As the playoffs approach, it’s time to analyze the 2025 NFL Wild Card odds! There are six Wild Card matchups to handicap, so let’s break it all down and check out what each game has to offer in the opening round of the playoffs.
Below, you can find the latest prices, analysis, prop bets, and my NFL Wild Card predictions and best bets for each clash.
NFL Wild Card 2025 Odds and Betting Lines Overview
The following NFL Wild Card Weekend odds are courtesy of Bovada:
MATCHUP | SPREAD | TOTAL |
---|---|---|
LA Chargers (-160) vs. Houston Texans (+135) | Chargers -3 (+100) Texans +3 (-120) | Over 42.5 (-115) Under 42.5 (-105) |
Pittsburgh Steelers (+375) vs. Baltimore Ravens (-525) | Steelers +10 (-115) Ravens -10 (-105) | Over 43.5 (-105) Under 43.5 (-115) |
Denver Broncos (+355) vs. Buffalo Bills (-490) | Broncos +8.5 (-105) Bills -8.5 (-115) | Over 47 (-110) Under 47 (-110) |
Green Bay Packers (+180) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-220) | Packers +4 (-105) Eagles -4 (-115) | Over 45.5 (-110) Under 45.5 (-110) |
Washington Commanders (+155) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-180) | Commanders +3 (+100) Buccaneers -3 (-120) | Over 50 (-110) Under 50 (-110) |
Minnesota Vikings (-130) vs. LA Rams (+110) | Vikings -1.5 (-110) Rams +1.5 (-110) | Over 47.5 (-115) Under 47.5 (-105) |
The majority of playoff matchups this weekend are projected to be competitive. However, there are a couple of expectations in the AFC.
As 10-point favorites, the Baltimore Ravens are the only double-digit favorite at NFL betting sites this week. Also, the Buffalo Bills are heavy 8.5-point favorites to handle the Denver Broncos in Orchard Park.
Otherwise, the online bookies like the other four games finish within a touchdown. For up-to-date NFL Wild Card Weekend betting lines at Bovada, navigate to All Sports > Football > NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans Odds and Predictions
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
LA Chargers | -3 (+100) | -160 | Over 42.5 (-115) |
Houston Texans | +3 (-120) | +135 | Under 42.5 (-105) |
The Chargers are road favorites over the Texans at NRG Stadium in Texas. Houston entered this season with high expectations, but they didn’t play up to their preseason predictions from pundits. Nevertheless, the Texans did enough to clinch a home playoff game in the Wild Card.
They finished the regular season at 10-7, which was good enough to capture the divisional title in a down year for the AFC South. However, I don’t view this as a good matchup for the Texans. The Chargers are a disciplined squad that doesn’t make many mistakes on either side of the ball.
The mistake-prone Texans likely aren’t going to hold up with their shaky offensive line. They are 29th in the NFL, with an average of 3.2 sacks yielded per game. Before the Texans are a true contender, QB C.J. Stroud needs some help from his pass protectors. It isn’t going to suddenly change in the Wild Card.
Note that the Chargers are tied for sixth in the NFL in sacks per game at 2.7. Expect the defense to give QB Justin Herbert and the offense prime field position often in this one.
In his first year under head coach Jim Harbaugh’s guidance, Herbert passed for 23 touchdowns and three interceptions on 65.9% completions.
The Chargers are no strangers to going on the road and having success. They have covered five consecutive road games and are 7-2-0 against the spread (ATS) overall this season.
Additionally, they are 10-2-0 ATS as a favorite on the point spread. For my NFL Wild Card Weekend predictions, the Chargers are a sharp pick as a field goal favorite at sports betting sites.
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets: Chargers vs. Texans
For Saturday’s matchup at NRG Stadium, there are two props to consider for your 2025 NFL Wild Card betting picks:
Anytime Touchdown: (LAC) J.K. Dobbins (+120)
Look into backing RB J.K. Dobbins to find the end zone for your NFL Wild Card Weekend props. Dobbins is a solid wager at plus odds to score a touchdown. The resilient Chargers’ running back notched nine rushing scores this season.
He has recorded seven touchdowns over the last seven games, so consistency has been his strong suit. Dobbins has been a workhorse for the Chargers recently. He’s had 37 touches over the last two weeks, which likely continues for Harbaugh’s running game in the playoffs.
In short, Dobbins to score a touchdown is one of my best NFL Wild Card 2025 prop bets!
Total Passing Yards: Justin Herbert (LAC) Over 229.5 (-120)
- Over 229.5 (-120)
- Under 229.5 (-110)
Herbert didn’t get the most respect this season, and that appears to continue in the playoffs. The over/under for his passing prop is 229.5 yards, which appears roughly 20 yards too short.
He has thrown for 230+ yards in three consecutive matchups for an average of 303.6 per contest. The Texans are sixth in the NFL, with 201 yards passing allowed per game. However, Patrick Mahomes passed for 260 yards three games back, and even Mac Jones eclipsed 230 yards on the Texans’ secondary!
Divisional matchups against the Jaguars, Colts, and Titans will help skew their defensive numbers. I like Herbert to pass for 250 yards, so the over is a great bet at 229.5.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds and Predictions
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
Pittsburgh Steelers | +10 (-115) | +375 | Over 43.5 (-105) |
Baltimore Ravens | -10 (-105) | -525 | Under 43.5 (-115) |
The Ravens are massive double-digit favorites over the Steelers at home. Pittsburgh enters the playoffs limping on a three-game losing skid, including a 34-17 loss to the Ravens on Dec. 21. It’s been a tough ending to the season for the Steelers, but the 10-7 club has a chance to redeem themselves.
Meanwhile, the Ravens clinched the AFC North after a 12-5 campaign. Although QB Lamar Jackson remains behind QB Josh Allen in the NFL MVP odds, he had a year that is certainly deserving of the award in back-to-back campaigns. Jackson takes on a familiar rival in the Steelers in the opening round of the playoffs.
Despite the late-season tailspin, