Before the Wild Card round of the 2026 NFL playoffs kicks off, let’s have some fun by taking a look at the lines for this weekend’s postseason games.
My overall record is 121-12o-1. The BGN Community is behind at 117-124-1.
Here are suggestions when trying to beat the odds.
NFL WILD CARD GAMES
LOS ANGELES RAMS (-10.5) at CAROLINA PANTHERS: The Panthers previously beat the Rams back in Week 13 … but Carolina only won by three points despite being +3 in turnover differential. The Panthers backed into the playoffs by going 1-3 in their final four games, including a Week 18 loss which made them rely on the Atlanta Falcons beating the New Orleans Saints in a proxy NFC South title game. The Panthers have the 10th-worst point differential in the league, ranking directly below the New York Giants. The Panthers are ranked 25th in DVOA. There’s really need reason to bet on them against a Rams team that has done so much more to earn the benefit of the doubt. PICK: Rams -10.5
GREEN BAY PACKERS (-1.5) at CHICAGO BEARS: Not really a good sign for the Bears that they’re home underdogs against a Packers team that’s entering the playoffs on a five-game losing streak. That makes me wonder if taking the Bears getting points is too good to be true. It’s quite possible the moment is too big for Caleb Williams. But I can’t trust this injured Packers team. PICK: Bears +1.5
BUFFALO BILLS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (-1.5): Josh Allen doesn’t get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round. Doubting the Jags has been regrettable at times but it feels like Buffalo is better suited to make a postseason run. PICK: Bills +1.5
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (-5.5): The Eagles originally opened as three-point favorites and this line has climbed to as high as six points in some places. That’s a good sign for the Birds, who are the healthier team. Vic Fangio has owned Kyle Shanahan in the past and that will continue here with the Eagles’ defense once again carrying the weight as the offense manages to do just enough to cover the spread. PICK: Eagles -5.5
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-3.5): The Bolts just don’t have the horses at this point given all their injuries, especially in the trenches. They might could the spread by losing in a field goal game but the Pats have been good at blowing teams out. Of course, New England has benefited from a very easy schedule and their quarterback lacks playoff experience. But I’m more comfortable betting on Drake Maye than against him. PICK: Patriots -3.5
HOUSTON TEXANS (-3) at PITSTBURGH STEELERS: The Texans are the more logical pick; they’re 12-2 after an 0-3 start and those loses were to the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks and No. 1 seed Denver Broncos. But as the Baltimore Ravens can attest to, betting against Mike Tomlin as a home underdog is dangerous. PICK: Steelers +3
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