The field for the 2026 NFL playoffs is set, and to kick off the festivities, we have six incredible games slated for Super Wild Card weekend.
Join me as I break down my best Wild Card NFL picks against the spread in hopes of turning you a profit this weekend.
Wild Card weekend picks against the spread
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Rams vs  Panthers |
(+10.5) |
 Packers vs  Bears |
(+1.5) |
 Bills vs  Jaguars |
(-1.5) |
 49ers vs  Eagles |
(-4.5) |
 Chargers vs  Patriots |
(-3.5) |
 Texans vs  Steelers |
(-3.5) |
Lines courtesy of FanDuel.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Expert Wild Card NFL ATS picks
Rams vs Panthers: Panthers (+10.5)
If this NFL season has taught us anything, it's to expect the unexpected. History is on the side of the Los Angeles Rams as double-digit favorites in the Wild Card round are 12-1 straight up and 10-3 against the spread, but the Carolina Panthers have already beaten the Rams once this season.
Could they pull off another upset? Possibly, but given that we are getting the hook on a key number of 10, I'll take the points with the team everyone is overlooking.
Packers vs Bears: Bears (+1.5)
These bitter NFC North rivals split a pair of meetings in December, with the home team winning both games.
While home field doesn't shift the advantage much in favor of the Chicago Bears (both teams play outdoors), the Green Bay Packers are far too banged up for my liking, despite Chicago rating out poorly on defense.
I like what the Bears offense brings to the table, and hitting 24 points should get them into the Divisional Round.
Bills vs Jaguars: Bills (-1.5)
This game has the potential to turn into a shootout, which favors Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
Allen finally has a run game to keep the defense honest, and the Jacksonville Jaguars rank 21st against the pass. If Allen is afforded time to throw, the Bills will walk out of Jacksonville with a win.
49ers vs Eagles: Eagles (-4.5)
If there is any team in the playoffs that has about two more gears to go through, it's the Philadelphia Eagles. They're the defending Super Bowl Champions and have veteran leaders on both sides of the football.
For the San Francisco 49ers, Brock Purdy has turnover issues, and the 49ers' defense is not good enough to steal this game for them.
Covers NFL betting tools
- NFL odds
- NFL picks
- NFL player props
- Super Bowl 60 odds
- Best NFL betting sites
- This week’s NFL matchups
Chargers vs Patriots: Patriots (-3.5)
As much as I don't like the New England Patriots, I believe they're the right side here. The Los Angeles Chargers are banged up, and the question marks surrounding Justin Herbert's hand linger.
The Patriots are a disciplined team on both sides of the football and have the second-best scoring offense to go along with the fourth-best scoring defense.
At home, give me New England.
Texans vs Steelers: Texans (-3.5)
As someone who had a "Pittsburgh Steelers to miss the playoffs" ticket, I can't in good faith back them in this game.
They're frauds, and the Houston Texans' defense should occupy plenty of space in the Steelers' backfield.
Brace yourself, Aaron Rodgers.
