2024-25 NFL Wild Card Odds and Predictions

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The road to Super Bowl 59 officially begins as the NFL Playoffs kick off on Saturday, January 11, and run through Monday, January 12. Six exciting postseason matchups comprise of this Super Wild Card weekend beginning with the Los Angeles Chargers heading to Texas to battle the Houston Texans.

The Wild Card Round of games concludes with a Monday Night Football contest between the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams. These two teams met in a thrilling TNF game during the regular season and are considered the closest matchup according to the betting lines.

Let’s take a look at the latest NFL odds for Wild Card Weekend, courtesy of the best sports betting sites, and make our predictions for all six of the NFL Wild Card games.

Wild Card Schedule

The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills are the largest betting favorites for Wild Card Weekend. While, the Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams is the closest game on the boards. In fact, both the Rams and Houston Texans are listed as underdogs despite hosting home games.

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 Chargers vs. Houston Texans Odds

The Los Angeles Chargers enter this game as slight road favorites after a strong finish to the regular season. Justin Herbert leads an explosive offense that will challenge a Houston Texans defense that has occasionally struggled against the pass. Houston, however, has shown resilience with their ground game, and they’ll hold home-field advantage. Houston and the other LA team, the Rams, are the only home underdogs of Wild Card Weekend.

The Texans haven’t quite lived up to expectations after generating Super Bowl buzz during the offseason. Injuries have played an unfortunate role. Houston will play without star wideouts Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell in the postseason, which limits an offense many thought would be explosive coming into the year. The Texans’ offensive line has also had a very difficult time protecting CJ Stroud, who was sacked a whopping 52 times during the regular season.

Getting to the quarterback is something the Chargers can do. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack are talented and experienced edge rushers who will routinely put Houston’s pass protection to the test in this one.

Fortunately for the Texans, they boast a strong defense of their own. Houston’s 49 sacks as a team this season were the 4th-most in the NFL, so Herbert may have to use his newfound scrambling ability here. Herbert has been a willing runner this season, as he finished with a career-best 306 rushing yards. He’s not exactly Jayden Daniels out there, but he’s capable of making plays with his legs.

I think the Chargers are likely the better team in this one, but I like the value on the Texans as home underdogs. Despite having fallen short of preseason hopes, I do think Houston is capable of pulling the upset at home. Take the value with the Texans’ +136 moneyline odds.

• Betting Trends:
  • Chargers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
  • Texans are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Wild Card appearances.
  • The total has gone under in five of Houston’s last six games.
• Predictions:
  • Spread: Texans +3 (-115) – Home underdogs are rare in the playoffs, and I like the value here with Houston.
  • Moneyline: Texans (+136) – You don’t have to place a huge wager on these odds to turn a useful profit.
  • Total: Under 42.5 (-112) – Houston’s ability to control the clock could limit scoring opportunities.

Final Score Prediction: Texans 24, Chargers 17
Best Bet: Texans ML (+136)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is one of the NFL’s best, and it’ll be a treat to watch them square off against one another in the Wild Card Round. Both teams have taken opposing paths to the playoffs. The Ravens bounced back after a slow start to finish as one of the NFL’s hottest teams entering the postseason. The Steelers, meanwhile, looked like legit contenders to begin the year, but they enter the playoffs in poor form. Pittsburgh has lost 4 straight heading into Saturday’s clash in Baltimore.

The Steelers won a low-scoring affair, 18-16, in the first meeting between the teams in Pittsburgh. The Ravens got their revenge just a couple of weeks ago, however, with an easy 34-17 win at home over their rivals during the holidays. Given the trends, it’s easy to see why Baltimore is such a heavy favorite. They’re at home, they’re red-hot, and the Steelers have fallen off the face of the earth in recent weeks. The 10-point spread in this one is the widest of any game on the weekend.

Given the Steelers’ ragged form, I’m having a hard time imagining them suddenly bouncing back against the red-hot Ravens. Nobody has been able to stop the Lamar Jackson-Derrick Henry duo in recent weeks, while Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh offense have been stuck in the mud. Back Baltimore to roll in this one, even over their familiar AFC North foes.

• Betting Trends:
  • Ravens are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games.
  • Steelers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games as underdogs.
  • The total has gone under in four of Baltimore’s last five games.
• Predictions:
  • Spread: Ravens -10 (-105) – Baltimore’s defense and home-field advantage should cover the double-digit spread.
  • Moneyline: Ravens (-500) – Too much firepower for the Steelers to overcome.
  • Total: Under 43.5 (-110) – Expect a slower, defensive battle.

