraordinary ways to win games this season.  Meanwhile, the Bills have been a powerhouse all year, ranking second in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play.  They also accounted for one of the Chiefs’ two losses, beating them 30-21 in Week 11.  Josh Allen is currently playing the best football of his career, especially in terms of game management and minimizing turnovers.  Allen threw a career-low six interceptions this year and has only one in his last seven games.

The Bills ran the ball well against the Ravens top-ranked rush defense last week, and I expect a similar approach on Sunday. Taking down the Chiefs in Arrowhead is no easy feat, but Allen is playing at an elite level and has a massive chip on his shoulder.  While it’s risky to bet against Mahomes, it’s simply a gut feeling that this could be Buffalo’s year.

Player Prop Bets

Travis Kelce over 67.5 Receiving Yards (-114)

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Travis Kelce is a different beast in the playoffs.  The veteran tight end has had 14 consecutive playoff games with 70+ receiving yards, and I’m betting on him to continue that streak on Sunday.  Kelce was the lone bright spot for the Chiefs offense against the Texans, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.  Considering Mahomes only threw for 177 yards, Kelce will continue operating as his go-to target.  Kelce has averaged ten targets and nearly 100 receiving yards against the Bills in the playoffs, while also scoring five touchdowns in their three previous encounters.

Josh Allen over 283.5 Passing + Rushing Yards (-114)

If the Bills are going to win on Sunday, it’s going to be directly in the hands of their dual-threat MVP candidate.  Allen will need to make plays both in the air and on the ground against a stingy Chiefs defense.  Allen cleared this line in nine games this season, including against the Chiefs where he totaled 317 scrimmage yards.  He also rushed for a spectacular 26-yard TD on 4th down in that game to seal the victory for Buffalo.  Despite rushing for only 20 yards against the Ravens, expect Allen to utilize his legs more on Sunday.  A Chris Jones-led Chiefs defense gets pressure at the eighth-highest rate in the NFL this season.

Main Photo: [Mark J. Rebilas] – USA Today Sports

The post Bills vs. Chiefs Predictions – AFC Championship appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL playoffs are in full swing as the Divisional Round has arrived.  Sunday night will see the most highly anticipated matchup of the weekend, as the Baltimore Ravens (12-5) face the Buffalo Bills (13-4).  The stakes could not be higher for this contest, as MVP front-runners Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen battle for a spot in the AFC Championship.  Let’s take a look at game predictions, best bet and player props to look out for Ravens vs. Bills on January 19.

NFL Divisional Round – Ravens vs. Bills Predictions

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Ravens (-118) vs. Bills (+100)

Spread: Ravens (-1.5) vs. Bills (+1.5)

Over/Under: Over 51.5 (-106)/Under 51.5 (-114)

Game Prediction & Best Bet

Ravens 27, Bills 24

While this game is truly a coin flip, the Ravens could win by the smallest margins.  The Ravens have looked unstoppable over the second half of the season, dominating the Steelers 28-14 in the Wild Card round.  They ran for an incredible 299 yards against one of the league’s best defensive units, with who else but Derrick Henry leading the charge.

Baltimore has destroyed playoff-bound teams this season and have won their last five games by 14 points or more.  To put it simply, they are and have been the hottest team in the NFL for some time.  Still, the Bills are no slouches either, particularly when they play at home.  Buffalo went an impressive 8-0 at home this season, also holding the longest active home win streak in the league (11).

Both of these teams have been formidable, with two of if not the best quarterbacks in the league this season.  Nonetheless, the Ravens have the more established run game.  Playoff football relies so heavily on sustaining drives and time of possession, which requires success on the ground.  While Allen and James Cook also form a solid rushing duo, the Ravens have the best rush defense in the league.

Meanwhile, Buffalo’s defensive unit is average at best, ranking 19th in opponent yards per rush.  Frigid temperatures are also expected in Buffalo on Sunday, which could place greater significance on each team’s run game.  With frozen conditions playing a factor, the under is something to monitor as teams should be running more often.

Ravens Moneyline (-118)

At almost even odds, Ravens moneyline is the best bet for this contest.  It is certainly a risk taking Lamar Jackson over Josh Allen in the playoffs, but he could get over the hump this season.  It’s no secret that the Ravens have faltered at this point of the playoffs in prior years.

However, Todd Monken is no longer the play-caller in Baltimore, as I expect the Ravens to stick to their run-first approach on Sunday.  Let’s also not forget the Ravens’ 35-10 beatdown against the Bills earlier this year, where Jackson and Henry combined for 253 rushing yards.  Yes, the Bills front seven were missing some key players for that game, but this rushing duo has simply ran over everyone this season.

Player Prop Bets

Derrick Henry 80+ Rushing Yards + Anytime TD (-105)

It’s pretty crazy that you can’t even get plus odds for this two-leg parlay, but King Henry has been that good this season.  Henry cleared this stat line in 10/17 games this year, along with last week in the Wild Card round.  In fact, Henry cashed this in a single play against the Bills in Week 4, ripping off an 87-yard touchdown on the game’s first snap.  With snowy weather forecasted, Henry should carry the ball 20+ times in what could be a lower-scoring game than anticipated.

Khalil Shakir over 4.5 Receptions (-140)

This line is juiced, but Khalil Shakir has been Buffalo’s most consistent pass-catcher this season.  Shakir has seen at least six targets since Week 6, recording 5+ receptions in 8/11 games.  The Ravens pass defense allowed the sixth-most receptions to wide receivers this season.  Shakir should be productive operating in the slot, as Allen will continue to rely on him in short-pass play situations.

Main Photo Courtesy of Tommy Gilligan – Imagn Images

The post Ravens vs. Bills Predictions – NFL Divisional Round appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL playoffs are in full swing, as the Divisional Round has arrived.  Saturday night will see an exciting matchup between the Washington Commanders (12-5) and the Detroit Lions (15-2).  The Commanders will travel to Ford Field after squeezing out a 23-20 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  They were the only Wild Card team to win last weekend, and now face a much stiffer test in the No.1 seed Lions.  Let’s take a look at game predictions, best bet, and player props to look out for Commanders vs. Lions on January 18.

NFL Divisional Round – Commanders vs. Lions Predictions

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Commanders (+400) vs. Lions (-520)

Spread: Commanders (+9.5) vs. Lions (-9.5)

Over/Under: Over 55.5 (-105)/Under 55.5 (-115)

Game Prediction & Best Bet

Lions 30, Commanders 17

The Commanders have had a Cinderella story season, but their unexpected playoff run ends here.  After a hard-fought win in Tampa Bay, the Commanders will be traveling on the road for the third consecutive week.  Meanwhile, the Lions are well-rested, earning a first-round bye after-handedly beating the Vikings in Week 18 to win the NFC North.  The future is bright in Washington with impending OROY Jayden Daniels, who threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday night.  However, outside of Daniels, I don’t think the Commanders have the firepower to compete in this matchup.

Although Daniels’ mobility could cause some issues for the Lions, Aaron Glenn’s defense got healthy again down the stretch.  In particular, the Commanders could have difficulty establishing the ground game against Detroit’s tough run defense. On the flip side, the Commanders rank 30th against the run, which star running-back Jahmyr Gibbs should take full advantage of.  Additionally, fellow RB David Montgomery is expected to return this week from what was feared to be a season-ending knee injury.  The Lions offense should be firing on all cylinders, and I don’t expect the Commanders’ defense to have an answer.  While -9.5 is a large spread to cover, the Lions were 12-5 ATS this season and will look to establish a dominant lead early on Saturday.

Under 55.5 (-115 on Fanduel)

This is the largest projected total of all four games this weekend.  While it’s no secret that both these teams can score, this is an astronomically high total to cover in the playoffs.  The under hit in 5/6 games over Wild Card weekend, with many teams sustaining long drives that churned the clock.  While everyone will hope for a shootout, the Commanders only scored 23 points against a soft Buccaneers defense last week.  In fact, not a single Wild Card game went over 45 points, let alone 55.  Considering such a high total to clear and the script of playoff games, the likelihood that this goes under seems like a solid bet.

Player Prop Bets

Jared Goff Under 32.5 Pass Attempts (-102)

Jared Goff has had a superb campaign, throwing for over 4,600 passing yards and 37 touchdowns during the regular season.  Nonetheless, there were a lot of games where Goff didn’t have to throw the ball a ton.  The Lions’ offense looks their best when they lean on their potent rushing attack, and I see this trend continuing on Saturday.  Goff went under this line in almost 60% of games this season.  The Commanders also allowed the second-fewest pass attempts per game this season (28.6), as Goff should be smart yet effective with the ball in his hands.

Terry McLaurin Over 23.5 Longest Reception (-118)

If the Commanders are going to keep pace on Saturday, their game plan should run through their No.1 receiver.  McLaurin finally has a serviceable QB throwing him the ball, which has paid dividends.  McLaurin has been making big chunk plays all season, clearing this line in 8 games.  He also recorded a 35-yard reception in the Wild Card round.  The Lions’ secondary is undoubtedly their biggest weakness, allowing the most yards per game to opposing wide receivers this season.  They also allowed the second-most 20+ yard receptions, at an average of 2.76 per game.  With everything to play for on Saturday, I expect McLaurin to put in another strong performance.

Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The post Commanders vs. Lions Predictions – NFL Divisional Round appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL playoffs have arrived, as Wild Card weekend sees six matchups square off for a spot in the Divisional Round.  Sunday night will see a showdown between the Washington Commanders (12-5) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7).  This matchup should be a fun one to watch, with high-powered offenses on both sides.  Let’s take a look at game predictions, best bet, and player props to look out for Commanders vs. Buccaneers on January 12.

NFL Wild Card Round – Commanders vs. Buccaneers Predictions

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Commanders (+136) vs. Buccaneers (-162)

Spread: Commanders (+3) vs. Buccaneers (-3)

Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-105)/Under 50.5 (-115)

Game Prediction & Best Bet

Commanders 27, Buccaneers 24

These two teams’ only meeting came during Week 1 of the season.  The Buccaneers convincingly beat the Commanders 37-20 in Jayden Daniels’ first career NFL start, but Washington is a much different team now.  Daniels has exceeded all expectations in his rookie campaign and is the overwhelming favorite to take home Offensive Rookie of the Year.  The LSU product has had some memorable moments this season, as the Commanders clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2020.

Regardless of the outcome, this game sets up to be a great watch.  Both teams rank top-six in yards per game, while also having weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball.  While Daniels rushed for an astounding 891 yards in his rookie season, he will have the biggest advantage through the air on Sunday against a depleted Buccaneers secondary.  The Buccaneers rank 29th against quarterbacks this season, allowing 243 passing yards per game.  They are also dealing with several key injuries, with CB Jordan Whitehead already ruled out.  While Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers have had a respectable season, I think the wrong team is favored here.  Daniels should utilize his dual-threat ability to help Washington pull off the upset and win their first playoff game since 2005.

Over 50.5 (-105 on Fanduel)

This is the largest point total of any game on Wild Card weekend.  Nonetheless, I still favor the over here due to these two high-powered offenses and lackluster defenses.  Washington has a solid secondary, but they rank 30th in rushing yards per game allowed (137.5).  This could be exploited by rookie sensation Bucky Irving, who has been one of the most exciting running backs in the league over the last half of the season.  Baker Mayfield’s season also cannot be overlooked, throwing the third-most passing yards (4500) and tied second-most passing touchdowns (41).  Both of these teams have shown the ability to score at will this season.  I’d be willing to bet that a prime-time shootout is on our hands Sunday night.

