The game of the second round is schedule for Saturday, January 16, 2021, when the Baltimore Ravens (11-5) visit the Buffalo Bills (13-3). Baltimore is the fifth seed and went on the road to beat the #4 Tennessee to advance. Buffalo is the second seed and knocked off the seventh seed Indianapolis Colts to get into the Divisional round. This game will air live on NBC at 8:15 p.m. EST.
Baltimore is the second round for the second consecutive season but are looking to make the Conference Championship for the first time since they won the Super Bowl back in 2012.
Buffalo is into the Divisional round for the first time since 1995 and will look to get to the Conference Championship for the first time since 1993.
These teams have never met in the playoffs.
Below is my best bet for the Divisional round action between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. All lines are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (-2.5): O/U 49.5 (-112/-109)
Last time out, Baltimore overcame a slow start to grab a 20-13 road win against the Tennessee Titans. The Titans jumped out to a 10-0 first quarter lead, but Baltimore scored the next 17 points to take a 17-10 lead into the final quarter. Defensively, the Ravens were able to hold down the Titans offense in the final quarter to clinch the win and send Baltimore to the second round. Lamar Jackson went 17/24 for 179 yards, zero touchdowns, one interception, and was the teams leading rusher with 136 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. The Ravens defense allowed just 209 total yards and clinched the game with a Marcus Peters interception.
Buffalo secured their first playoff win in 25 years with a tight 27-24 home win over the Indianapolis Colts. This game was back and forth all day and some better decision by the Colts coaching staff could have seem Indianapolis advancing to the second round. Josh Allen went 26/35 for 324 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions, and was the teams leading rusher with 54 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. Stefon Diggs continued to dominate secondaries as he hauled in six balls for 128 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Bills 472 total yards on the day.
Series History: Baltimore has won three of the last four meetings and leads the all-time series 6-3.
Game Prediction: I like Baltimore +2.5 to cover, get the win, and to advance to the AFC Championship game.
2020-2021 NFL Season Picks Results: 65-49-2