Final Score Prediction: Ravens 30, Steelers 13
Best Bet: Ravens -10 (-105)

Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

The Buffalo Bills are clear favorites in this Wild Card matchup, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen. Buffalo’s offense has been unstoppable, while their defense has held opponents in check. The Denver Broncos have relied on a steady rushing attack but lack the firepower to keep up with the Bills, at least on paper.

Denver had to beat the Kansas City Chiefs to punch a playoff ticket last week. Fortunately, the Chiefs rested Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and other key players in a game that meant nothing to the AFC’s top seed. The Broncos took full advantage, rolling their way to a stirring 38-0 win to clinch the AFC’s final playoff spot. Even against a bunch of backups, you know that had to feel good for the Broncos against one of their oldest rivals.

They’ll face a significantly tougher test going on the road and into frigid Buffalo to face the Bills’ vaunted offense. Bo Nix has been a pleasant surprise as a rookie, and he’d likely garner more Offensive Rookie of the Year buzz were it not for Jayden Daniels’ exploits in Washington. Nix threw for nearly 3,800 yards with 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, which is particularly impressive when you remember his slow start. The Oregon product racked up 4 touchdowns and north of 320 yards passing last week against Kansas City.

Denver’s defense has also been a bright spot, and they’ll have their hands full with Allen. There was a lot of talk over the summer about whether the Bills’ offense could survive the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Allen went on to enjoy the best season of his fine career and quieted the talk in the process. Allen topped 3,700 yards passing with 28 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. What makes his MVP case compelling is his rushing prowess. He added another 12 scores on the ground along with 531 rushing yards. There isn’t a more dangerous red zone weapon in football this side of Lamar Jackson.

While I’m bullish on the Broncos, I’m afraid this is where their Cinderella season will come to a close. Allen will be too much to handle, and I’m not ready to believe Nix is capable of engineering such a huge upset in his first-ever NFL road playoff outing.

• Betting Trends:
  • Bills are 7-2 ATS in their last nine playoff games.
  • Broncos are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
  • The total has gone over in six of Buffalo’s last seven home games.
• Predictions:
  • Spread: Bills -8.5 (-112) – Allen’s playmaking ability should propel Buffalo to a comfortable win.
  • Moneyline: Bills (-440) – A strong pick for parlays as Buffalo dominates at home.
  • Total: Over 46.5 (-118) – Expect points on the board with Buffalo’s high-powered offense.

Final Score Prediction: Bills 34, Broncos 20
Best Bet: Bills -8.5 (-112)

Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the playoffs as one of the NFC’s top seeds, led by a dominant offensive line and versatile quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, have surged into the postseason with strong defensive performances and improved play from Jordan Love.

There was a lot of activity on the running back free agent market last offseason, and both of these teams benefited. The Eagles’ decision to pry Saquon Barkley out of New York paid off immediately, as he rushed for a career-high 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in his first season in town. Barkley’s 13 rushing touchdowns were also the most of his career, and his arrival gave this Philly offense some much-needed versatility.

The big question looming over Philly is the health of Hurts, who missed the final 2 games of the season after sustaining a concussion in Week 16. He’s still in the league’s concussion protocol as of Tuesday, though the team is reportedly optimistic that he’ll return to the field on Sunday. The Eagles’ status as 4.5-point favorites here gives me confidence that he will play, though the line will move considerably if his status worsens later in the week.

Green Bay’s addition of Josh Jacobs over the summer also proved shrewd. The former NFL rushing champ carried the ball 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first year with the team, and their decision to move on from Aaron Jones appears to have been a wise one. However, the Packers’ QB is also dealing with an injury. Love left the season finale with a throwing elbow injury, though he’s expected to be healthy enough to play on Sunday. That can’t be said of receiver Christian Watson, however, who tore his ACL in Green Bay’s last-second loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 18.

Assuming Hurts is ready to roll, I think the spread in this one is too small. Philadelphia was riding a 10-game winning streak when Hurts was concussed. While there could be a rust factor after a short layoff, Barkley should be more than willing and able to pick up the slack, if necessary.

• Betting Trends:
  • Eagles are 5-0 ATS in their last five home playoff games.
  • Packers are 3-6 ATS in their last nine road playoff games.
  • The total has gone under in six of Green Bay’s last eight games.
• Predictions:
  • Spread: Eagles -4.5 (-110) – Philadelphia’s balanced attack should help them win by a touchdown or more.
  • Moneyline: Eagles (-225) – A solid pick for straight bets and parlays.
  • Total: Under 45.5 (-112) – The Eagles’ defense will keep the game in check.

