2025-26 NFL Wild Card Odds and Predictions

Wild Card Weekend is one of the most exciting betting slates of the entire NFL season, and it consistently offers some of the best opportunities to attack the board at the best sports betting sites. With no byes and every team facing elimination, playoff football tends to produce sharper game scripts, more aggressive coaching decisions, and tighter margins than we see during the regular season.

This year’s Wild Card slate features a mix of heavy favorites, coin-flip matchups, and games where weather, pace, and field position could play an outsized role. We also get a handful of familiar rivalry spots and postseason rematches that carry added betting intrigue. As always, monitoring injuries, weather, and line movement will be critical as kickoff approaches.

Below, we break down every Wild Card Weekend matchup with updated odds and predictions, including early leans on spreads and totals. If you’re looking for additional angles, be sure to check out our NFL picks and player prop bets for Wild Card Weekend for even more ways to approach the slate.

With that said, if you’re looking for additional betting help for the playoffs, be sure to check out the industry’s top handicapping memberships for access to expert NFL picks. You can also take advantage of free trials and close out the NFL season with a strong position.

NFL Wild Card Schedule

As we head into Wild Card Weekend, the board shows a clear split between a few heavy favorites and several games priced within a field goal. The Rams open the weekend laying double digits on the road, while Philadelphia and New England are also positioned as solid home favorites. On the other end of the spectrum, Packers–Bears and Bills–Jaguars look like true toss-ups.

Totals range from the high 30s to low 50s, reflecting a mix of outdoor January football and faster-paced matchups. Texans–Steelers carries the lowest total on the board, while Bills–Jaguars leads the slate in expected scoring. As always in the playoffs, injuries, weather, and late-week line movement can matter more than usual, so monitoring closing numbers is critical.

In addition to our NFL Wild Card Weekend preview below, if you are in need of more NFL predictions for this weekend or the rest of the season, then check out the industry’s best handicapping membership. And, you can test it out for free!

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NFL Wild Card Predictions

Let’s take a look at every matchup for Super Wild Card Weekend and make our best NFL Picks for each Playoff game:

Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

The Los Angeles Rams enter Wild Card Weekend with clear offensive momentum after closing the regular season with a dominant 37–20 home win over Arizona. Matthew Stafford was sharp and efficient, throwing four touchdown passes on just 25 completions, and the Rams consistently finished drives once they crossed midfield. Los Angeles didn’t rely on explosive rushing numbers, but their balanced approach kept Arizona off balance and allowed Stafford to attack favorable matchups in the red zone. The Rams scored in every quarter and turned a competitive first half into a runaway second-half performance.

The Carolina Panthers‘ Week 18 result tells a very different story. Despite a respectable 266 passing yards from Bryce Young, the Panthers managed only 14 points in a 16–14 loss to Tampa Bay. Carolina struggled to establish any rushing efficiency, finishing with just 19 total rushing yards, which repeatedly put the offense in long-yardage situations. While Young showed poise and pushed the ball downfield, the lack of balance made sustained drives difficult, especially once Tampa Bay tightened coverage in the second half.

The contrast in offensive structure is stark. Los Angeles showed the ability to score efficiently without needing high volume, converting red-zone trips into touchdowns and spreading production across multiple receivers. Carolina, meanwhile, needed volume and extended possessions to move the ball, and even then struggled to translate yardage into points. Against a Rams defense that thrives when opponents become one-dimensional, the Panthers’ inability to run effectively is a major concern.

Game script heavily favors Los Angeles. If the Rams jump out early — as they did against Arizona — Carolina will be forced into a pass-heavy approach once again. While Young has shown improvement, asking him to drop back consistently against a playoff-caliber defense with limited rushing support narrows Carolina’s margin for error significantly. Los Angeles doesn’t need a perfect game to cover this number; they simply need to avoid turnovers and continue finishing drives at the rate they showed in Week 18.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers Predictions

• Spread: Rams -10.5 (–110)
  Los Angeles has the offensive efficiency and red-zone reliability to create separation, especially against a Carolina team that cannot generate a consistent run game.
• Total: Under 46.5 (–108)
  Carolina’s scoring ceiling is limited, and the Rams can control tempo once they build a lead.
• Moneyline: Rams (–600)
  This is a clear survive-and-advance spot for the more complete roster.

Bet: Rams ML (–600), Rams -10.5 (–110), Under 46.5 (–108)

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Odds

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears split their two regular-season meetings, and the box scores from those games highlight just how narrow the margin is between these teams. In the first matchup, Green Bay controlled the game flow and leaned on explosive passing efficiency to secure a 28–21 home win. Jordan Love was sharp in that contest, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns, and the Packers consistently punished Chicago for coverage breakdowns downfield. Green Bay didn’t dominate possession, but they maximized scoring opportunities and avoided costly mistakes.

The second meeting told a different story. Chicago responded at home with a 22–16 overtime win, fueled by a more balanced offensive approach and improved quarterback play. Caleb Williams threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns, avoided turnovers, and extended drives with efficient throws to the intermediate level. The Bears also ran the ball more effectively in that game, finishing with 150 rushing yards as a team and controlling tempo far better than they did in the first matchup.

