The 2017 NFL betting season is officially under wrap. It’s a somewhat sad occasion, but it only means that it’s time to buckle down and get ready to bet on this year’s postseason. Surprisingly, this year’s playoff landscape is filled with new contenders that few could have imagined would’ve made it this far. One such team is the Los Angeles Rams, who finished last year’s season with a 4-12 record. Last year was undoubtedly a failure, but the Rams were able to turn their misfortune around in time to win the NFC West. Now, they’ll have to face the Atlanta Falcons this Saturday in the NFC’s Wild Card matchup. What kind of turnout will US online sportsbooks predict for this postseason matchup?
Betting Atlanta
The Falcons turned in a 10-6 record to finish 3rd in the NFC South. During the 2017 preseason, most top sportsbook sites on the web were picking the Falcons in the NFC South and subsequently in the entire conference. However, Atlanta opened the year up with a 3-3 record that led many NFL betting players to assume the franchise was contending with a classic case of the Super Bowl blues. It would not have been surprising, considering the embarrassment Tom Brady handed them last February.
But in the end, the Falcons were able to overcome themselves in time to qualify for a Wild Card Berth. In order to lock up that postseason spot, Atlanta needed a strong finish to the season. IN the end, Matt Ryan and Co. accomplished just that as the Falcons went 3-1 in their final 4 games of the season. With all 3 of those wins coming against NFC South opponents, the Falcons were able to punch their ticket to the postseason. Surprisingly enough, the NFC South gave birth to 3 playoff contenders this season, as the Panthers, Falcons, and Saints all made the playoff cut. We’ll have to see just who gets the furthest.
Betting Los Angeles
The Rams were one of the winningest teams in the league this season as the franchise turned in an 11-5 record to win the NFC West. In doing so, the franchise was able to snap a 12-year postseason drought that loomed over the Rams. Furthermore, this year’s division title marks the first time the Rams have won the division since the 2004 season. Unquestionably, it’s been a while since Rams’ fans have had something to get excited about. However, the show Jared Goff and Los Angeles have put on this year has certainly riled the Rams’ fan base. Despite Los Angeles finishing the year with a 2-2 record, US online sportsbooks are pegging them as heavy favorites over the Rams. The Rams and Falcons did not face each other during the 2017 regular season.
Fans placing gambling bets online on this NFC Wild Card matchup should consider taking the upset bets on the Falcons. The Rams didn’t have the strongest end to the 2017 season and it’s no understatement to say that the franchise has zero playoff experience. Contrasted against the Falcons, who are coming off a Super Bowl loss, and it’s safe to say that Atlanta will be better prepared in this one. Furthermore, there are some great odds for the Falcons upset.
Best US Online Sportsbook Betting Lines & Odds:
Atlanta Falcons +6 ½ (-110) 48 ½ (-110) +263
Los Angeles Rams -6 ½ (-110) 48 ½ (-110) -325