Final Score Prediction: Eagles 27, Packers 17
Best Bet: Eagles -4.5 (-110)

Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds

On the heels of a tighter-than-expected win over the Carolina Panthers to clinch the NFC South last week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are slight favorites at home over the upstart Washington Commanders on Sunday night. These have been 2 of the most explosive offenses in football this season, which helps to explain why the over/under in this one (50.5 points) is the highest of Wild Car Weekend.

I’ve been saying it all year, but Baker Mayfield deserves some MVP consideration. I don’t think he should win it, but the former No. 1 overall pick has blossomed into one of the game’s best QBs since his arrival in Tampa last year. All Baker did in his sophomore campaign with the Bucs was complete a career-high 71.4 percent of his throws for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. The high INT total attests to Mayfield’s status as a gunslinger, but he helped to keep the offense afloat amid long-term injuries to both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Even with Godwin done for the year, the Bucs can still put points on the board in bunches. While Mayfield has been outstanding, the Buccaneers have also gotten important contributions from rookie running back Bucky Irving. Irving has essentially supplanted Rachaad White as the RB1 in Tampa Bay after beginning the season as the backup. The former Oregon standout averaged 5.4 yards per carry en route to 1,122 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns as a rookie.

Speaking of rookies, Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to an NFC East title despite very little preseason hype. Daniels and new head coach Dan Quinn have formed a winning partnership, and Washington’s new-and-improved offense has been difficult to stop all year. The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. Rushing is also a major element to his game, as Daniels rushed for nearly 900 yards with 6 more scores.

Washington is a team on the rise, but I think the more veteran-heavy Buccaneers are a worthy bet to win this one at home. Give me Tampa Bay to win it outright, though covering the 3.5-point spread may be tricky.

• Betting Trends:
  • Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games.
  • Commanders are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games overall.
  • The total has gone over in eight of Washington’s last nine road games.
• Predictions:
  • Spread: Buccaneers -3 (-115) – Tampa Bay’s home-field edge and superior quarterback play make the difference.
  • Moneyline: Buccaneers (-175) – A fair value for single-game bets.
  • Total: Over 50.5 (-112) – Both teams can exploit defensive weaknesses.

Final Score Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Commanders 24
Best Bet: Buccaneers ML (-175)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams will tangle at SoFi Stadium to wrap up Wild Card Weekend on Monday night. This will be the second meeting of the season between the teams, as the Rams handed the Vikings their first loss of the campaign in this same stadium back in October. Minnesota finished the season 14-3, but they’re having to hit the road to face the Rams here after LA won the NFC West.

The Vikings have been another pleasant surprise this season thanks to the exploits of Sam Darnold. The veteran journeyman seems to have found a home with Minnesota, though he struggled mightily in last week’s loss in Detroit. The Lions sent constant pressure at Darnold, and he ultimately failed to find a rhythm despite numerous trips into the red zone. The Vikings’ offense has been elite all year, though you can bet the Rams will take a page out of the Lions’ book here in an attempt to rattle Minnesota’s QB1.

On the flip side, we have a veteran-laden Rams team with no shortage of experience. Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay won a Super Bowl together just a few years ago, and, at times, this has looked like one of the league’s most explosive offenses. They’ve been a little inconsistent overall, but the Vikings will have their hands full with Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp on the outside.

I understand why Minnesota is favored, but Los Angeles is a team nobody will want to play in the postseason. I think they’ll show why on Monday night and pick up the upset win on their home field.

• Betting Trends:
  • Vikings are 8-2 ATS in their last ten road games.
  • Rams are 6-3 ATS in their last nine games at home.
  • The total has gone over in four of their last five meetings.
• Predictions:
  • Spread: Rams +1.5 (-110) – The Rams have already beaten the Vikings once this season, and I think they complete the sweep.
  • Moneyline: Rams (+102) – Slightly better than even-money odds on the home team look pretty appealing.
  • Total: Over 46.5 (-115) – Both offenses should light up the scoreboard.

Final Score Prediction: Rams 27, Vikings 23
Best Bet: Rams ML (+102)

Wild Card Round Best Bets

After analyzing the Wild Card matchups, here are our top betting picks:

• Washington Commanders +3 (-105)
• Buffalo Bills -8.5 (-112)
• Philadelphia Eagles -4.5 (-110)

Each of these bets offers solid value as standalone wagers, but combining them into a parlay could lead to a much larger payout. For example, a $100 parlay on these three bets would return approximately $595 if they all hit. You can choose to bet on them individually or aim for the bigger payoff by taking a shot with a Wild Card Parlay.