NFL Picks Wild Card At-A-Glance
Our NFL picks for the Wild Card round look at the Rams taking on Carolina again, a very interesting battle between Buffalo and Jacksonville, and the Patriots try to beat a winning team for just the second time this year in the Chargers. But let’s start with Saturday afternoon’s rematch in Carolina.Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers (Panthers +10.5)
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Jaguars +1.5)
This should be quite the game where either AFC team is capable of going on a deep run this year. That’s why the spread is just 1.5 points, but we have more interest in the total of 52.5 points with some fireworks expected between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence.
But the fact is the Bills have not travelled well on offense all year. Allen has his six lowest passing games on the road, and in the other two road games, he never led the Bills to more than 19 points.
Still, the good news is the Bills have never allowed more than 27 points on defense in a playoff game except for the three played at Arrowhead against their nemesis, the Chiefs, who is eliminated this year.
Trevor Lawrence threw four picks in his last home playoff game before leading a comeback against the Chargers in 2022. Look for Buffalo’s pass defense to make things harder on Lawrence, and Allen will struggle, too, in his attempt to win his first road playoff game.
That’s why we like the under 52.5 points as the best bet for this matchup.
Expert Pick: Bills/Jaguars Under 52.5 (-110) at BetMGM
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots (Patriots -3.5)
By now, everyone should know the Patriots are just 1-2 in games against winning teams this year, as their favorable schedule helped them to NFL records by winning 13 games in 14 tries against losing teams this regular season.
Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are 11-6 and have playoff experience with Justin Herbert, who is still seeking his first playoff win. Herbert got to rest his injured hand last week, and he has a deep receiving corps that can test this New England defense that hasn’t really been tested much because of the schedule.
Mike Vrabel has lost his last three playoff games. The Chargers are one of the best defenses Drake Maye will have seen in his career, and Maye has only led one fourth-quarter comeback in his career, while Herbert has 15.
The Patriots may still very well win, but we’re taking the experience of Harbaugh and Herbert on the road with the points to cover this matchup. The Chargers are also 5-0 in prime time this season, and night games have historically favored Pacific teams playing on the East Coast (circadian rhythms).
Expert Pick: Chargers +3.5 (-110) at BetMGM
Get Ready For Wild Card Weekend
For our NFL picks Wild Card, our most anticipated game is Sunday afternoon with the Bills and Jaguars going under 52.5 points in a tight one. We also like the Panthers to keep it close with the Rams, and we recommend the Chargers to cover the spread at New England on Sunday night.
Timing is everything in sports betting. By keeping up with the latest news and betting lines, you’ll get the best value for your NFL picks this postseason.
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