Player Prop Bets

Jalen McMillan Over 54.5 Receiving Yards (-113)

Jalen McMillan has been an elite playmaker down the stretch.  The rookie wideout has recorded 50+ receiving yards in each of his last five games, scoring seven touchdowns over that period.  McMillan’s hot streak is difficult to ignore, despite the Commanders boasting a fairly strong secondary.  Additionally, fellow wide receiver Mike Evans will have to face his arch-nemesis Marshon Lattimore on Sunday, who he has struggled against in the past.  With Evans potentially locked up, I’ll gladly take McMillan’s over in what should be a fast-paced game.

Jayden Daniels over 8.5 Rush Attempts (-114)

While Daniels should utilize his arm against the Buccaneers secondary, I expect he’ll have to use his legs as well on some broken pass plays and QB draws.  The Buccaneers defense has the third-highest Blitz rate in the league, which could have Daniels scrambling more than usual.  In Week 1, Daniels rushed a season-high 16 times against the Buccaneers and has had at least 9 rush attempts in 4/5 games.  I expect Daniels to make plays both in the air and on the ground on Sunday.

Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports

The post Commanders vs. Buccaneers Predictions – NFL Wild Card Weekend appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL playoffs have arrived, as Wild Card Weekend sees six matchups square off for a spot in the Divisional Round. Saturday night will see a bitter AFC North divisional battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) and the Baltimore Ravens (12-5). The Steelers and Ravens have a historic rivalry, as they face off for the third time this season.  Let’s take a look at game predictions, best bet, and player props to look out for Steelers vs. Ravens on January 11.

NFL Wild Card Weekend – Steelers vs. Ravens Predictions

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Steelers (+440) vs. Ravens (-590)

Spread: Steelers (+9.5) vs. Ravens (-9.5)

Over/Under: Over 43.5 (-112)/Under 43.5 (-108)

Game Prediction & Best Bet

Ravens 23, Steelers 17

The Ravens are favored by the most points of any team playing in Wild Card weekend. Meanwhile, the over/under is only 43.5, likely due to the hard-fought nature of this AFC North matchup. While the Ravens blew out the Steelers 34-17 in their last meeting, this game looks to be much closer than it was in Week 16 .

The Steelers could not have had a worse end to the season, losing four straight games and slipping to the number six seed in the AFC. However, they played three tough games in 11 days against the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. The Steelers defense also had time to get healthy after playing on Christmas and held the Bengals to just 19 points in Week 18.  Despite a total of 43.5, I also lean slightly to the under in this matchup. The AFC North tends to produce defensive battles, with the under hitting in 8/10 games between these two teams.  With the stakes high in a playoff matchup, I expect a close, low-scoring affair between these rivals.

Steelers +9.5 (-105 on Fanduel)

As noted above, this is the largest point spread in any matchup this weekend.  This is likely based on the Ravens’ Week 16 blowout and that the Steelers have lost four straight games.  Nonetheless, head coach Mike Tomlin thrives as an underdog, particularly against divisional opponents.  Tomlin’s Steelers are 38-14-2 ATS as an AFC North underdog – not a bad record.

While quarterback Lamar Jackson has put together another MVP-calibre season, his questionable record in both the playoffs and against the Steelers should be taken into account.  Jackson has a 2-4 record in the playoffs, losing to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship last year.  Meanwhile, prior to Week 16, Jackson had lost 4/5 games against Pittsburgh – throwing eight interceptions over that period.  While Baltimore should advance, I expect Steelers vs. Ravens to remain competitive on Saturday.  A healthy Steelers defense should be the deciding factor, with DPOY candidate T.J Watt leading the charge for this tough unit.

Player Prop Bets

George Pickens over 54.5 Receiving Yards (-114)

George Pickens had a game to forget last week.  The third-year wideout caught one of six targets for ZERO yards against the Bengals.  While the Steelers offense has looked nothing but lethargic as of late, they are going to need to find a way to keep up with Lamar Jackson and co.  Pickens is a volatile receiver but has big-play abilities, recording a 30+ yard reception in 7/8 games.  The wideout has shown chemistry with Russell Wilson, who should continue to look his way often on Saturday.  While the Ravens defense has improved lately, they are allowing the fourth-most receiving yards per game (166) to wide receivers this season.

