FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Top Fantasy Football Predictions & Prop Bets For The Divisional Round (Ep. 1935)

Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Ryan Wormley (A) & Andrew Erickson (B)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, with Ryan and Andrew analyzing each matchup from a fantasy and betting perspective. They discuss game predictions, prop bets, and player performances, while highlighting key injuries and narrative angles shaping the weekend’s action. The episode features a friendly back-and-forth as the hosts disagree on several outcomes, offering diverse and nuanced perspectives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on Wild Card Round and Podcast Approach

• Rapid Playoff Pace: Both hosts note how fast the playoffs pass, with frequent upsets and unpredictable outcomes shaping the bracket.
• Wild Predictions: Ryan recounts accurate prop calls but split outcomes on his straight picks:
  "I think I went three and three on the official predictions. I think I went like five and one on the prop bets… I was getting the side angles correct..." (A, 01:32)
• First-Touchdown Betting: Andrew extols the fun of first-TD props and the adrenaline they offer, despite their unpredictability.

2. Game-by-Game Predictions & Prop Bets

A. Bills at Broncos (Starting 05:03)

• Line: Bills +1 (Per Hard Rock Bet)
• Andrew’s Take:
  • Strongly favors the Bills ML, noting Josh Allen’s playoff track record:
    “Unless there was a scenario where there was a quarterback in the league the same tier as Josh Allen, he doesn’t lose these playoff games.” (B, 06:45)
  • Highlights Buffalo's success when rushing for 150+ yards, but says Allen's edge is the key.
  • Prop Bet: RJ Harvey over 49.5 rushing yards – exploit Buffalo’s poor run defense.
• Ryan’s Take:
  • Picks Broncos to win, believing they are the better overall team with a real home advantage and rested roster:
    “This is the worst Bills team, this is worst supporting cast Josh has had too. And I think that matters.” (A, 09:09)
  • Acknowledges Allen as best player on the field but notes Broncos control “9 of the next 10 best players.”
  • Prop Bet: Josh Allen over 1.5 passing TDs – expects Allen to carry the offense regardless of outcome.
• Notable Segment: Discussion of Keon Coleman as a red zone threat, and hypothetical endgame scenarios (“Would you rather be up by 4 and Josh Allen gets the ball?”).

B. Seahawks at 49ers (16:34)

• Line (when locked in): 49ers +7.5
• Andrew’s Take:
  • Favors Seahawks, citing the rest advantage and Week 18 dominance over SF.
  • Attributes much of Seattle’s edge to the absence of George Kittle:
    “He’s one of the best run blockers among tight ends... he has gone under his rushing yards prop of 57 and a half rushing yards in six of his last seven games without George Kittle in the lineup.” (B, 18:47)
  • Prop Bet: Christian McCaffrey under 57.5 rushing yards
• Ryan’s Take:
  • Initially picked 49ers to cover, then opts for the under 45.5 points as his main prediction.
    • Trusts both defenses, doubts SF’s offense without Kittle, and sees coaching as a factor.
  • “I just don’t feel nearly as good about it… but I feel really good about the under.” (A, 27:31)
• Notable Moment: Hosts agree the under is “the sharp way to play it” due to matchup history (no game over 37 points in recent meetings).

C. Texans at Patriots (Texans +3) (From 28:00)

• Ryan’s Take:
  • Locks in the Under 41 as his favorite pick of the week:
    “I am as much of a believer in this Texans defense as you can be and I’m going to take the under as long as I have the opportunity to do so.” (A, 31:10)
  • Cites dominant Texans defense shutting down top QBs all season.
  • Prop Bet: Drake May under 224.5 passing yards – correlated with low scoring.
• Andrew’s Take:
  • Ultimately goes with Patriots -3, arguing for Drake May’s playmaking and the NE defense.
  • Saw value in early lookahead lines and points out familiarity (May previously faced the Texans in his first start).
  • Prop Bet: Woody Marks under 60.5 rushing yards – expects Houston’s ground attack to sputter.
• Discussion: Breakdowns on how explosive plays might decide the total, and the importance of injuries—especially Nico Collins’ uncertain status.
• Notable Exchange: Hosts tease each other about making “safe” picks:
  “You can’t just have your prediction be that, oh, the favorite’s going to win this game… I’m actually out here making picks against the spread.” (A, 39:53)

