The most wonderful time of the year is now upon us (no, not Christmas): the NFL playoffs. Wild Card weekend has treated fans to thrilling games over the years, and it’s become even more exciting since the league expanded the playoff picture to seven teams in 2020.
Five of the six games for Wild Card weekend are slated within four points on the betting lines, with the one exception being the Los Angeles Rams against the Carolina Panthers.
If you’re ready to put some action on this weekends slate, here is a preview of all of the opening betting lines. All odds are via Draft Kings Sportsbook and are subject to change throughout the week leading up to the games.
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers: Saturday, Jan. 10 at 4:30
Spread: Rams -10.5 O/U: 46.5 Moneyline: Rams -575, Panthers +425
This game features the largest point spread of the weekend by a large margin, with the Rams favored by a touchdown and a half despite playing on the road in Carolina. Carolina squeaked into the playoffs with an 8-9 record, only saved by an Atlanta Falcons win over the New Orleans Saints in week 18 to give them the tiebreaker over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Rams had a very strong season led by MVP candidate Matthew Stafford, but they did lose to Carolina back in week 13 by a score of 31-28 in what was a coming out party for Panthers QB Bryce Young.
My Pick: Rams get the win but Carolina covers the 10.5 point spread in a high scoring shootout.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: Saturday, Jan. 10 at 8:00
Spread: Bears -1.5 O/U: 45.5 Moneyline: Bears -112, Packers -108
The Packers got out to a 9-3-1 start to the season and looked to have command of the NFC North, but they finished the season on a four game losing streak, forcing them into the seven seed. Meanwhile in Chicago, the Ben Johnson-Caleb Williams tandem has worked to perfection as they’ve become the NFL’s cardiac kids with some marquee late game wins.
The teams split their season series; Green Bay’s final win of the season was against the Bears in week 14, but Chicago got revenge in week 16 with a 22-16 OT win over the Pack.
My Pick: The Bears have too much momentum to slow down in the first round, they win by a touchdown and cover the spread.
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars: Sunday, Jan. 11 at 1:00
Spread: Bills -1.5 O/U: 51.5 Moneyline: Bills -122, Jaguars +102
Buffalo missed it’s chance to win the AFC East for the sixth straight season, but they’re still very much a Super Bowl contending team with Josh Allen at the helm. Jacksonville has rejoiced as Trevor Lawrence has finally taken steps towards greatness with Liam Coen leading the team to a great regular season.
My Pick: Josh Allen has waited for so long to miss Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs, he wills the Bills to a win in Jacksonville as Buffalo looks to overcome recent playoff heartbreak.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles: Sunday Jan. 11 at 4:30
Spread: Eagles -4.5 O/U: 45.5 Moneyline: Eagles -218, 49ers +180
San Francisco had a chance to claim the No. 1 seed last weekend against Seattle. Though they came up short, they’ve still proven that they are better than a Wild Card team. Meanwhile, Philly’s offense has not been able to figure it out this season. A long playoff run in 2024 and internal turmoil have hurt them.
My Pick: Niners go into Philly and win by two scores, deliver the upset of the weekend.
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots: Sunday, Jan. 11 at 8:00
Spread: Patriots -3.5 O/U: 46.5 Moneyline: Patriots-192, Chargers +160
Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel helped complete New England’s rebuild quicker than anyone expected this season as they finished with a 14-3 record. Maye is the frontrunner for MVP and the Pats are clicking on all cylinders heading into the playoffs.
Don’t sleep on the Chargers though; Justin Herbert hasn’t proven himself in the postseason yet in his career. That will be on the forefront of his mind on Sunday night.
My Pick: The cold weather will be too much for the Chargers, the Pats will win a low-scoring game by less than a touchdown.
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers: Monday, Jan 12 at 8:00
Spread: Texans -3 O/U: 39.5 Moneyline: Texans -170, Steelers +142
Both teams enter the game playing their best football of the season. The Steelers won a thriller over the Baltimore Ravens in week 18 to clinch their playoff spot and won four of their final five games. The Texans are riding a nine game winning streak and finished the season 12-2 after starting 0-3.
My Pick: Houston’s defense is so good that they crush any momentum Pittsburgh has after their final game of the regular season, they’ll roll to a two score victory.
Betting Odds For NFL Wild Card Weekend Released: Favorites and Underdogs