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TAB Betting Blog: NFL, Premier League highlight bumper betting weekend

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire

NFL Divisional Playoff - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday 8:35am AEDT)

The Kansas City Chiefs might be the top seed in the American Football Conference, but they will be aiming to end an unwanted streak at home in the playoffs when they host the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday morning.

In 1994, the Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round 27-24 in overtime. Since then, they have lost their last six home playoff games.

Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes (50 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions) has been the catalyst behind the highest scoring team in the NFL. However, if there is one knock against him and the Chiefs it's that they were 3-4 against sides with winning records, and the defeats were against quarterbacks ranked in the top echelon of the position (Tom Brady, Jared Goff, Philip Rivers and Russell Wilson).

Another quarterback considered amongst the NFL's elite is the Colts' Andrew Luck, who has thrown 42 touchdown passes and 16 interceptions this season (including playoffs). Luck has been tremendous, but he has been assisted by an offensive line that has allowed the least amount of sacks this season.

Second-year running back Marlon Mack has been a revelation and ran for 148 yards on 24 carries in last week's playoff win over the Houston Texans. He will appreciate rushing against the Chiefs, who are ranked 27th for yards allowed.

Kansas City has been virtually unstoppable this season, but considering their playoff futility at home, Mahomes' first playoff start, and weakness against a strong rushing attack, the points start for Indianapolis look appealing.

Tip: Indianapolis to win or lose by less than six points at $1.90

EPL Round 22 - Tottenham vs. Manchester United (Monday 3:30am AEDT)

This week we will get a true indication of just how far Manchester United have come when they face third-placed Tottenham at Wembley Stadium.

Since sacking Jose Mourinho just before Christmas, the Red Devils have turned their form around and gone on a five-game winning streak in all competitions.

One of the most impressive things since putting Ole Gunner Solskjaer in charge has been the fact United have begun to find the back of the net, outscoring their opponents 16-3.

Though this week they face their stiffest test since the managerial change.

Tottenham are flying high and sit third on the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool. What's more, they will fancy their chances against the Red Devils having beaten them in three of their past four outings.

I'm firmly with Spurs because I don't think United have improved that much since the departure of Mourinho. They have been beating teams in the bottom half of the table with ease, but this is a Tottenham side that has designs on the title.

Tip: Tottenham to defeat Manchester United at $2.05

NFL Divisional Playoff - New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Monday 8:40am AEDT)

After being eliminated in the Divisional Round of last season's playoffs by 'The Minneapolis Miracle', the New Orleans Saints will be desperate to avoid the same fate when they face the Philadelphia Eagles at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday morning.

The Saints finished the regular season with a 13-3 record and the top seed in the National Football Conference. They were the third-highest scoring team, which was helped by finishing sixth for rushing yards per game (126.6) and 12th for passing yards per game (252.6). This balanced offence was engineered by Drew Brees, who enjoyed a remarkable 2018 with 32 touchdown passes and just five interceptions.

New Orleans' defence has also been strong highlighted by allowing the second-least amount of rushing yards (1,283) behind the Chicago Bears (1,280).

Four weeks ago it appeared as though the Eagles were no chance of defending their Super Bowl champion in the postseason.

However, four straight wins with back-up quarterback Nick Foles has revived memories of him leading Philadelphia as he did 12 months ago.

But Foles will have to be careful after being intercepted twice against the Chicago Bears last week, because the Saints are far more prolific than the Bears.

The Eagles also suffered a 48-7 pounding in New Orleans seven weeks ago when Brees threw four touchdown passes.

In front of their adoring fans at the Superdome, where they are 5-0 in the playoffs with head coach Sean Payton and Brees, the Saints should end the fairytale run of the defending NFL champions.

Tip: New Orleans to beat Philadelphia by seven points or more at $1.57