We have expert betting predictions for Week 1 of the NFL playoffs, which starts with the Raiders vs Bengals

There are 6 games this week for punters to enjoy, including the highly anticipated Patriots vs Bills and Cardinals vs Rams.

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NFL Playoffs Wild Card Round Picks

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Las Vegas Raiders vs Cincinnati Bengals @ Paul Brown Stadium

We have to give the Las Vegas Raiders credit for the way they closed out the regular season. They could have shut up shop, but they fought bravely.

However, we think they could struggle to beat the flying Cincinnati Bengals. They finished 10-7, but they produced some high-quality performances.

Joe Burrow is the future of the NFL and we think he handles pressure much better than opposing quarterback Derek Carr.

Bookmakers have a fair line of –4.5, so we’re happy to take it.

Betting tip: Cincinnati Bengals –4.5

Bengals by 7

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New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills @ Highmark Stadium

The New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills run it back for the third time this season. It went 1-1 in the regular season, so it’s all on the line on Sunday.

New England looked much better than Buffalo at times, but the Bills closed out the much better team. There is a sense of destiny about the Bills, and playing at home could tip the scales in their favour.

Josh Allen threw for 36 touchdowns and he should have figured out the Patriots defence by now, so we’re picking the Bills to win.

The current line is –4, and they could score a narrow 31-24 win.

Betting tip: Buffalo Bills -4

Bills by 4

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Philadelphia Eagles vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Raymond James Stadium

It didn’t look like the Eagles had a chance of making the playoffs at one stage, but a late comeback saw them narrowly make it.

Their reward is playing defending champions Tampa Bay, which hasn’t had everything go its way. The Buccaneers lost their star wide receiver Antonio Brown after he lost his nerve.

It means they’re down on talent for the playoffs, so Tom Brady will have to weave his magic once again.

The Buccaneers are 7-1 at home, so we’re not surprised by the odds. They have experience in this situation, as opposed to most of the Eagles players, who could struggle with the occasion.

Take the Buccaneers to get it done comfortably.

Betting tip: Tampa Bay Buccaneers –8.5

Buccaneers by 10

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San Francisco 49ers vs Dallas Cowboys @ AT&T Stadium

The Dallas Cowboys have an excellent chance to make a deep playoff run, especially kicking it off against the 49ers.

We don’t rate the 49ers very highly, so we’re surprised the bookmakers have them at only $2.33. It’s a close betting market, but the Cowboys should have the edge.

They have a team good enough to go to the Super Bowl, and although they always trip up in the big games, with Dak Prescott playing excellent football, they should be fine.

Take the generous line while it’s available. -3 for the Cowboys could be a Monday morning gift.

Betting tip: Dallas Cowboys -3

Cowboys by 10

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs @ GEHA Field

We love a bit of Steelers vs Chiefs rivalry and another chapter gets added on Monday.

The Chiefs have been one of the better teams over the last few weeks and that is bad news for Steelers’ fans.

It might be Big Ben’s last game in the NFL, but he’d need to produce one of his best games to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the electric Chiefs offence.

It’s the biggest line on the NFL card this week and rightfully so. Despite the Steelers always turning up to play hard, the Chiefs should outclass them and score an emphatic victory.

Covering a 12.5 line in the playoffs isn’t easy, but the Chiefs are better than most.

Betting tip: Kansas City Chiefs –12.5

Chiefs by 17

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Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams @ SoFi Stadium

It’s a shame that we have to lose one of these teams as they’re both capable of making a deep playoff run.

The Los Angeles Rams ended their season at 12-5 and Matthew Stafford made the transition at quarterback having spent years in Detroit.

It has proved to be a good move as the Rams will be tough to beat on Tuesday. However, the Cardinals are explosive on their day.

Kyler Murray slowed down heading into the playoffs, but with an 8-1 record on the road, playing at SoFi won’t do them any harm.

It’s a tough game to pick, but take the Rams in a close one.

Betting tip: Los Angeles Rams

Rams by 3