One of the key swing factors between these games was how each team handled pressure. In Green Bay’s win, the Packers created chunk plays early and forced Chicago into catch-up mode, limiting the Bears’ ability to stay balanced. In the rematch, Chicago protected Williams cleanly — he took zero sacks — and consistently stayed ahead of the chains. That allowed the Bears to dictate pace and keep Green Bay’s offense from fully opening up.

Heading into the Wild Card matchup, the takeaway from these head-to-heads is that neither team holds a decisive schematic edge. Green Bay has the higher explosive ceiling through the air, while Chicago has shown it can win by controlling possession and minimizing mistakes. With the spread sitting inside a field goal, this profiles as another tight, late-decision game where field position and red-zone execution will likely decide the outcome.

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Predictions

• Spread: Bears +1.5 (–118)
  Chicago has already shown it can beat Green Bay when it controls tempo and protects the quarterback. At home, keeping this within one score is very realistic.
• Total: Under 45.5 (–110)
  Both teams adjusted toward more conservative, possession-focused football in the second meeting, and playoff intensity should further slow the pace.
• Moneyline: Bears (–102)
  In a true coin-flip rivalry game, taking the home team at near-even money offers value.

Bet: Bears +1.5 (–118), Under 45.5 (–110), Bears ML (–102)

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

The Buffalo Bills enter Wild Card Weekend playing their most confident football of the season, and the timing couldn’t be better. Buffalo closed the year with renewed offensive efficiency, leaning into an aggressive passing attack while still maintaining balance when needed. Josh Allen remains the ultimate variable in this matchup — capable of stretching the field, creating off-script plays, and turning broken downs into scoring opportunities. When Buffalo plays fast and decisive, few defenses are equipped to match that ceiling.

The Jacksonville Jaguars deserve full respect as the home team. The Jaguars earned their playoff position by stacking wins late in the season and protecting their home field. Trevor Lawrence has guided a balanced offense that can win through the air or on the ground, and Jacksonville has shown patience in sticking to its game plan even when games tighten late. Unlike some playoff teams, the Jaguars are comfortable playing from ahead or trading scores if necessary.

The key matchup revolves around pace and pressure. Buffalo is at its best when Allen is dictating tempo and forcing defenses to defend every blade of grass. Jacksonville’s defense is strongest when it can limit explosive plays and force longer drives, but that task becomes far more difficult if Buffalo converts early third downs and controls field position. If the Bills establish rhythm early, Jacksonville may be forced into a more aggressive posture than it prefers.

This game profiles as one of the most offense-driven matchups of the Wild Card slate. Both teams are capable of scoring quickly, and neither side is likely to take a conservative approach knowing a season is on the line. With the spread sitting under a field goal and the total north of 50, the market is signaling a competitive, high-scoring environment where one or two late possessions could decide the outcome.

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

• Spread: Bills -1.5 (+102)
  Buffalo’s offensive ceiling and late-game aggressiveness give them a narrow edge in a matchup expected to stay close throughout.
• Total: Over 51.5 (–112)
  Both offenses are built to push tempo, and this game sets up for extended drives and explosive plays on both sides.
• Moneyline: Bills (–112)
  In a near coin-flip game, backing the team with the more dynamic quarterback offers value.

Bet: Bills ML (–112), Bills -1.5 (+102), Over 51.5 (–112)

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

The San Francisco 49ers enter Wild Card Weekend coming off a frustrating close to the regular season, missing out on the top seed and now facing a difficult road matchup against the defending champions. San Francisco’s path to this point has been uneven, particularly against upper-tier competition, and their offense has struggled to consistently impose its will when facing disciplined defenses. While the 49ers remain dangerous on paper, their margin for error narrows significantly away from home in a playoff setting.

The Philadelphia Eagles get a major boost by returning to full strength at the right time. The Eagles rested starters in Week 18 and now head into the postseason fresh, healthy, and playing in one of the league’s most difficult environments for visiting teams. At home, Philadelphia has been comfortable dictating tempo, leaning on its offensive line and run game to control possession while allowing the defense to stay aggressive and physical.

Matchup-wise, this game sets up well for the Eagles’ preferred style. San Francisco has had issues generating offense against top defensive units, and Philadelphia excels at forcing opponents into longer drives rather than allowing quick strikes. If the Eagles can keep the 49ers behind the chains early and limit yards after catch, San Francisco may be forced into uncomfortable third-and-long situations more often than it prefers.

The expected game script favors Philadelphia controlling the pace and gradually building separation rather than engaging in a shootout. With both teams capable of leaning on the run and shortening the game, explosive plays could be limited, especially early. In a playoff environment where possessions matter and mistakes are magnified, Philadelphia’s structural advantages at home loom large.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

• Spread: Eagles -4.5 (–108)
  Philadelphia’s home-field advantage, healthier roster, and ability to control the line of scrimmage give them the edge in a matchup expected to stay competitive early.
• Total: Under 44.5 (–110)
  Both teams prefer controlled possessions, and the Eagles’ defensive approach should limit explosive plays.
• Moneyline: Eagles (–225)
  Philadelphia has more reliable paths to victory and is well-positioned to close this out at home.

