Home underdogs have always been an attractive play for NFL bettors, but just how profitable have they been when playoff time rolls around? According to recent history, they’ve been cashing at a rapid pace.
Out of the last 22 games that have closed with home dogs in the Wild Card round, 15 have covered the spread (15-6-1 ATS). They’re slightly more pedestrian straight up (13-9 SU), but it’s worth noting just how much playing in front of their hometown fans has helped bettors.
As of Wednesday, January 6, all four home sides were listed as underdogs (the Redskins’ line jumped the fence on Tuesday). With Houston (+3.5), Cincinnati (+2.5), Minnesota (+5) and Washington (+1) all viewed as pups in the eyes of oddsmakers, can that trend continue?
Here’s a look at how each team did as underdogs in their own stadiums in the 2015 NFL campaign:
| Team | ATS Record | SU Record |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Washington | 5-1 | 5-1 |
| Minnesota | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Cincinnati | N/A | N/A |
