While the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t participating, we at least get to watch some playoff football on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with NFL Wild Card Weekend officially kicking off the postseason! Also, our Silver and Black Pride Pick’em competition continues, as a champion will be crowned soon.
Odds below are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change.
Wild Card Picks
Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers
- Spread: LAR -10.5
- O/U: 46.5
- LAR ML: -670
- CAR ML: +490
Holder’s picks: LAR -10.5, LAR ML, Under 46.5
The Panthers beat the Rams in Week 13, but it’s pretty clear who the better team is. Los Angeles’ late-season skid (losing in Weeks 16 and 17) gives me some pause, but Carolina backed their way into the playoffs and is only in this position because of playing in the lowly NFC South.
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
- Spread: GB -1.5
- O/U: 45.5
- GB ML: -116
- CHI ML: -102
Holder’s picks: CHI +1.5, CHI ML, Over 45.5
The rubber match between a couple of NFC North rivals. The home team has won both of the previous matchups, and Green Bay is beaten up with several key players on injured reserve, like edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Spread: BUF -1.5
- O/U: 51.5
- BUF ML: -110
- JAX ML: -106
Holder’s picks: BUF -1.5, BUF ML, Over 51.5
This is a tough one for me to pick because I like the Jaguars and what Liam Coen has done in year one. But the Bills have the playoff experience and I’m not comfortable betting against Josh Allen. Regardless, I’m really looking forward to watching this game.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Spread: PHI -4.5
- O/U: 44.5
- PHI ML: -225
- SF ML: +188
Holder’s picks: PHI -4.5, PHI ML, Under 44.5
What the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan have done this season amid all of the team’s injuries is very impressive. However, San Francisco’s defense is just missing too many guys, and Philadelphia should be able to keep Brock Purdy and Co. off the scoreboard.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots
- Spread: NE -3.5
- O/U: 46.5
- NE ML: -198
- LAC ML: +166
Holder’s picks: NE -3.5, NE ML, Under 46.5
The Chargers and the playoffs, enough said. Give me the Pats.
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Spread: HOU -3
- O/U: 39.5
- HOU ML: -166
- PIT ML: +140
Holder’s picks: PIT +3, PIT ML, Under 39.5
Mike Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game in a decade, but I’m willing to bet on him as a home underdog. Plus, I don’t trust Houston’s offensive line to hold up against Pittsburgh’s pass-rush, especially with T.J. Watt back in the lineup.
Pick’em Competition
Moving on to S&BP’s Pick’em competition, below is a look at how our writers finished in Week 18.
- Matt Holder 182-89-1 (67%)
- Bill Williamson 177-94-1 (66%)
- Ray Aspuria 168-103-1 (62%)
With an 11-5 performance in the season finale and Bill going 7-9, I’m starting to pull away from the competition with a five-game lead heading into the playoffs! Bill led the writers for most of the season, but a tough stretch over the last month may cost him the crown. Meanwhile, Ray just hopes everyone has fun!
1. JeepRaider 182-89
t-2. Bower Rangers 180-91
t-2. Tennessee Raider Fan 180-91
4. Alaskan Raida 179-92
t-5. ColoRaider 178-93
t-5. Dafe2cat 178-93
t-5. Freddy B Good 178-93
8. Vila41 177-94
t-9. Pick’em Pro 176-95
t-9. NC Hell Razors 176-95
Week 18 Top Pickers
Tennessee Raider Fan and Bower Rangers managed to close the gap on JeepRaider, picking up one game to pull within two picks heading into the playoffs. That adds some drama to the competition, especially if Tennessee or Bower can pick up another game during Wild Card Weekend. Shoutout to our top pickers, Soul Patrol 32 and 509Scifigeek, for getting 13 games right last week! That’s hard to do in the season finale, where a lot of backups are playing and there are several meaningless games.
Best of luck with your picks, and let’s enjoy some playoff football!
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