Bet: Eagles ML (–225), Eagles -4.5 (–108), Under 44.5 (–110)

Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots Odds

The Los Angeles Chargers head cross-country for Wild Card Weekend in one of the more difficult travel spots of the postseason, making their way to Foxborough to face a rested and well-positioned Patriots team. New England earned the No. 2 seed and now gets the benefit of home-field advantage in January conditions, a factor that historically plays a significant role in early playoff rounds. This sets up as a challenging environment for a Chargers team that relies heavily on timing and efficiency in the passing game.

The resurgent New England Patriots‘ strength lies in its ability to control game flow rather than overwhelm opponents with explosive offense. The Patriots are comfortable leaning on defense, field position, and situational execution, especially at home. Against Los Angeles, that approach is likely to be emphasized even more, as shortening the game limits the Chargers’ ability to string together quick scores and reduces overall variance.

From a matchup standpoint, this game looks to be a grind. The Chargers’ offense has shown flashes of explosiveness, but it has also struggled with consistency when forced into longer drives. Cold weather and potential wind further complicate matters, particularly for a visiting team not accustomed to winter playoff conditions. If Los Angeles is unable to generate chunk plays early, sustained drives will be difficult to maintain.

The expected script favors New England steadily asserting control rather than pulling away quickly. With both teams likely prioritizing ball security and field position, possessions should be longer and scoring opportunities fewer. In a playoff setting where mistakes are magnified, New England’s discipline and familiarity with the conditions give them a meaningful edge.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots Predictions

• Spread: Patriots -3.5 (–112)
  New England’s home-field advantage, defensive discipline, and ability to control tempo make them the more reliable side in a game expected to stay tight.
• Total: Under 46.5 (–115)
  Cold conditions, conservative play-calling, and playoff urgency point toward a slower-paced, lower-scoring game.
• Moneyline: Patriots (–192)
  The Patriots have more stable paths to victory and are well-suited to close out this matchup at home.

Bet: Patriots ML (–192), Patriots -3.5 (–112), Under 46.5 (–115)

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

The Houston Texans enter Monday Night Football riding strong momentum after closing the regular season with one of the league’s most consistent stretches. Houston has quietly put together a complete profile on both sides of the ball, pairing an efficient offense with a defense that limits explosive plays. That balance has allowed the Texans to control game flow rather than rely on volatility, a valuable trait in a postseason road environment.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, return home after securing the AFC North and earning the right to host the Wild Card finale. The Steelers are comfortable playing in tight, physical games and rarely beat themselves, particularly at home. However, their recent wins have often required grinding drives and defensive discipline rather than offensive separation, which can make covering spreads difficult if the opposing offense stays efficient.

The matchup centers on whether Pittsburgh can disrupt Houston’s rhythm early. If the Steelers are unable to generate pressure or force negative plays, Houston’s offense has shown patience in taking what defenses give them and turning possessions into points. Conversely, if Pittsburgh succeeds in shortening the game and controlling field position, this contest could remain tight deep into the second half.

The game script points toward Houston gradually asserting control rather than running away. The Texans don’t need explosive plays to score, and that efficiency becomes even more valuable in a playoff environment where mistakes are magnified. With the total sitting below 40, even modest scoring efficiency could be enough to swing both the spread and the total.

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions

• Spread: Texans -3 (–110)
  Houston’s balanced approach and ability to stay efficient on the road give them a clear edge in a game expected to stay competitive early.
• Total: Over 39.5 (–110)
  Both offenses should do enough to push this past a low number, especially if Houston dictates tempo.
• Moneyline: Texans (–162)
  The Texans have more reliable paths to victory and are well-positioned to close out the Wild Card round.

Bet: Texans ML (–162), Texans -3 (–110), Over 39.5 (–110)

NFL Wild Card Weekend Best Bets

Here are our favorite NFL bets for Wild Card Weekend:

• Los Angeles Rams -10.5 vs. Carolina Panthers (-110)
• Buffalo Bills -1.5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (+102)
• Pittsburgh Steelers +3 vs. Houston Texans (-110)

The Rams draw the clearest mismatch of the Wild Card slate. Los Angeles enters the postseason playing efficient, balanced football, while Carolina struggled to generate consistent offense down the stretch. If the Rams avoid turnovers, their ability to finish drives should allow them to build and maintain a double-digit margin.

Buffalo versus Jacksonville profiles as the most offense-driven game of the weekend, and the Bills’ late-season momentum gives them an edge in a matchup expected to trade scores. Josh Allen’s aggressiveness in high-leverage spots separates Buffalo in a game where one possession could decide the outcome.

Houston rounds out the card as a road favorite capable of dictating tempo. The Texans’ balanced profile on both sides of the ball makes them well-suited for a playoff environment, and their efficiency should be enough to pull away from a Steelers team that prefers grind-it-out games.

If you roll these three bets into a Wild Card Weekend parlay, the combined odds land in the +600 to +650 range, depending on your sportsbook. A $100 wager would return roughly $700–$750 total. As always, shop around for the best numbers and consider pairing straight bets with parlays to manage variance on a condensed playoff slate.