NFL tips: Steelers & Ravens to roll on Sunday in our trader’s Wildcard double

Who is going to advance in the race for the Super Bowl?

The first round of the NFL playoffs continues Sunday with three juicy match ups. The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to get revenge on the Tennessee Titans after last year’s shock playoff defeat. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears crept into the playoffs and they will have their hands full on the road against the New Orleans Saints, where they are big underdogs.

The final game is an AFC north clash as old foes the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers meet again. As always, our NFL trader Ian Dent will be providing us with the best betting angles throughout the playoffs.

Sunday double: Ravens (-3) & Steelers (-6)

Firstly, the Ravens can get revenge on the Titans for ruining their excellent season in the playoffs last season. Derrick Henry is the key to the game, but the Ravens have a top 10 run defence unit and I’m hoping that they can limit him. The Ravens’ own running game has been superb lately.

They have got rid of Mark Ingram from the rotation over the last few weeks. It is now JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards running the ball and they have opened things up for last season’s MVP Lamar Jackson and they have been rampant lately. The Titans’ defence is their big weakness, they have not been able to stop anyone lately. I can see this turning into a shootout and the Ravens will simply outscore the Titans.

In the second game the Steelers should have enough to cover the spread against the Browns. This is the first time in 18 years that the Browns have reached the playoffs, but their preparations have been hit by COVID issues. Their head coach Kevin Stefanski will be missing along with others including key lineman, Joel Bitonio.

The line has been moving towards Pittsburgh all week as punters have latched onto Cleveland’s woes. The Browns struggled against Pittsburgh’s backups last week and with a refreshed Ben Roethlisberger back under centre, Pittsburgh will be too strong for the unlucky Browns.

Bet Summary:

* A double on these two best bets pays at approximately 2/1 with Paddy Power.

Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints: Saints -9.5, Alvin Kamara receiving yards OVER and David Montgomery rushing yards OVER

Firstly, the Saints have been one of the best regular-season teams over the last few years but have suffered heartache in the playoffs. Now is their time to go on a good playoff run and see Drew Brees off to retirement with another ring. They should be far too strong for the Bears and have enough firepower to cover this big line.

For the second leg, I will go with Saints running-back Alvin Kamara’s receiving yards to be over. Kamara is the key man now for the Saints and with Michael Thomas struggling, I can see Drew Brews giving him lots of looks. Kamara has been in the COVID protocol, but should be cleared in time for this and I can see him being busy again after his recent six touchdown game.

On the other side of the pitch, Chicago running-back David Montgomery has really come on strong for the Bears down the stretch. If the Bears are to have any chance in this match, they will need to lean on their running game and Montgomery has proved he can carry the load. I expect his recent excellent form to continue and I fancy his rushing yards to go over.

Bets summary:

Sunday double: Ravens (-3) & Steelers (-6)

Bears @ Saints Bet Builder: Saints -9.5, A Kamara receiving yards OVER & D Montgomery rushing yards OVER

A Bet Builder on these three best bets pays at approximately 7/1 with Paddy Power.

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What do you think?