Simplebet has broken down some notable trends centered around first-drive bets to help bettors get results from their NFL picks early in the Wild Card Round.
Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans
1st LA Chargers Drive Result: Punt +105
Four of the Chargers’ last five game-opening drives resulted in a punt.
Three of the Texans’ last five opponents started their game off with a punt on their game-opening offensive drive vs. Houston.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
1st BAL Ravens Drive Result Grouped: No Offensive Score +100
In the prior two meetings between these teams, the Ravens failed to score on their game-opening offensive drive. Moreover, in the first Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh meeting of the season, the Ravens only scored on one of their eight completed first-half drives.
Sunday
Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
1st PHI Eagles Drive Result Grouped: No Offensive Score -115
When these two teams met in Week 1, the Eagles did not score on their first offensive drive.
More importantly, four of the last Packers’ last five game-opening defensive drives resulted in a punt.
Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Both Teams to Score on Their 1st Drive +380
Of all the teams to make the playoffs, the Commanders have surrendered the most points to opposing teams. The third-worst team in this category is Washington’s opponent on Sunday, the Buccaneers.
Moreover, of all the playoff teams, Tampa’s offense ranks fourth in points per game. Washington’s offense ranks fifth.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.