The NFL's "second season" has arrived, and the road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara begins now. With heavyweights like the Chiefs and Ravens surprisingly watching from home, this year's Wild Card Weekend slate is wide open, featuring a mix of battle-tested veterans and rising young stars.
We’ve crunched the numbers, simulated the matchups, and identified the sharpest edges on the board using our AI-powered Covers Predictions tool. Whether you’re looking for a lock or a live underdog, our NFL picks have you covered for the start of the league's postseason.
NFL Wild Card Weekend picks
| Matchup | Spread | ML | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
 @  |
+11.0 |
|
o46.5 |
 @  |
-1.0 |
|
o45.5 |
 @  |
+0.5 |
|
u52.5 |
 @  |
+5.0 |
|
o44.5 |
 @  |
-3.5 |
|
u46.5 |
 @  |
+3.5 |
|
u39.5 |
Lines courtesy of FanDuel.
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Rams vs Panthers
The Rams enter as the NFL’s No. 1 total offense, averaging 394.6 yards per game. MVP candidate Matthew Stafford has been surgical from a clean pocket, but he faces a Panthers defense that, while ranked 16th overall, owns the league's lowest pressure rate (26.2%).
Despite Carolina's Week 13 upset over L.A., the Rams' high-powered passing attack (268.1 YPG) should exploit a Panthers secondary that surrendered 20 passing touchdowns this season. Expect a high-scoring affair as Stafford looks to maintain his elite 102.3 career playoff passer rating.
View our matchup Rams vs. Panthers matchup hub for more stats and analysis prior to kickoff.
Packers vs Bears
In the 212th meeting of the NFL’s oldest rivalry, the Bears host a Packers team that has won 14 of the last 16 at Soldier Field. Chicago boasts the no. 6 total offense (369.5 YPG) and a lethal ground game (144.5 YPG), but Green Bay’s opportunistic defense has historically had their number.
With the last 14 meetings often decided by single digits, the "Packers -1.0" spread reflects a true toss-up.
Check out our Packers vs. Bears matchup hub before game time.
Bills vs Jaguars
Josh Allen faces the league's No. 1 rushing defense (85.6 YPG allowed), but the Bills' own defense is the real story, leading the NFL in passing yards allowed (156.9 YPG). While Trevor Lawrence is peaking, Buffalo’s ability to shut down the air game makes the "Under" enticing.
With Mahomes and Jackson out of the bracket, Allen views this as his best chance yet, likely leaning on the league's No. 1 rushing offense (159.6 YPG) to control the clock.
Looking for more analysis? Check out our Bills vs. Jaguars matchup hub.
49ers vs Eagles
The Eagles recaptured the NFC East behind a defense that ranks eighth against the pass. However, they must contain Christian McCaffrey, who led the NFL in touches (413) and finished second in scrimmage yards (2,126).
While the Niners' offense stumbled in Week 18, their "hottest in the league" stretch saw them average 36.7 points. The Eagles are the safe ML play at home, but the Niners' playmaking depth makes +5.0 a strong value.
View our 49ers vs. Eagles matchup hub for more stats and analysis.
Chargers vs Patriots
Drake Maye’s Year 2 leap has the Patriots offense ranked No. 3 overall (379.4 YPG). They face a Chargers defense that is elite in "drop-back EPA" but struggles with a depleted offensive line (ranked 32nd in pass-blocking win rate).
Mike Vrabel’s physical culture and the Patriots' fourth-ranked scoring defense should stifle Justin Herbert just enough to cover the small spread in a cold Foxborough environment.
Find more stats, results, and trends on our Chargers vs. Patriots matchup hub.
Texans vs Steelers
The Texans own the NFL’s No. 1 defense, allowing a stingy 277.2 yards per game. They carry a nine-game winning streak into Pittsburgh, but the Steelers' defense has a knack for "stifling" elite units.
Aaron Rodgers provides a steady hand for Pittsburgh, but C.J. Stroud’s ability to navigate the Texans' 14th-ranked passing game against a tough Steelers secondary (29th in passing yards allowed) will be the difference.
View our Texans vs. Steelers matchup hub for more stats and analysis prior to kickoff.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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