Sports Betting Legend Johnny Avello Breaks Down NFL Wild Card Weekend Odds

Sports Betting Legend Johnny Avello Breaks Down NFL Wild Card Weekend Odds

By Marcus Bennett

January 10, 2025 at 02:49 AM

Johnny Avello, DraftKings' Director of Race & Sportsbook Operations, provides expert analysis on NFL Wild Card Weekend betting lines and matchups. Since joining DraftKings in 2018, Avello has expanded the trading team from 6 to 75 people globally.

Johnny Avello smiling at camera

Johnny Avello smiling at camera

Here's Avello's breakdown of each Wild Card game:

Chargers vs. Texans (Saturday 4:30 p.m. EST)

  • Spread: Chargers -3
  • Key Factor: Jim Harbaugh-Justin Herbert connection driving Chargers money
  • Bettors favor Chargers due to recent momentum and Texans' struggles

Steelers vs. Ravens (Saturday 8 p.m. EST)

  • Spread: Ravens -9.5
  • Notable: Heavy Baltimore money line parlays expected
  • Historical rivalry typically produces close games

Broncos vs. Bills (Sunday 1 p.m. EST)

  • Spread: Bills -8.5
  • Key Factor: Bills' strong home field advantage
  • Concern: Bills' suspect pass defense

Packers vs. Eagles (Sunday 4:30 p.m. EST)

  • Spread: Eagles -4.5
  • Focus: Jalen Hurts' health status
  • Prediction: Line could move to 5 or 5.5

Commanders vs. Buccaneers (Sunday 8 p.m. EST)

  • Spread: Buccaneers -3
  • Key Player: Baker Mayfield's leadership
  • Value potential on Commanders as underdogs

Vikings vs. Rams (Monday 8 p.m. EST)

  • Spread: Vikings -1.5
  • Location: Moved to Arizona due to wildfires
  • Key Factor: Sam Darnold's playoff experience vs. Matthew Stafford's Super Bowl pedigree

The NFL's strategic scheduling, including Thursday through Monday games, has contributed to sustained betting momentum throughout the season.

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