NFL Playoff Odds: Conference Championship Look-Ahead Betting Lines & Matchups for Round 3

The final four NFL teams will be left standing soon, and you can already let the anticipation build while diving in on the conference championship look-ahead odds.

There are razor-thin margins in the AFC as expected, with each potential game getting a -1.5 spread. The NFC features two games at -5.5 or greater.

The Championship Sunday games will be held at 3 p.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET. Let's break down the conference championship look-ahead odds. Remember, all bets void if the matchup you wagered on doesn't end up taking place.

🏈 NFL conference championship look-ahead lines: NFC

NFL conference championships look-ahead odds via FanDuel.

Rams vs. Seahawks (-1.5)

The home team won both games between these two division rivals this season. But the difference between the two teams was about as narrow as possible, with the combined margin of victory sitting at three points.

If both teams hold serve and look offensively dominant this week, the spread likely doesn't budge much. An unfavorable weather forecast could move it a little in the Seahawks' direction as they host a warm-weather dome team.

Early pick: Seahawks -1.5

Bears vs. Seahawks (-5.5)

This is the second-largest spread of the week, with the hostility of the Seahawks' home field doing much of the lifting. But the Bears would need to get past the similarly offensively explosive Rams to make the matchup a reality. Los Angeles ranks first in points per game at 30.5, just a few ticks above the Seahawks in third at 28.4.

Matching that Los Angeles offense blow for blow surely moves this spread back toward Chicago.

Early pick: Bears +5.5

49ers vs. Bears (-1.5)

The most significant factor in the potential movement of this spread is simply the continued brilliance of Caleb Williams.

He's thrown for 330-plus yards in two of his last three games, and a similar performance against the Rams' 10th-ranked scoring defense this weekend would likely shift the line here in the neighborhood of a field goal.

However, there seems to be at least a slight chance 49ers all-galaxy linebacker Fred Warner could return for the conference championship. That's a massive injury situation to watch for all Niners-related bets.

Early pick: Bears -1.5

49ers vs. Rams (-6.5)

There's high shootout potential regardless of what teams advance to the NFC Championship Game next Sunday, and this clash of division rivals is the epicenter for that eruption.

This game is getting the highest total of all the eight potential Championship Sunday matchups, two points clear of Bills-Patriots. But as far as the spread is concerned, it's probably best to pounce now if you're a Niners backer. If San Francisco can somehow beat the Seahawks on the road this weekend without George Kittle and have its offense still looking effective, this number will no doubt move toward the 49ers.

Early pick: Rams -6.5

🏈 NFL conference championship look-ahead lines: AFC

See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this season.

Bills vs. Patriots (-1.5)

This is one of just two hypothetical matchups receiving a total over 50, and it comes after these bitter division rivals combined for 66 points during their last meeting.

Josh Allen has performed heroics while injured, but him being at his best possible physical form is massive here ahead of a fireworks-filled affair. Any sign of further injury or a hampered performance could move the line toward New England.

Early pick: Bills +1.5

Patriots vs. Broncos (-1.5)

Trotting out a shaky offensive line on the road against the Broncos' QB-crushing pass rush is sub-optimal.

That's the situation the Patriots would find themselves in after giving up 48 sacks this season. This number could shuffle further in Denver's direction if the Patriots get by the Texans this weekend, but do it while still feeling the wrath of Houston's similarly daunting pass-rushers. 

Early pick: Broncos -1.5

Bills (-1.5) vs. Texans

The Bills field the second-worst offensive line remaining in the playoffs entering divisional-round weekend after giving up 40 regular-season sacks. That's why the status of Allen and how he looks this weekend is significant here too, and it could drag the line in either direction.

Yes, he's among the most athletically gifted quarterbacks leaguewide and can evade pressure. But that has its limits, especially against a pass rush on warp speed all the time as Allen deals with a platter of injuries (foot, knee, and finger).

Early pick: Texans +1.5

Texans vs. Broncos (-1.5)

Every NFC game is getting a total of 46.5 or higher in the hypothetical odds, while the AFC games fall below that mark almost across the board. And this game is receiving a basement-level low total of 37.5.

It's a matchup that could redefine the postseason defensive slugfest, especially in the Rocky Mountain cold. The Texans and Broncos boast the second- and third-ranked scoring defenses, respectively. But the Broncos get the edge due to their league-leading pass rush (68 sacks), and perhaps a slightly increasing one on the spread if they blow up Allen this weekend.

Early pick: Broncos -1.5

📊 Super Bowl odds

See the latest Super Bowl odds as The Big Game gets closer.

🤔 Is it worth betting on conference championship look-ahead odds?

No matter how sharp the market seems, overreaction is often baked into betting odds. That's especially true during the playoffs, when the spotlight is brighter.

That's why betting early can prove advantageous, especially if you expect an outlier result during the divisional round that could sway the actual odds significantly. If that happens, you're already sitting on a far more appealing line.

But the best aspect is that risk is mitigated somewhat because all bets are voided if the matchup you're betting on doesn't occur, and your money is refunded.