The NFL Playoffs continue this weekend with the NFC Championship Game between the Seahawks and the Rams. Currently, Seattle is a 2.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook with the total set at 46.5.
Here are the betting splits and most popular player prop bets for this all-important NFC Championship Game.
Betting Splits
The Seahawks and Rams face off for the third time this season in the NFC Championship Game. Hardly anything separated the two teams during the regular-season matchups. Each team got one win, and combining the box score from the two games, the Rams scored one more point and gained one more yard than Seattle did. Despite the spread being so short, with Seattle favored by 2.5 points, it could be of massive consequence. Both matchups in the regular season were decided by two points or fewer, so the underdog covered a theoretical 2.5-point spread despite losing the game.
Even though there is such a razor’s edge between the two teams, the public is taking a strong position on one side. Currently, 77% of the bets are on Seattle to cover the spread, with 76% of the handle. That means the betting public is all over Seattle and there is not much resistance from bigger bettors. It is a closer split on the moneyline, with Seattle taking 55% of the bets and 53% of the handle. Based on the first two matchups, if you like Seattle, it could be worth paying up for the moneyline. On the other hand, if you like the Rams, you should take the 2.5 points.
When it comes to the total, the public is taking a strong stance once again. With the over/under set at 46.5, 71% of the bets on DraftKings Sportsbook are on the over. However, there is significant resistance from bigger bettors, as only 58% of the handle is on the over. The public is thinking this matchup could be similar to the second regular-season matchup, which finished 38-37 in overtime. Meanwhile, bigger bettors are remembering the first matchup, which was a 21-19 defensive slugfest.
Most Popular Player Props
Here are the top-five most-bet player props for Sunday’s game:
- Seattle Seahawks D/ST Anytime TD Scorer (+425)
- Puka Nacua Anytime TD Scorer (+115)
- Kenneth Walker III Anytime TD Scorer (-155)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba Anytime TD Scorer (+105)
- Davante Adams Anytime TD Scorer (+125)
It is not surprising to see the betting public all over the anytime touchdown market for the NFC Championship Game. However, it is surprising to see that the most-bet player prop is on the Seahawks defense and special teams to score a touchdown. It is Seattle’s quarterback, Sam Darnold, who threw six combined interceptions in the two regular-season matchups between these teams, while Matthew Stafford didn’t throw any. However, Seattle did score a special teams touchdown in the most recent matchup between these teams on a Rashid Shaheed punt return.
Puka Nacua is the most bet-on individual player to score, with Davante Adams ranking fifth on the list. Nacua had a remarkable season, leading the NFL in receptions, ranking second in receiving yards and catching 10 touchdowns. Despite those incredible numbers, his teammate, Davante Adams, led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with 14 on the season. So far in the postseason, however, it has been all about Nacua. He has 15 catches, compared to just seven for Adams. Nacua also has two touchdowns, while Adams has yet to score in the playoffs. Davante Adams scored a touchdown in the first matchup against Seattle this season, but he missed the second game. Nacua failed to score in the first matchup but scored twice in the second.
From the Seahawks, Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are the most-bet players to score in this game. The Seahawks will be without Zach Charbonnet, which means Walker should get almost all of the carries for Seattle. Walker was a 1,000-yard rusher in the regular season, but he only scored five touchdowns on the ground, while Charbonnet scored 12. In the postseason, it has been all about Walker, who had three touchdowns against the 49ers. With Charbonnet out for this game, it gives Walker a great chance to add to that total from last week.
To no one’s surprise, Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored the Seahawks’ lone receiving touchdown last week. It wasn’t a big performance for the NFL’s leading receiver from the regular season, but he still got his touchdown on the board. Smith-Njigba was incredible against the Rams during the regular season. In the two games, he combined for 17 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown. Undoubtedly, Sam Darnold will be looking his way early and often in the NFC Championship Game, as he has all season.
