Now that the regular season has concluded, the NFL Wild Card round begins. Teams now compete for a spot in the Super Bowl. The AFC and NFC No. 1 seeds each receive a week off, gaining the associated advantages.
Let’s take a look at the NFL wild card odds.
NFL Wild Card Games Odds At-a-Glance
We preview both Saturday’s opening clash in Carolina against the much-touted Rams and Chicago hosting the Packers.
Ending with the final match of wild card week, the Texans are visiting Pittsburgh.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers (+10)
Saturday, January 10 – 4:30 PM ET
This opening NFL Wild Card game features the Los Angeles Rams traveling to play the Carolina Panthers.
Correctly, the Rams are favourites to win, but a 10-point spread to the home team is a difficult spot to pass up at this stage of the season. The Panthers will have nothing to lose and can enjoy an unexpected postseason run after winning the NFC South title.
Ten remains a key spread number for NFL bettors. Heritage currently offers the best price, while some firms already list 9.5. If you want +10, act now, as the Panthers have covered the spread much of the year.
When it comes to knockout games, Rams’ Head Coach Sean McVay doesn’t inspire much confidence. The Panthers pulling off an upset wouldn’t be shocking, especially since they’ve already beaten the Rams at home this season. Tetairoa McMillan, their standout wide receiver, provides a reliable option for young quarterback Brice Young, and McMillan seems poised to claim Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (-1)
Saturday, January 10 – 8:00 PM ET
The Packers visiting the Bears on Wild Card weekend is a fascinating match-up. Watching the line movements could also be interesting viewing.
Currently, the BMR sportsbooks cannot split the two teams: 50% of sportsbooks set the game as a pick ’em, while the remaining 50% lean towards the Chicago Bears by a point.
Since their initial losses, the Bears have impressed under head coach Ben Johnson. Despite recent defeats, the pairing of Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams gives them an edge in tight games. Home advantage and Williams’ developing connection with tight end Colston Loveland could prove decisive.
The Packers’ season has been derailed since losing Micah Parsons to injury, but they welcome star quarterback Jordan Love back this week, and it will be interesting to see if that swings bettors towards the Packers.
The total points have an interesting profile, and if the weather forecast for Chicago is fair for the Bears’ game, the over could be the look, especially while the 46.5 line prevails under the key number of 47.
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (+3)
Monday, January 12 – 8:15 PM ET
Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers are always difficult and stoic opponents, as the Baltimore Ravens found out to their cost last week.
Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers are home underdogs with a field goal start, and given how attritional the Houston Texans can be, those three points could be a crucial handicap for bettors.
This looks like a real banana skin for the high-flying Houston Texans and their quarterback, C.J. Stroud, who has prior playoff experience, something many players lack.
Elite veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now with the Steelers, has made an impact and could have one last standout game this week at age forty-two. Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, returning from suspension, adds further intrigue.
With the +3-point spread on the Pittsburgh Steelers lightly juiced, it will be interesting to see if the hook of +3.5 for Pittsburgh appears in the coming days.
Place Your NFL Wild Card Bets Today
The Carolina Panthers, led by their defense, could be stubborn opponents for the Los Angeles Rams, who will need quarterback Matthew Stafford to deliver a strong performance to cover a big spread on the road at this stage of the season for bettors.
Find the Best NFL Odds for Week 18
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
