After 18 weeks, the National Football League (NFL) begins the playoffs for the 2023/24 season this Saturday (13). Betfair, a specialist in sports odds, analyzed the teams’ chances in their decisive matches in the NFL.
The usual 14 teams, only the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers do not play in the Wild Card round, as they have the best campaigns in their conferences.
Betfair forecasts possible NFL final clash
The bookmaker analyzed the biggest candidates for the title, as well as the most likely matchup in Super Bowl LVIII and who should win this season’s individual awards.
Of the three Wild Card duels for the American Conference, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the most difficult task according to Betfair. The team that took the last place in the playoffs appears with just a 21% chance (odd of 4.5) of defeating Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills.
Thus, the QB appears as the player most likely to score a touchdown at any time in the match, with 52% (odds of 1.91).
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs host the Miami Dolphins at home next Saturday and are favorites to continue in the search for another Super Bowl.
The current champions have a 67% chance of winning the match (odds of 1.38), against 33% for the Florida team.
So, the duel is marked by the possible “law of the ex”, since Tyreek Hill, who is now with the Dolphins, started his career with the Chiefs. Thus, the WR appears with a 42% chance of scoring a touchdown at any time against his former team.
As for the last clash between Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, the game should have more balance. For Betfair, the Browns appear as favorites, with a 57% chance of winning (odds of 1.62).
Therefore, the Houston Texans’ hope goes to rookie QB CJ Stroud who, according to the bookmaker, has a 98% chance of winning the best offensive rookie of the year award.
The #NFLPlayoffs are set! pic.twitter.com/ZqfPEYLpI7
— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2024
Dallas fights fasting
For the fourth straight season, the Dallas Cowboys reach the NFL playoffs. However, QB Dak Prescott‘s team is trying to reach at least the final of its Conference and break a fast of almost 30 years for the Dallas franchise.
But the team appears as a favorite against Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers, with a 78% chance of advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs.
On Monday (15), the confrontation will be between the Philadelphia Eagles (current NFC champion), against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the NFC South in their first year without QB Tom Brady.
However, after a start with 10 wins in 11 games, the Eagles ended up going through a bad run of games and saw the Dallas Cowboys win the NFC East. But the team is favorite even playing away from home, with a 59% chance of beating the Buccaneers (odds of 1.58).
The home team has Mike Evans, one of the best receivers today. According to Betfair, the player has a 62% chance of making at least 5 receptions (Odd of 1.62).
Betfair highlights match between Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams
The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams would already be a great match for all NFL fans if we only look at the 2023 season. However, the reunion of Jared Goff with the Rams and Matthew Stafford with the Lions makes the expectation of the duel even greater.
Therefore, this game, according to Betfair, is the one most likely to have a high score. There is a 56% chance of passing 52 points (odds of 1.83).
NFC North champions, the Detroit Lions appear with slight favoritism in the match. The chances are 60% of victory (odd of 1.55), against 40% for the Rams (odd of 2.3).
After great performances this season and securing the best seed in the American Conference, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson should win the MVP race, according to Betfair. He has a 99% chance of winning the best player of the season award for the second time.
Thus, Lamar’s team’s duel against the San Francisco 49ers appears as the most likely to happen in the Super Bowl. The chances are 26% (odds of 3.75).
