Last Updated Jan 27, 2023, 6:12 PM
NFL Divisional Playoffs Parlay Picks and Predictions
Betting expert Michael Crosson provides his top parlay selections for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Odds may vary.
Sunday's Parlay Best Bet
- Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 (-110) @ BUF
- Cowboys-49ers Over 46.5 (-110)
Payout: +264
Cincinnati Bengals +5.5 (-110) @ BUF
- Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills
- TV-Time: CBS, 3:00 p.m. ET
This Bengals squad is much different than the offense-dependent squad that came up just short of winning last year's Super Bowl, considering their defense finished sixth in the league in scoring this season, which ultimately, is the factor that sets this squad apart from the rest of the bunch, especially when combined with the power of Cincy's phenomenal offensive unit.
The Bengals' defense has improved by leaps and bounds this year, and now that they rank Top 10 in the league on both sides of the ball, this squad is feared for several reasons, and they’re no longer reliant on jackpot performances by Joe Burrow in order to compete at the highest level.
I wouldn’t advise betting the farm on Burrow and co. in this matchup. The Bills are a very good team, and you always run the chance of things spiralling out of control defensively when standing opposite of Josh Allen.
It wouldn’t have been all that surprising if the Bills cruised to a Super Bowl title relatively unhindered, as Buffalo truly might be the most dangerous squad in the league when everything is firing on all cylinders for them.
However, they’ve consistently shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and defensive lapses all season, which has caught up to them in some of their bigger matchups. So, I also wouldn’t have been stunned to see them lose their opening round playoff matchup to the Dolphins helmed by a third-string quarterback last week.
Regardless of their issues, though, the Bills still comfortably stand amongst the top teams in football, and I have no problem with them being favored to win this game.
But quite frankly, Cincy is playing better football at the moment, and it feels much better to back a squad that takes pride in its ball security. The Bengals’ offense ranked Top 5 in the league in turnovers with just 18 on the season, and a huge chunk of those came during their five-turnover performance against Pittsburgh all the way back in Week 1.
Cowboys-49ers Over 46.5 (-110)
- Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
- TV-Time: FOX, 6:30 p.m. ET
Several question marks still surround these squads entering the Divisional Round. But if there’s one thing that stands as an absolute fact, it’s that both of these offensive units have been scoring an outrageous amount of points as of late, highlighted by the Niners racking up 33+ points in six-of-seven matchups since handing the keys to Brock Purdy back in Week 13, and similarly, the Cowboys’ offense generating 27+ points in 10 of their last 11 contests.
Purdy and Prescott will both have their work cut out for them against an opposing highly touted defensive unit this Sunday, considering the Cowboys and Niners both rank Top 5 in scoring on the defensive side of the ball. However, both defenses have appeared a bit vulnerable recently, highlighted by San Francisco surrendering 23+ points in two of their last three matchups, and Dallas surrendering 26+ points in three of their last five.
So, I’ll take the ‘over’ in what will likely turn into a shootout between a pair of high-powered offensive attacks that have both scored 27+ points in six of their last seven outings.