Mark Andrews Anytime Touchdown (+115)

After a slow start to the season, Mark Andrews has found his groove again.  The veteran tight end has been a red-zone threat down the stretch and has scored a touchdown in six straight games.  Andrews reached a career-high 11 touchdowns this season, and I’d bet on him continuing his streak on Saturday.  The Steelers defense has also been weak against opposing tight ends, ranking bottom-ten to the position this season.

Main Image: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The post Steelers vs. Ravens Predictions – NFL Wildcard Weekend appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Week 13’s Colts vs Patriots matchup features two sub-.500 teams vying for a boost in momentum. Indianapolis (5-7) has undergone an odd arch in 2024. Former first-round pick Anthony Richardson has been benched and reinstated as the starting quarterback. The club desperately needs the sophomore quarterback to discover the sky-high potential from his scouting report. However, the Colts seem to lack any true identity.

Despite having a worse record, New England (3-9) has a more optimistic outlook. Rookie head coach Jarod Mayo has managed the transition from veteran Jacoby Brissett to rookie Drake Maye well. In turn, Maye has flashed consistent signs that he is the franchise-level signal caller the Pats have lacked since future Hall of Famer Tom Brady’s departure.

Both teams have weapons. And both have glaring holes in their roster. Their home-field advantage gives New England a boost. While and the dual rushing attacks of Richardson and Jonathan Taylor give Indy a slight edge in a virtual pick-em game.

Can Anthony Richardson continue his bounce-back against rookie Drake Maye in this Colts vs Patriots matchup?

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Colts vs Patriots Odds

• Moneyline: Colts (-155) vs Patriots (+130)
• Spread: Colts -2.5 (-120) vs Patriots +2.5 (+100)
• Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-110) / Under 42.5 (-110)

Colts vs Patriots Prediction

IND Colts 17, NE Patriots 20

This Colts vs Patriots game will be tightly contested. Expect Richardson, who looked sharp against a questionable Jets defense in his return and poor against a dangerous Detroit defense last week, to return to solid form against New England. The Pats rank exactly  20th in the league in total yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and passing yards allowed. This should leave the Colts’ quarterback looking more like Dr. Jekyll than Mr. Hide.

However, star runnings Jonathan Taylor has slowed down in the latter half of the season. Top receiver Michael Pittman Jr has been a virtual non-factor this season. And the whole Indianapolis roster feels lacking.

Meanwhile, New England has several playmakers moving in a more positive direction. Maye has looked sustainable. Veteran Hunter Henry has been a game-changer. And, when healthy, running back Rhamondre Stevenson has moved the needle for the Pats.

Expect Richardson to make a handful of good plays. But also expect the inexperienced quarterback to struggle in a hostile environment as the Patriots upset the Colts.

Colts vs. Patriots Best Bets

Patriots Winning Margin 1-6 (+350)

Richardson has only played in 12 career games, giving him the same amount of NFL experience has rookies Jayden Daniels and Box Nix. In fact, the Colts’ sophomore has significantly fewer passing attempts (275) that real-life rookies Nix (399), Daniels (332), and Caleb Williams (373).

Richardson (22) is tied with Drake Maye as the youngest starting quarterbacks in the NFL. For context, he is the same age as projected 2025 first round quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.

Expecting a virtual rookie with consistency issues to win a high-pressure game in a historically difficult environment in near-freezing temperatures is not a strong bet. Expect New England to earn the victory at home.

Drake Maye Over Two Passing Touchdowns (+165)

If the Pats are indeed able to pull off the upset, Maye will have to be the catalyst. Thankfully this matchup against the Colts sixth-worst pass defense opens the door for a big performance. Look for the tight end combo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper to do damage near the goal line, propelling Maye to 2+ passing scores.

Main Image: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports

The post Colts vs Patriots Predictions appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The NFL opened up voting for the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl this week. With six games to go, several Bills players could either join the conversation or confirm whether or not they are worthy of a selection. The Pro Bowl is traditionally based on stats and less reliant on team success.

