NFL Wild Card Round – Playoff Preview

The NFL bracket is locked, the betting lines are moving, and the injury reports are starting to trickle in. With Super Wild Card Weekend just days away, let’s build out the biggest storylines, the gambling “nuggets,” and the health concerns for each matchup.

Saturday, Jan 10: The Rivalry & The Record Debate

(5) L.A. Rams at (4) Carolina Panthers

• Time/TV: 4:30 PM ET | FOX

• The Line: Rams -10 | O/U 46.5

• The “Robbery” Narrative: This is the most lopsided spread of the weekend. Despite being the “home” team, the 8-9 Panthers are double-digit underdogs to the 12-5 Rams.

• Storyline: The Panthers actually beat the Rams 31-28 in late November. Bryce Young has authored 12 game-winning drives since entering the league, but can he do it against a Rams team that is finally healthy?

• Injury Watch: All eyes are on Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring). He sat out the regular-season finale, and Sean McVay’s offense looked stagnant without him.

(7) Green Bay Packers at (2) Chicago Bears

• Time/TV: 8:00 PM ET | Prime Video

• The Line: Packers -1.5 | O/U 45.5

• The Angle: This is arguably the most fascinating line. Despite the Bears being the No. 2 seed at home, the Packers are road favorites.

• Storyline: These teams split their season series, with the most recent game being a Bears overtime victory on Dec 20. This is the first postseason meeting between the two since the 2011 NFC Championship.

• Injury Watch: Packers QB Jordan Love (shoulder/concussion) is cleared to play, but backup Malik Willis is dealing with a shoulder issue. For the Bears, Caleb Williams is fully healthy and looking to become the first rookie QB to win a playoff game for Chicago.

Sunday, Jan 11: The Heavyweights

(6) Buffalo Bills at (3) Jacksonville Jaguars

• Time/TV: 1:00 PM ET | CBS

• The Line: Bills -1.5 | O/U 51.5

• Storyline: This is the third time these franchises have met in the playoffs (Jaguars lead 2-0). It’s a battle of elite QBs: Josh Allen vs. Trevor Lawrence.

• Key Stat: This game has the highest “Over/Under” of the weekend. Expect a shootout in the Florida humidity.

(6) San Francisco 49ers at (3) Philadelphia Eagles

• Time/TV: 4:30 PM ET | FOX

• The Line: Eagles -3.5 | O/U 46.5

• Storyline: A rematch of the 2022 NFC Title game. The 49ers finished 12-5 but were “shoved into the hard way” after losing the division to Seattle in Week 18.

• Injury Watch: Brock Purdy is nursing a left shoulder stinger. If he’s limited, the 49ers’ chances of winning in the “Linc” drop significantly. The Eagles rested Jalen Hurts in Week 18, so he should be at 100%.

(7) L.A. Chargers at (2) New England Patriots

• Time/TV: 8:00 PM ET | NBC

• The Line: Patriots -7.5 | O/U 48.5

• Storyline: Drake Maye is the presumptive MVP after a historic season (72% completion, 31 TDs). He faces a Chargers defense that has struggled against the deep ball all year.

• Injury Watch: Patriots LB Harold Landry (knee) is OUT, which is a massive blow to their pass rush against Justin Herbert.

 Monday, Jan 12: The Finale

(5) Houston Texans at (4) Pittsburgh Steelers

• Time/TV: 8:00 PM ET | ESPN/ABC

• The Line: Texans -2.5 | O/U 41.5

• Storyline: The Steelers won the AFC North on the final night of the season, yet they are home underdogs to C.J. Stroud and the Texans.

• The Matchup: T.J. Watt vs. the Texans’ O-Line. If Watt can’t get to Stroud, the Texans’ explosive receivers could make this a long night for the Pittsburgh faithful.

Opening Odds Summary