The NFL regular season has concluded, leaving us with a postseason bracket that perfectly blends historic rivalries with new-age superstar matchups. As the road to Super Bowl LX begins, the 2026 Wild Card Weekend offers a betting board defined by massive spreads in the NFC and razor-thin margins in the AFC.
From rookie phenoms making their playoff debuts to veteran MVPs looking to cement their legacies, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Whether you’re looking for a safe “lock” or a live underdog to spark a parlay, we’ve broken down all six matchups to help you find the edge. Here is your comprehensive guide to the first round of betting on the NFL Playoffs.
January 10, 2026 – 4:30 PM
Los Angeles Rams @ Carolina Panthers
Spread: Rams -10.0 (-115), Panthers +10.0 (-105)
Moneyline: Rams -550, Panthers +390
Total: Over 46.5 (-110), Under 46.5 (-110)
The Rams enter the postseason as the league’s top-ranked scoring offense, led by MVP favorite Matthew Stafford. Despite being the road team, they are heavy favorites against a Panthers squad that limped into the playoffs with a 1-3 finish and a -69 point differential.
Carolina’s defense will struggle to contain Kyren Williams and a potent passing attack. While a 10-point playoff point spread is steep, the talent gap is too broad.
Prediction: Rams Cover
January 10, 2026 – 8:00 PM
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Spread: Packers -1.0 (-105), Bears +1.0 (-115)
Moneyline: Packers -110, Bears -110
Total: Over 45.5 (-110), Under 45.5 (-110)
This historic rivalry takes center stage as Caleb Williams makes his playoff debut. Chicago enters as the No. 2 seed, but metrics suggest they are overvalued; they rank 16th in DVOA compared to Green Bay’s 7th.
Jordan Love has historically dominated this matchup, and the Packers’ offense is peaking at the right time. Expect a tight, physical game where Green Bay’s experience and superior efficiency in the passing game provide the slight edge.
Prediction: Packers Cover
January 11, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: Bills -1.0 (-105), Jaguars +1.0 (-115)
Moneyline: Bills -115, Jaguars -105
Total: Over 51.5 (-110), Under 51.5 (-110)
The Jaguars are the hottest team in the AFC, riding an eight-game winning streak into the postseason. Trevor Lawrence has found a rhythm, and Jacksonville boasts a 7-2 home record. Meanwhile, Buffalo is forced onto the road after losing their division title late.
While Josh Allen is always a threat, Jacksonville’s momentum and “home underdog” energy are hard to ignore. This high-total game favors the team that can sustain drives.
Prediction: Bills Cover
January 11, 2026 – 4:30 PM
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: 49ers +5.0 (-110), Eagles -5.0 (-110)
Moneyline: 49ers +195, Eagles -235
Total: Over 45.0 (-110), Under 45.0 (-110)
A rematch of the 2022 NFC Championship finds the defending champion Eagles hosting a 12-win 49ers team. San Francisco’s defense is missing stars like Nick Bosa, which is trouble against Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts. However, Kyle Shanahan’s offense remains explosive with Christian McCaffrey.
The 5-point spread feels high for two evenly matched giants; expect a defensive battle that stays within a field goal, with the Niners late for a cover.
Prediction: 49ers Cover
January 11, 2026 – 8:00 PM
Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
Spread: Chargers +3.5 (-110), Patriots -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Chargers +170, Patriots -200
Total: Over 46.0 (-110), Under 46.0 (-110)
The Patriots secured the No. 2 seed behind second-year star Drake Maye, who faces a master of disguise in Chargers DC Jesse Minter. The Chargers are decimated on the offensive line, losing both starting tackles, which plays right into New England’s defensive strengths.
Justin Herbert will have to play hero ball to keep this close in the Foxborough cold. The Patriots’ balanced attack and home-field advantage should see them cover the hook.
Prediction: Patriots Cover
January 12, 2026 – 8:15 PM
Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Texans -3.5 (-110), Steelers +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Texans -195, Steelers +165
Total: Over 39.5 (-110), Under 39.5 (-110)
This is a clash of identities: the Texans’ No. 1-ranked defense against Mike Tomlin’s gritty, playoff-tested Steelers. While Houston is the better team on paper, Pittsburgh is notoriously difficult to beat at home in primetime.
The Texans’ offense has struggled to run the ball lately, which could lead to a low-scoring “slugfest” where T.J. Watt can take over. In a game with a tiny total of 39.5, take the points.
Prediction: Texans Cover
Bovada Sportsbook (review) | Los Angeles Times
