Ravens, 49ers, Lions, Bills Holding Steady as Favorites
NFL Key Line Moves: Opening Lines Mostly Unchanged
After a wild week in which weather played a huge role, Mother Nature has calmed down a bit ahead of the NFL Divisional Round. There’s still been plenty of intrigue from a betting perspective, just not to the same level as this time last week. Baltimore, San Francisco, Detroit and Buffalo have all held steady as betting favorites.
What else is there to unpack ahead of Saturday’s kickoffs? Let’s break down the NFL key line moves for the Divisional Round.
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: Ravens -8.5
Current Total: Ravens -9.5
Baltimore opened as an 8.5-point favorite and was quickly bet up to -9.5. The line has stayed there for the most part, moving only briefly to -9. At -9.5, the Ravens have matchedSan Francisco as the Divisional Round’s biggest favorite.
The Ravens have had two weeks to rest starters following their opening-round bye. That includes MVP favorite Lamar Jackson, who sat out the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh. As such, the Ravens are in relatively good health and may even get back star tight end Mark Andrews, who’s been sidelined since Nov. 16 with a signifcant ankle injury. Andrews turned in full practices on Wednesday and Thursday and is listed as questionable on the NFL injury report for Saturday.
In other injury news, cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) did not practice this week and has been ruled out. Humphrey’s absence could leave the Ravens thin in the secondary against C.J. Stround, Nico Collins and the Texans’ surging passing attack.
Houston is 4-1 ATS over its last five games and is averaging 27 points during that span.
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: 51.5 Points
Current Total: 50.5 Points
The SF 49ers opened as 9.5-point favorites, and the betting line has held steady throughout the week. Only briefly did it climb to -10. The total has seen a bit more movement as it opened at 51.5 but now sits at 50.5 after climbing as low as 49.
Like Baltimore, San Francisco has had the benefit of additional rest. Running back Christian McCaffrey returned to full practice this week after sitting out Week 18 against the Rams with a slight calf strain. Despite that, McCaffrey was still the NFL leader in rushing yards (1,459) and yards from scrimmage (2,023). He finished with 21 touchdowns, including 14 rushing.
The 49ers — the +175 favorite to win Super Bowl LVIII — are also expected to get back defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who’s missed five consecutive games due to foot and knee issues. As a whole, the 49ers are as healthy as they’ve been in quite some time.
With a budding star at quarterback in Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers may have the firepower to match San Francisco. In his last nine games, Love has thrown 21 touchdowns compared to only one interception. The Packers are 6-3 ATS and 7-2 against the Over/Under during that span.
The current total of 50.5 is the highest for any game this weekend, but it’s still more than some bettors can stomach.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: Lions -5
Current Total: Lions -6.5
The Lions are generally much tougher at home, and that starts with Jared Goff. This season, Goff has a 107.9 QB rating at Ford Field compared to 89.4 on the road.
In their Week 5 meeting, the Lions were without Jahmyr Gibbs and lost fellow running back David Montgomery to injury mid-game. But Goff stepped up in their absence, throwing for 353 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-6 victory.
Tampa Bay has covered in eight of its nine road games and owns 12 wins ATS, tied with Detroit for most in the NFL. Despite that, a majority of bettors continue to back Detroit. The Lions opened as 5-point favorites and quickly climbed to -6. NFL key line moves have seen that bet up to -6.5.
Detroit failed to cover in its Wild Card win over the Rams but is 4-1 ATS over the last five games.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills 
Day/Time:
Opening Total: 46.5 Points
Current Total: 45.5 Points
The Buffalo Bills were without receiver Gabe Davis (knee), cornerback Rasul Douglas (knee) and safety Taylor Rapp (calf) last week. As they prepare for a rematch with Kansas City, injuries continue to be a big storyline. Six players didn’t practice on Thursday, including Davis, linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle) and receiver Stefon Diggs, who was newly added with a foot issue.
Despite that, Buffalo has held steady as a 2.5-point favorite. Only briefly did it move to -3. Meanwhile, the total climbed to 47 after opening at 46 but has since dropped to 45.5. Bettors should take note of that NFL key line move.
Despite the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, nobody’s gone Under the total more often this season than Kansas City. The Chiefs have gone Under in five of their last six games and are 5-13 against the Over/Under. For comparison’s sake, the Bills are 7-11.
On top of that, the total has gone Under in four of the last five games between these teams in Buffalo.
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