D. Rams at Bears (Rams -3.5) (41:05)

• Both Hosts:
  • Strong consensus that this game is “the hardest to pick” due to weather and the Bears’ late-game luck.
  • Both lean toward Rams despite cold Chicago conditions.
• Andrew’s Prop Bet: Luther Burden over 2.5 receptions – “one of my favorite props… Burden is primarily deployed in the slot, and that’s where the Rams are weakest.” (B, 42:12)
• Ryan’s Side Note: Likes the under (opened at 49, down to 48.5) but expects a fun, back-and-forth game.
• Analysis:
  • Rams’ ability to run, the Bears’ loss of their LT, and the Rams’ road performance provide the edge.
  • “I’ve felt basically since like late October that the Rams are the best team in football… I don’t want to hold when the same team that I don’t think is as good as the team I like keeps winning or making it closer than it should be.” (A, 44:49)
• Both ultimately pick: Rams -3.5

3. Hard Rock Best Bets

• Andrew: Patriots -3 vs. Texans — “The Patriots this year have won 11 straight games as favorites… Give me the Pats laying the points at home.” (B, 51:01)
• Ryan: Texans-Patriots Under 41 — “I am very, very tempted to go against you… but I will stick with just what I do feel best about, which is the same game as you, but I’m taking the under here at 41.” (A, 51:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On picking against elite QBs:
  “I get that it’s scary to go against Josh Allen, who I think is going to be the best player on the field… But I just think the Broncos are the better overall team.” — Ryan (A), 08:52
• On George Kittle’s rushing impact:
  “He’s one of the best run blockers among the tight ends… He has gone under his rushing yards prop of 57 and a half rushing yards in six of his last seven games without George Kittle…” — Andrew (B), 18:47
• On the Bears’ unsustainable comebacks:
  “This is a very, very flawed defense. This is still an up and down offense... I think eventually their crazy late game luck is going to run out.” — Ryan (A), 45:23
• Debating picks methodology:
  “No wonder you have a better record than me in this. I’m actually out here making picks against the spread. And you’re like, oh, this team that’s favored by three points at home… they’re going to win the game.” — Ryan (A), 39:53
• On how sharp the “under” is in Seahawks-49ers:
  “I think that the under is the sharp way to play it… No game has exceeded 37 points [in the last four meetings].” — Andrew (B), 26:01

Important Timestamps for Segments

• [05:03] — Bills at Broncos full breakdown and prop bets
• [16:34] — Seahawks at 49ers, Kittle impact, and moving to the under prediction
• [28:00] — Texans at Patriots, in-depth defense discussion, and best bet arguments
• [41:05] — Rams at Bears, weather discussion, and slot receiver angle
• [51:01] — Hard Rock Best Bets of the week

Overall Tone & Language

Throughout the episode, both hosts keep a friendly, competitive, and slightly irreverent tone, with sharp analysis, stats, and personal experience guiding their predictions. There’s playful ribbing about betting styles, agreement on several prop angles, and a sense of anticipation for a pivotal playoff weekend.

Summary Table: Official Predictions & Props

| Game | Andrew (Pick/Prop) | Ryan (Pick/Prop) | |---------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Bills at Broncos | Bills ML / Harvey o49.5 rush yd | Broncos ML / Allen o1.5 pass TD | | Seahawks at 49ers | Seahawks (+7.5) / CMC u57.5 rush | Under 45.5 pts / (initially SF +7.5)| | Texans at Patriots | Patriots -3 / Marks u60.5 rush yd | Under 41 pts / May u224.5 pass yd | | Rams at Bears | Rams -3.5 / Burden o2.5 rec | Rams (ML) / prefers Under |

Hard Rock Best Bets:

• Andrew: Patriots -3
• Ryan: Texans/Patriots Under 41

Conclusion

This episode provides listeners with nuanced, data-driven playoff predictions and prop bet ideas, covering both fantasy and betting angles. The tone is engaging and knowledgeable, making it valuable listening for fans looking to get an edge during the divisional round or simply keep up with key playoff narratives.