Betting
1/9/25
8 min read
2025 NFL Wild Card Weekend: Expert Picks, Predictions for Every Game
The NFL playoffs are here, and there are some fantastic games set for Round 1. It kicks off with a matchup with two elite defenses, and it’s followed by arguably the best rivalry in the NFL right now.
Round 1 of the playoffs can be a little wild and random, so be careful when it comes to picking the big favorites outright. It can be a difficult week to pick games, but without further ado, here are the lines and our predictions for Super Wild Card Weekend:
2025 NFL Wild Card Expert Picks, Predictions
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
Spread: Chargers -2.5
Total: 42.5
The Los Angeles Chargers earned the No. 5 seed in the AFC after beating the Raiders in Week 18. This is a great spot for them, as their defense should have no issue slowing down C.J. Stroud, who is in the middle of a sophomore slump. The Houston Texans will be without Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, who were lost this season due to knee injuries. Their offense just hasn’t been dynamic without them, and while Joe Mixon is a Pro Bowl running back, he doesn’t have the speed to threaten Los Angeles.
Houston has arguably the best EDGE rusher duo in the NFL, and they could cause some major issues for Justin Herbert. Rashawn Slater missed last week’s game with a knee injury, and his status is uncertain going into Saturday afternoon.
But the Chargers are so well-coached, have a top-flight defense, and have an offense that has now scored 34+ points in three consecutive games. They are the far better team going into this matchup, and while they are on the road, they should win this game fairly easily.
Score Prediction: Chargers 27, Houston 21
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Spread: Ravens -9.5
Total: 44.5
This might be one of the most difficult games to project in Round 1. If the Baltimore Ravens play to their ceiling, they can absolutely blow out the Pittsburgh Steelers like we saw them do a few weeks ago. Baltimore just has more talent on both sides of the ball, and it has a two-time MVP at quarterback who is playing the best football of his career.
However, Lamar Jackson has historically struggled against the Steelers, and he’ll be without his No. 1 receiver, Zay Flowers, in Round 1. That will make things a lot more difficult for Baltimore, and he’ll need to rely more on Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews in the passing game.
Baltimore-Pittsburgh matchups almost always are decided by a field goal, and that’s where the 9.5-point spread doesn’t make sense. These two teams know each other so well, and the Steelers are the much healthier team heading into this matchup. However, they have lost four straight games going into the playoffs, and the offense has not scored more than 17 points in a month. The vibes aren’t good in Pittsburgh, but the fact they play such a familiar team might be enough to get them back on track.
Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since 2016, and Mike Tomlin is desperate to win. Expect this to be an extremely close, low-scoring game that is decided on the final possession. Take Pittsburgh +9.5 with ease, and if you are feeling risky, take them on the money line, as well.
Score Prediction: Steelers 20, Ravens 19
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills
Spread: Bills -8.5
Total: 47.5
The Buffalo Bills did not get an easy matchup in Round 1, as they’ll face the Denver Broncos, who have one of the league’s top defenses. Denver has the secondary and the pass rush to disrupt Josh Allen, who might be on the verge of winning his first NFL MVP Award.
However, we know that the Bills will be able to score points, and the fact that this game is in Buffalo should benefit them greatly. The real story here is how Bo Nix, a rookie quarterback, will fare in his first NFL playoff game. The good news for Nix is that Sean Payton is one of the league’s top head coaches, and he’ll certainly come up with a good game plan to help his young quarterback.
Don’t be surprised if Nix plays well, considering all of his college experience, and the fact that he’s performed so well during the last two months has to give Denver confidence that it can win this game.
Buffalo’s defense can be leaky, and don’t be surprised if Denver moves the ball well in this matchup. Still, Allen has been too good this year at home, and with essentially a week off to prepare for this game, look for the Bills to score enough to take care of business and advance to Round 2. Expect a tight game, but expect the Bills to pull away late.
Score Prediction: Bills 28, Broncos 24
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: Eagles -4.5
Total: 45.5
This game became a lot harder to predict after injuries to both starting quarterbacks. Jordan Love injured his elbow in Week 18 and did not return to the field. After the game, he acknowledged that he likely wouldn’t be 100 percent healthy for Round 1 but that he wouldn’t miss that contest.
Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion in Week 16, and as of Tuesday, he has yet to clear the concussion protocol. The Eagles appear confident that he’ll be ready to go by Sunday, but his status is still up in the air.
Assuming both quarterbacks play on Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles have a clear advantage on both sides of the ball. Their defense is arguably the best in the NFL, and they have the pass rushers to greatly impact the passing game. Philadelphia has playmakers all over the field on offense, and as long as Hurts can play at an adequate level, it should win this game.
We’ve seen the Green Bay Packers win on the road as a No. 7 seed, so don’t completely rule them out here. But the Eagles are arguably the most well-rounded team in the NFL and are very difficult to beat in Philadelphia. Take the Eagles to win and cover the spread in Round 1.
Score Prediction: Eagles 28, Packers 21
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers -3
Total: 50.5
The NFL decided to put two of the highest-scoring offenses in primetime on Sunday Night Football, and it’s hard to blame them. Jayden Daniels might be the most exciting quarterback in the league right now, and he’ll face Baker Mayfield, who is coming off a 40-touchdown season.
It’s really difficult to predict this game because while the Washington Commanders have a young roster, they did win 12 games and beat some quality opponents. However, road playoff games can be extremely difficult for rookie quarterbacks, but it’s not like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a dominating defense or have been great in primetime, either.
Expect a high-scoring contest, but the Buccaneers will ultimately win because they have a more veteran-led team and are at home. Stay away from the point spread if possible because everything sets up for this to be a field goal game. But take the Buccaneers to win and advance to Round 2.
Score Prediction: Buccaneers 34, Commanders 31
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams
Spread: Vikings -1.5
Total: 47.5
The Minnesota Vikings won 14 games but find themselves on the road in Round 1 of the playoffs. Worse yet, they’ll take on the Los Angeles Rams, one of the two teams to beat them during the regular season. However, the Vikings are one of the most balanced teams in the league, despite what we saw last Sunday night. And they will be a tough out for whoever they play in the postseason.
The Rams effectively took last week off, sitting all of their key players against the Seahawks. A healthy Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua give them a chance in any game, but their secondary could be a major issue on Monday night. They just don’t have the defensive backs to matchup with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, which means this game could turn into a shootout.
It’s hard not to take the Rams at home with a healthy Stafford, but the Vikings are one of the league’s best-coached teams and have significantly more talent on both sides of the ball. Look for Minnesota to take care of business and win on the road, setting up a rematch with the Lions in Round 2.
Score Prediction: Vikings 31, Rams 27
