2019 NFL Conference Round Betting Guide

We’re down to the final four teams remaining in the chase for the Lombardi Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of Super Bowl LIII. Both conference championships feature rematches of games from the regular season, as the Los Angeles Rams head back to New Orleans to take on the Saints, looking to avenge a 45-35 loss earlier in the season. The New England Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season at home and now head to Arrowhead Stadium for a first-ever AFC Championship game in Kansas City. How should you plan your NFL betting for this round of the playoffs? Check out the schedule and point spread…as well as our thoughts on each game.

2019 NFL Conference Round Betting Guide

Championship Round Power Rankings: 1. @RamsNFL 2. @Saints 3-8. https://t.co/z430zk9ml2 (via @HarrisonNFL) pic.twitter.com/GDJgwSOHLM

— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2019

NFC Championship

L.A. Rams at New Orleans (-3.5, O/U 57) (3:05pm ET, FOX)

The offenses have both been stellar for these teams.This means that this game comes down to whoever can get stops when they need them. The Saints have the top rushing defense in the NFL, while no team has given up more yards per carry than the Rams. One might wonder why the Rams were able to shut down the Cowboys’ vaunted running attack after posting that statistic through the season; one theory is that the Rams’ defense spent a lot of time coasting during the season, realizing that their offense could carry the day. Even so, the Saints have a more threatening passing game than Dallas does, which means that the Rams won’t be able to load the box. The Saints secondary does not have to worry about Cooper Kupp, but Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods present enough of a threat. The tailback tandem of Todd Gurley II and C.J. Anderson ran wild over Dallas — but the Saints should be able to get a better look. To me, this game comes down to the edge in experience at quarterback, as Drew Brees has much more seasoning than Jared Goff. There’s also the factor of playing the game in New Orleans, in front of a raucous Superdome crowd. So I’m taking New Orleans to cover. What about that point total? New Orleans only put up 20 points against Philadelphia, and the Eagles’ defense is not as good as the Rams’. I see this game bogging down as well — and the game going under 57 points.

AFC Championship

New England at Kansas City (-3, O/U 57) (6:40pm ET, CBS)

Can the Chiefs overcome decades of playoff mistakes that have plagued head coach Andy Reid, both during his time in Philadelphia and in his time leading the Chiefs? Remember a year ago, when the Chiefs hosted a wild card game and lost to Tennessee, turning a 21-point halftime lead into a 22-21 loss? You could argue that Patrick Mahomes II is the real deal and will lead his team to victory — and if you watched how Mahomes carved up the Colts’ defense, you have a solid argument. The Patriots have not played nearly as well on the road this year as they have at home, and Mahomes and the Chiefs will have the advantage of playing in front of a crowd of hungry supporters who have gone 49 years without a league championship. The Chiefs showed stout defense against Indianapolis, and Mahomes is quick enough to get the ball out ahead of the New England pass rush. The Chiefs’ defense is definitely a question mark, particularly in the secondary, but I like Kansas City to cover. A lot of people are taking this game to go over the total of 57 points, but the weather forecast has a high of 15 degrees on Sunday — and the game is at night, when the low is supposed to creep down to eight degrees. There is no precipitation in the forecast, but high-flying offenses simply don’t generate as many points in those conditions. I’m taking the game to go under 57 points.