Nonetheless, players on winning teams will receive more scrutiny when being considered for a Pro Bowl selection. Names like Saquon Barkey, Derrick Henry, and T.J. Watt are likely to lead voting at their respective positions. Barkley and Henry are also emerging as potential MVPs.

Pro Bowl voting is LIVE

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— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) November 25, 2024

The Bills sit at 9-2 ahead of a Week 13 showdown with the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Buffalo is the only team to defeat the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Coming off the heels of a huge win, which Bills players are lining up to make the 2024 Pro Bowl?

Examining Which Bills Players Should Be in Consideration for the 2024 Pro Bowl

The Face of the Franchise

The first name that obviously comes to mind for a possible selection to the Pro Bowl is quarterback Josh Allen. He’s routinely in the MVP conversation and has the Bills in the playoffs every year. Here’s how Allen stacks up against other AFC quarterbacks in the running for Pro Bowl consideration:

• Lamar Jackson, Baltimore – 3,652 total yards, 30 total touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 117.9 QB rating
• Joe Burrow, Cincinnati – 3,179 total yards, 28 total touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 106.9 QB rating
• Josh Allen, Buffalo – 2,859 total yards, 23 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 98.2 QB rating
• C.J. Stroud, Houston – 3,067 total yards, 14 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 87.3 QB rating
• Bo Nix, Denver – 2,848 total yards, 20 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 89.9 QB rating
• Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets – 2,442 total yards, 17 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 88.9 QB rating
• Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers – 2,615 total yards, 15 total touchdowns, 1 interception, 99.1 QB rating
• Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City – 2,900 total yards, 19 total touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 93.2 QB rating

After a quick scan of the AFC quarterback stats, its clear who at least two of the representatives should be – the Ravens Lamar Jackson and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. Both have amazing TD:INT ratios (Jackson – 9:1; Burrow – 6.75:1). Baltimore beat Buffalo and will make the playoffs. Cincinnati has a great offense led by Burrow and a less-than-stellar defense.

Herbert’s numbers are good with less production. Mahomes, a perennial Pro Bowler, should miss out this year despite Kansas City being tied for the most wins in the NFL. He’s thrown 11 interceptions and has a worse QB rating than Herbert and Allen. With three selections, Allen should make the Pro Bowl.

The Bills Players Leading a Productive Offense

Other than Allen, only a few other offensive names should be considered. None of the pass catchers have set the world on fire like Ja’Marr Chase. 11 receivers have more yardage than Khalil Shakir (599 yards) while five have more receptions. His two touchdowns are not enough to get him into the Pro Bowl.

Running back James Cook (596 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns, 25 receptions, 182 yards, 1 touchdown) might be on the list, but he’s also behind several other AFC backs. Nine ball carriers have more yardage despite Cook’s 10 scores on the ground. He’ll have trouble surpassing Joe Mixon, Najee Harris, Jonathan Taylor, or J.K. Dobbins since Derrick Henry is a slam dunk pick.

Dion Dawkins is also a likely pick for the Bills. He anchors a Buffalo offensive line that has allowed a league-low 13 sacks. Defenders still get pressure on Allen but allowing only about a dozen sacks keeps him clean and able to prolong plays. Dawkins should join Allen at the Pro Bowl.

Leading a Balanced Defensive Attack

The Bills defense ranks seventh in points per game allowed and 15th in total yards allowed per game. Each level of the defense has a solid base but lacks a standout player in 2024. Had Terrel Bernard played a full season, he’d be in the running.

Christian Benford, Rasul Douglas, and Taylor Rapp have had decent years but nothing that would land them in the Pro Bowl.  Cleveland’s Denzel Ward (17 passes defended), Baltimore’s Marlon Humphrey (5 interceptions), Houston’s Derek Stingley, and Denver’s Pat Surtain II are likely ahead of most Buffalo secondary hopefuls.

In terms of the pass rush, Greg Rosseau is the Bills potential Pro Bowler. Rosseau has 5.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits but will have trouble beating out T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, and Danielle Hunter (15 tackles for loss).

