NFL picks against the spread for the first round of the playoffs
Neil Greenberg, The Washington Post
Jan. 8, 2021
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Home-field advantage has been anything but in the opening round of the NFL playoffs. Since 2002, when the league expanded to 32 teams, home squads are 38-34 in first-round games (.528) and even worse against the spread (30-39-3, .435). Home teams favored by three or more points don't provide value, either, with a measly 22-22 record against the spread in that span. Even New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton, a solid betting choice in most circumstances, is 0-2 at home in the opening round, failing to cover the spread by an average of eight points.