Initial betting patterns have propelled the Baltimore Ravens into a favored position against the Buffalo Bills ahead of their crucial divisional round clash this Sunday. After the Bills secured a win over Denver, a significant influx of early bets swung the odds decisively toward the Ravens. According to BetMGM, over 70% of the wagers placed on the spread are backing the Ravens.

A shift in favoritism could mark a historic moment for the Bills. Should the Ravens maintain their status as favorites up until kickoff, it would represent the first time since 1970 that Buffalo has been an underdog in a home playoff game. This contrasts sharply with last year, when they were favored at home but ultimately fell to the Chiefs in the same round. The Ravens have already demonstrated their dominance over the Bills earlier this season, delivering a decisive victory in Week 4. That loss was part of a brief two-game slump for Buffalo, which they subsequently turned around by winning 10 out of 11 games before resting their starters in Week 18.

The upcoming match also highlights the individual prowess of quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Jackson is currently leading in the race for his third NFL MVP award, having been selected as a first-team All-Pro ahead of Allen. Both players are vying for top honors, voted on by the same panel responsible for selecting All-Pro teams. Additionally, bettors seem to be leaning towards a lower-scoring game, with 70% of the money wagered predicting the total points will fall below 51.5. Meanwhile, other divisional matchups like the Rams versus the Eagles show varied betting trends, reflecting the unpredictable nature of playoff football.

Beyond this specific matchup, the broader narrative of the playoffs reveals intriguing betting dynamics. While favorites had a mixed record in the wild-card round, with a 3-3 performance both outright and against the spread, there were notable upsets. Road teams such as the Houston Texans and the Commanders managed to topple higher-seeded opponents, adding an element of unpredictability to the postseason. As the playoffs unfold, these early betting trends underscore the excitement and volatility that define this stage of the NFL season.