While Buffalo has a great record and is solid in all three phases of the game, their success is based on multiple players contributing instead of one or two stars carrying the load. The team is probably fine with having fewer Pro Bowlers if it means a potential Super Bowl victory this season.

Main Image: Tina Maclntyre – USA Today Sports

The post Examining Which Bills Players Should Be In Consideration for the 2024 Pro Bowl appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Rams (0-1) are heading to Arizona to take on the Cardinals (0-1) in an NFC West showdown. The Cardinals are coming off a close battle against Josh Allen and the Bills, while the Rams are coming off an overtime loss to an elite Lions team.

Matthew Stafford is looking to get his offense right despite the loss of Puka Nacua, who was just placed on IR. On the other hand, the Cardinals need to see more from their shaky defense, which gave up 34 points to the Bills last week.

Both teams must play with some early-season desperation to avoid 0-2 in one of the toughest divisions in the league.

• Moneyline: Rams (-102) vs Cardinals (-118)
• Spread: Rams (+1) vs Cardinals (-1)
• Over/Under: Over 48 (-108)/ Under 48 (-112)

Rams vs Cardinals Prediction

Score Prediction: Rams 28, Cardinals 24

The Cardinals played a very close game against a much better Bills team but week one is often an anomaly. Kyler Murray was lackluster in what fans hoped would be a bounce-back season. Instead, he continued to impact the game on the ground but left much to be desired in the passing game. The Cardinals running game was also a mess as Kyler Murrays 57 rushing yards were enough to lead the entire team. Add an unproven defense that gave up the 4th most points in week one and it leaves little room for belief.

The Rams weren’t incredible last week but they do have a lot of recent success against the Cardinals. Since 2017 the Rams are 13-2 against their division rival. Matthew Stafford will not be afraid to let loose and move the ball through the air despite Nacua being out. Cooper Kupp is always putting up great numbers when playing the Cardinals and Kyren Williams should be able to bounce back after a rough week. On the other side of the ball, the Rams bring more experience and talent which should be enough to keep the Cardinals offense in check.

Rams vs Cardinals Best Bets With DraftKings Promo Code LWOSBONUS

Rams Moneyline (-102)

Los Angeles has a strong recent history of success against the Cardinals. They also boast a stronger defense and more experienced offense, putting them in the driver’s seat for this matchup. While the Cardinals may have a chance in this game, they appear to be underpowered in comparison.

Over 48 (-108)

The Rams had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season. Even though Nacua being out is a big loss, they should still be able to move the ball effectively on offense. The Cardinals just scored 28 points last week against a strong Bills defense. Both teams are expected to be aggressive on offense and will look to exploit each other’s weaker defenses.

Rams +1 (-110)

Kyler Murray has the talent to keep his team in the game, but taking the Cardinals to cover requires faith in a shaky defense and an inconsistent offense. The Rams have a better offense and a better defense, so they should be able to cover the spread. Taking the Rams could end up being one of the best bets this week.

Rams vs Cardinals Prop Bets with DraftKings

Colby Parkinson Over 3.5 Receptions (+125)

With Nacua out, Stafford will need to explore other options in the passing game. Parkinson had 4 receptions last week against a much stronger passing defense. He should be able to get open against a weaker linebacker group. The additional targets against a below-average defense should give Parkinson a chance to shine.

Marvin Harrison Jr Over 57.5 Yards (-120)

Harrison Jr has been in the news this week because of his lack of targets in week two. Kyler Murray and Drew Petzing need to get Harrison Jr involved and Murray acknowledged that. Harrison Jr. also took accountability saying he’s going to do better going forward. So Murray should look to get his receiver the touches and the Rams secondary will have a tough time containing him.

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The post Rams vs Cardinals Predictions appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

The Minnesota Vikings (3-0) will look to stay undefeated as they travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers (2-1). Quarterback Sam Darnold has had a career resurgence to start the season with Minnesota. Meanwhile, Malik Willis has done a great job filling in for the injured Jordan Love, going 2-0 in his two starts at quarterback. Willis will look to lead Green Bay to their third straight victory against their division rival Minnesota.

