NFL

NFL Playoffs Betting Tips in Maryland: Football Parlays, Over/Unders, and More!

Maryland does two things better than anyone: Crab cakes and football. With the Baltimore Ravens consistently in the Super Bowl hunt and the Commanders rising in the NFC, Maryland is one of the most electric betting markets in 2025. Since launching mobile betting in late 2022, Maryland has become a high-volume state, consistently punching above its weight class in handle. The market is saturated with 12+ sportsbooks, including local favorites like Crab Sports alongside giants like FanDuel and DraftKings. This guide is for the bettor in Baltimore, the DMV, and the Eastern Shore. We're going to show you how to hedge your Ravens emotional investment, how to use "Crab Sports" for local value, and how to navigate the complex web of Maryland sportsbook promos.

January 22, 2026

NFL Playoffs Betting Tips in Maryland: Football Parlays, Over/Unders, and More!

Since launching mobile betting in late 2022, Maryland has become a high-volume state, consistently punching above its weight class in handle. The market is saturated with 12+ sportsbooks, including local favorites like Crab Sports alongside giants like FanDuel and DraftKings.

This guide is for the bettor in Baltimore, the DMV, and the Eastern Shore. We're going to show you how to hedge your Ravens emotional investment, how to use "Crab Sports" for local value, and how to navigate the complex web of Maryland sportsbook promos.

Understanding NFL Playoff Betting Basics (Maryland Edition)

The Ravens Flock Inflation

In Maryland, the Ravens are religion. When the Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium, the local money on them is overwhelming. Sportsbooks will move the Ravens line from -3 to -4.5 just to balance the risk.

The Strategy: Don't bet the Ravens early. Wait until Sunday morning. The public will pound the line up. If you like the Ravens, you missed the best number. If you like the opponent, you're getting a massive gift (getting +4.5 instead of +3).

The DMV Cross-Border Play

Maryland borders DC and Virginia. Lines in DC (FanDuel exclusive for a long time, now opening up) and Virginia often differ from Maryland.

The Move: If you live in Bethesda or Silver Spring, check the lines in DC. Sometimes the "Commanders" bias in DC creates value on their opponent that you can't find in Baltimore.

This cross-border arbitrage is unique to the DMV. Use it to your advantage.

The 12+ Book Ecosystem

Maryland has more sportsbooks than almost any state: FanDuel, DraftKings, MGM, Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Crab Sports, BetRivers, betPARX, and more.

This creates massive opportunity for line shopping. If you place a bet without checking a comparison tool, you're failing. A spread of -3 (-105) vs -3 (-120) saves you $15 on a $100 bet.

Shurzy Tip: Always check Crab Sports. It's the only local Maryland book. They want your business more than FanDuel does. Their promos are tailored to Maryland bettors. They often have better odds on Ravens games to attract local action.

Parlay Betting Strategies for NFL Playoffs

Maryland bettors are aggressive parlay players. Here's how to build them smart.

The Lamar Jackson Super-Stack

Lamar is the ultimate SGP weapon for Maryland bettors.

The Construction:

Lamar 60+ Rushing Yards
Derrick Henry Anytime TD
Ravens Moneyline

This is the "Bully Ball" script. When the Ravens win in January, they don't throw for 400 yards. They run you over. Lamar scrambles, Henry pounds, and the defense holds. This SGP correlates perfectly with their playoff identity.

The Crab Sports Local Boost

Crab Sports is a local Maryland book that offers "Maryland Special" parlays that major books don't.

Example: "Ravens and Commanders both to score 20+ points."

Value: These local books have lower liquidity, meaning they often drift on prices. If FanDuel has this parlay at +150, Crab Sports might have +175 to attract users. Always check the local app before locking in a bet.

The Tucker Kicker Prop

Justin Tucker is the GOAT kicker. In the playoffs, Harbaugh trusts Tucker from 55+ yards. Other coaches punt. Harbaugh takes the 3 points.

The Play: Justin Tucker Over 1.5 Field Goals

This prop hits at an elite rate in the postseason. Tucker's range at M&T Bank Stadium is infinite. Use this edge.

The Ravens Defense Stack

The Ravens defense in 2025 is elite. Build parlays around their dominance.

The Construction:

Ravens Defense Sacks Over 2.5
Opponent QB Passing Yards Under
Ravens Moneyline

When the Ravens win, it's because their defense dominates. All three legs tell the same story.

Shurzy Tip: Fanatics Sportsbook (partnered with the Commanders) often does "Bet $50, Get a Jersey" promos. Even if you're a sharp bettor, take the free jersey. It's $150 in value for a $50 bet. That's +EV purely on the merch.

Over/Under Betting in Playoff Football

The Harbaugh Bowl Effect

John Harbaugh coaches calculated, field-position football in the playoffs. Ravens playoff games trend UNDER.

Since Lamar took over, Ravens playoff games go Under at a 65% clip. They run the clock, control possession, and play elite defense. Blindly betting the Under in Ravens home playoff games is profitable.

Weather at M&T Bank

The wind swirls in Baltimore, especially coming off the harbor. If the wind is blowing 15mph+, the passing game suffers.

The Pivot: Bet Zay Flowers Short Receptions (Screen Game). The Ravens adjust to wind by throwing screens. Taking "Zay Flowers Over Receptions" but "Lamar Under Yards" is a sharp correlation in windy games.

Live Betting the Comeback

The Ravens (historically) have blown leads. The Commanders (historically) play chaotic games.

The Strategy: If the Ravens go up 10-0, bet the opponent +10.5 live. The Ravens tend to let teams hang around. The "Backdoor Cover" against Baltimore is real.

