NFL playoff time is fast approaching with just a few weeks remaining in the 2021 regular season. What makes the postseason even more enjoyable is betting on the NFL playoffs.

With fewer games on the schedule, bettors can find even more options on the betting board. In addition to traditional bets, sportsbooks will expand their offerings to include all sorts of player props, specials, and more. 

As you prepare for the playoffs, keep a few things in mind.

NEED TO KNOW > HOW TO BET A PARLAY

Point Spreads

In most NFL postseason games, the point spread is going to fall between 1 and 4. In all NFL playoff games between 2000 and 2018 - 190 total - 45.3 percent, or 86, of them had a point spread in this range. 

Not surprisingly, the most common NFL playoffs point spread during this span was 3. Thirty-four of the 190 games had a point spread of 3. Only 17 of the games featured a spread of 10 points or more with the highest being 16. Also, there was never a ‘pick ‘em’.

Home Field Advantage

Home field advantage is still worth roughly 3 points to linemakers. In the playoffs, the home field advantage is a bit more pronounced, but the underdog and the points is still a strong bet.

In those 190 games between 2000 and 2018, home teams are 122-68 straight up. Playing at home is an advantage in the playoffs. Against the spread though, home teams are 92-86-2. 

Consider the 19 conference championship games during that time span. Home teams are 25-13 straight up, but they are 18-20 ATS.

Teams to Make Playoffs

There are still several teams in each conference competing for a playoff spot. Seven teams in each conference will make the postseason.Thirteen teams are still alive in the AFC and 11 in the NFC.

One of the teams in the thick of the AFC race is Indianapolis. The Colts started the 2021 season 0-3. Teams that start seasons 0-3 typically don’t make the postseason. In fact, only six have done so since 1980.

The ‘81 Jets, ‘82 Buccaneers, ‘92 Chargers, ‘95 Lions, ‘98 Bills, and ‘18 Texans are the only teams to start a season 0-3 and make the postseason. 

Indy has gone 8-2 since starting the season 1-4. The Colts currently own the AFC’s No. 1 wild card spot and they can still win the AFC South Division. They currently have great odds to win the Super Bowl at offshore sportsbooks.

The ‘92 Chargers are the only NFL team that ever started a season 0-4 and then went on to make the playoffs. They finished the season 11-5 and actually won the AFC West.

Wild Cards

Keep in mind the following when betting the Wild Card round of the playoffs. In each of the past four seasons, at least one wild card has won its first postseason game. In fact, wild cards have had great success since 2000.

Since 2000, wild card teams are 51-35 straight up. That includes a 7-3 straight up mark in the past two seasons. The objective is simply to find the best wild cards to back in the opening round.

The last time a wild card team didn’t win a game in the NFL postseason was 2016.

Are you a handicapper that’s looking to bring your business into the 2020’s? CapperSoftwareSolutions.com will be doing just that soon!

Sniper Wes - Sniper Wes 30-day ALL SPORTS PASS Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines while others cash in on their sports bets? Sniper Wes is here to help you with his unparalleled advice that's designed to HELP YOU WIN! His 30-day all sports subscription is perfect for getting a month of plays to get started with the action. He has a PROVEN track record in MULTIPLE sports that comes from years of experience analyzing odds and trends. This expert is ready to share his insights WITH YOU! Invest in your success. Invest with one of the best. GUARANTEED TO WIN or you get another 30-day subscription FREE!