Vikings vs Packers Odds With Caesars

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers have both looked like legitimate contenders in the NFC. The Vikings have dominated the Giants, 49ers, and Texans in their first three games. Meanwhile, Green Bay lost to Philadelphia by 5, and beat the Colts and Titans. Minnesota vs Green Bay is one of the best rivalries in football, and Sunday will be another great chapter in this storied rivalry.

• Moneyline: Vikings (+130) vs Packers (-155)
• Spread: Vikings +3.5 (-146) vs Packers -3.5 (+100)
• Over/Under: Over 43.5 (-110) / Under 43.5 (-110)

Vikings vs Packers Prediction

Score Prediction: Vikings 24, Packers 20

The Minnesota Vikings have been on a different level to start this season. They have outscored their three opponents 85-30, including last years NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and a rising Houston Texans team.

Green Bay has looked strong to start this season as well. Despite uncertainty at QB this week, Green Bay is favored to beat this Vikings team. However, the Packers two wins have been against inferior opponents.

Vikings vs Packers Best Bets With Caesars Promo Code LWOS1000

Vikings +3.5 (-146)

Although this line has some juice, it holds great value. The bottom line is Minnesota has looked like a top three team to start this season. The Packers are absolutely no slouch of an opponent, but there is some uncertainty at quarterback for them. Jordan Love is making his way back from injury and is projected to start this game, however it is not confirmed. Even if Love starts, this is an absolute nightmare of a matchup to return from injury against. Offensively, Minnesota has looked dominant and they are likely getting Jordan Addison back this week. This is a Vikings team that is clicking on all cylinders, and the Packers have a big question mark with Jordan Love’s knee, and they have beaten up on two bad teams. I like the Vikings to win outright, but I love taking the +3.5 here in case they lose by a field goal.

Over 43.5 (-110)

This is a pretty accurate line for this game, as both teams are good on both sides of the ball. However, I lean the over here as this game just needs to be in the low 20s. With Jordan Love back and hopefully healthy, the Packers should be able to muster some points against this stingy Vikings defense. On the other side, Minnesota’s offense dominated Houston, and is getting receiver Jordan Addison back from injury. Green Bay’s defense has played well the past two weeks, but they played two poor offenses in the Colts and Titans. Minnesota’s lowest point total this season is 23, and that was against a top five 49ers defense. I like this total to go over by a few points.

Vikings vs Packers Prop Bets With Caesars

Justin Jefferson Over 5.5 Receptions (-137)

Although his numbers are not as eye popping as usual, Jefferson has been in top form this season. All three games have resulted in a poor passing game script for Minnesota by the second half. This has resulted in Jefferson’s numbers being down a bit. For example, last week Jefferson had 6 receptions in just the first half. Minnesota was up by multiple scores at halftime resulting in much less passing plays in the second half. However, with the spread only being 2.5 in this game against Green Bay, Vegas expects this one to stay close. With Jordan Addison likely returning from injury, Jefferson will not see as many double teams as he has been. In a big rivalry game, Darnold will surely look to get Jefferson the ball often. As long as this one stays somewhat close, Jefferson should see 10+ targets and record 6+ receptions.

Jordan Love Over 21.5 Pass Completions (-137)

With Jordan Love likely returning from a knee injury this week, he will very likely try to beat the Vikings from the pocket. I would not expect Love to make many plays with his legs in his first game back as he wants to keep his knee healthy. Last week, C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills combined for 27 completions. Daniel Jones racked up 22 completions, and Brock Purdy had 28 against this Vikings defense. Minnesota has been solid against the run, as they are tied with the Steelers for the second least rushing yards allowed per game. This will cause Love to throw, as the Vikings have given up the third most completions in the league this season. Part of this is due to the fact that Minnesota has had multiple score leads in every game. Regardless, in a close game script Love should clear this line due to his lingering knee injury, and Minnesota’s stout run defense.

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