NFL Divisional Playoffs 2020: 8 Players to hench bets on this weekend
As the regular season and wildcard playoffs are now over and done with, and with the Super Bowl on February 2nd at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami firmly in sight, it's time to take a look at eight players who we feel you can bet on to make the difference for their respective sides in this weekend's titanic divisional playoffs in the NFL.
#1 Richard Sherman, San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are possibly considered favorites for the tournament and it's easy to see why: Garoppolo, Kittle, Bosa, et al, are all potential matchwinners on their day; but, it's the CB, Richard Sherman, who is the type of guy that every franchise wants in their team.
He brings a lot of intensity out on to the pitch with him and he has a habit of coming up with big defensive plays in big moments; and not just for the 49ers either - he used to do it for the Seahawks too.
Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins will, I believe, be looking to utilize his star WR, Steffon Diggs a lot more vs the 49ers, not least because of Diggs outburst on the touchline vs the Saints, when he was unhappy about his marginalization in favor of the running game.
It is fair to assume that this will lead to a big day from Sherman. Cousins has thrown three interceptions in his last five outings, and the 49ers CB will be on hand to clean house if there is even a hint of a loose pass coming from the talented, yet inconsistent Vikings QB.
Betting Tips: 49ers to win (1/3) with both Cousins and Garoppolo (who has thrown 13 interceptions this season) to throw a pick (7/4).
#2 Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook near single-handedly ejected the New Orleans Saints out of the playoffs last Sunday evening, so he's an obvious pick for 'player-to-watch' heading into the game against the 49ers on Saturday.
The Florida native runs with energy, commitment, and aggression, and the Saints defenders, who are usually strong when it comes to stopping the run, were unable to cope with his change of pace and dynamism last time out, particularly in the first half, as he emerged from the game boasting 94 rushing yards, the vast majority of which tallied up before the start of the third quarter.
Betting Tips: Lightning doesn't always strike twice, and despite an incredible effort at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome last time out, I think the 49ers will be too much for the Vikings to cope with offensively. However, If I were a gambling man, - and I am - I'd go for a 49ers win (1/3) with Dalvin Cook to rush +100 yards and score a TD for the Vikings (13/2).