We are but a couple of weeks away from the Super Bowl. However, this US sportsbook betting weekend, players will be focused on finding out which teams punch a ticket to this year’s NFL title game. On one hand, there are great matchups slated for this weekend that should end up coking down to the wire. On the other, thrilling contests tend to be very difficult to predict. With that in mind, we’ve decided to deliver some of the best online sportsbook picks for this weekend’s conference championship action. Take a look.
The below-listed odds hail from GTBets sportsbook. For those unfamiliar, GTBets sportsbook is a fan favorite when it comes to NFL postseason betting. GTBets has extremely competitive lines for the postseason, as well as a handful of bonuses to make your time spent on the site worthwhile. Feel free to check out sportsbook review on GTBets to get an in depth look at this NFL betting site.
AFC Championship Game || Jaguars vs. Patriots
Jacksonville Jaguars +7 (-115) 45 (-110) +249
New England Patriots -7 (-105) 45 (-110) -305
Top online sportsbooks aren’t giving the Jaguars much of a chance this NFL betting weekend. However, there are ample reasons to believe that Jacksonville can come out on top this weekend. The first of which is Tom Brady’s latest injury, sustained this week during practice. Apparently, some try hard ran into the future Hall of Fame quarterback, giving him some aches in his throwing hand. Medical scans conducted revealed that there was no structural damage. Notwithstanding those revelations, Brady hasn’t had practice snaps since suffering the run-in.
So, if the Pats take the field with a banged up Brady, they could be subject to an upset. For starters, the Jags’ defense is no joke. And if there’s one thing you need to even stand a chance of upsetting a Hall of Fame quarterback, it’s a strong defense. But Jacksonville has another ace up their sleeve, something that might be even more important to knocking off Brady and Belichick.
That just happens to be Tom Coughlin, the man who beat the Brady-Belichick duo twice on the largest stage in professional sports. So, with Coughlin in the rafters and a banged-up Brady under center, should bettors take New England?
No, they shouldn’t. At least not straight up. No US sportsbook is expecting Jacksonville to win this Sunday, but the truth is that the cards are stacked in their favor. Not only that, there’re some pretty great odds available on Jacksonville. Take the Jags on the spread and the under on the totals.
NFC Championship Game || Vikings vs. Eagles
Minnesota Vikings -3 (-103) 38 ½ (-115) -161
Philadelphia Eagles +3 (-117) 38 ½ (-105) +141
This is shaping up to be a great matchup that US sportsbooks believe will fall in Minnesota’s favor. Despite the fact that the Eagles are the better team, NFL bookmakers believe a backup quarterback is too much for Philadelphia to overcome. Not so much because of the team’s individual make up, but rather because how dominant the Vikings’ defense is.
While it may be true that you need a great quarterback to score on Minnesota, it’s also true that the Eagles aren’t half bad on defense. In other words, don’t expect the Vikings to enjoy the same type of offensive success as they did against the Saints. Furthermore, if Minnesota is unable to score, this will throw some added pressure on their defense. Once the pressure hits, expect Philly to break through.
All in all, taking Philly straight up is a better option than siding with the Vikings. The odds on Philadelphia are better and the Eagles are a better all-around team. Take Philly on the spread and the under on the totals.