This is especially valuable in playoff games where the Ravens get conservative with a lead.

Shurzy Tip: If you place a bet without checking OddsJam or a comparison tool, you're failing. A spread of -3 (-105) vs -3 (-120) saves you $15 on a $100 bet. Over the playoffs, that adds up to a free Super Bowl ticket.

Additional Playoff Betting Markets

Exchange Wagering (Prediction Markets)

Maryland regulators have discussed exchange wagering. If available (check specific app status for 2025), you can "Trade" teams like stocks.

The Play: Buy Ravens futures in September at +1200. Sell them before the AFC Championship game at +300 to lock in profit regardless of the outcome.

Player Props Deep Dive

Maryland has liberal prop betting rules. You can bet on almost any player stat you can imagine.

Look for niche props that casual bettors ignore:

Linebacker tackles
Defensive back pass breakups
Punter yards per punt

The deeper you go in the prop menu, the softer the lines tend to be.

First Touchdown Scorer

Maryland bettors love the first TD scorer market. The key is finding value on non-obvious players.

Don't bet Derrick Henry at +500. Bet Zay Flowers at +1200 or Justice Hill at +1800. When the Ravens script their opening drive, they often target unexpected players.

Shurzy Tip: Maryland has a withholding tax on big wins. Keep your records organized for tax season. You can deduct losses against winnings if you itemize.

Advanced Playoff Betting Tips (The DMV Sharp)

Maximizing 12+ Apps

You have access to more sportsbooks than almost any state. Use this to your advantage.

Set up accounts at all major books: FanDuel, DraftKings, MGM, Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Crab Sports, BetRivers, betPARX, and more.

Before placing any bet, check at least 3-4 books. The line variance in Maryland is significant because of the intense competition.

The Fanatics Jersey Promo

Fanatics Sportsbook (partnered with the Commanders) runs aggressive promos. "Bet $50, Get a Jersey" is common during playoffs.

Even if you're a sharp bettor, take the free jersey. It's $150 in value for a $50 bet. That's pure +EV on the merchandise alone.

Cross-Border Arbitrage

If you live near DC or Virginia borders, use location to your advantage. Lines in DC often favor the Commanders, creating value on their opponents.

Lines in Virginia are influenced by different public money flows. Check all three states (MD, DC, VA) if you have access.

Stacking Promos Across Books

Maryland books are fighting a war for market share. Stack their promos:

Use DraftKings Step Up Parlays
Use Caesars profit boosts
Use Fanatics for merchandise value
Use Crab Sports for local odds

Treat each book as a specialized tool. Don't just use one app for everything.

Shurzy Tip: Download Crab Sports. It's the only local Maryland book. They want your business more than the national brands. Their promos are tailored to Baltimore and DMV bettors. They often have better Ravens lines to attract local action.

Maryland-Specific Betting Information

Where to Bet: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN BET, Crab Sports, BetRivers, betPARX, and more (12+ total books)

Tax: Maryland has a withholding tax on big wins. Keep detailed records for tax purposes.

College Props: BANNED. You cannot bet on Maryland Terrapins player props. You can bet on the team, but not individual stats. This rule is strictly enforced.

Responsible Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER. Maryland has a voluntary exclusion list that works across all apps.

The Local Advantage: Crab Sports is Maryland-specific. They offer promos and lines tailored to local bettors. Always check them before placing Ravens bets.

Shurzy Tip: College props are BANNED in Maryland. You cannot bet on Maryland Terrapins player props. You can bet on the team, but not individual stats. This is strictly enforced. Don't try to get around it.

Common Playoff Betting Mistakes to Avoid

The Commanders Hype

The Commanders are an exciting team, but their defense is suspect. Don't bet them to win low-scoring games.

If you bet the Commanders, bet the Over. They win by scoring 30, not by holding teams to 10. Their offensive firepower is real, but their defensive struggles are equally real.

Ignoring Crab Sports

Download Crab Sports. It's the only local Maryland book. They want your business more than FanDuel does. Their promos are tailored specifically to Baltimore and DMV bettors.

They often have better odds on Ravens games to attract local action. Missing these opportunities is leaving money on the table.

Betting Ravens Early in the Week

Don't bet the Ravens early. Wait until Sunday morning. The public money will pound the line up all week.

If you like the Ravens, you'll get a worse number by waiting. But if you like their opponent, you'll get extra points for free.

Not Line Shopping

With 12+ books available, not line shopping is inexcusable. A half-point on a spread or better juice on a total adds up massively over a full playoff run.

Set up accounts at multiple books and check them all before placing bets.

Shurzy Tip: The "Commanders Hype" is real in the DMV. Their defense is suspect. If you bet the Commanders, bet the Over. They win by scoring 30, not by holding teams to 10. Adjust your strategy accordingly.

Wrapping It Up

Maryland is a top-5 betting market in the US. The competition is fierce, the Ravens are contenders, and the apps are plentiful.

Use Crab Sports for local flavor and better Ravens odds. Fade the M&T Bank wind on passing props. Never bet a Ravens spread early in the week when public money is still coming in.

Stack promos across 12+ books to maximize value. Use Fanatics for jersey promos. Use DraftKings for parlay boosts. Use Caesars for loyalty rewards.

Maryland's cross-border access to DC and Virginia creates unique arbitrage opportunities. If you live near the borders, exploit the different public money flows in each market.

The Ravens are religion in Baltimore, but that doesn't mean you have to overpay for their lines. Be patient, shop around, and wait for the public to move the line in your favor.

Protect the Bank.

F*ck Spreadsheets. Just picks that hit.

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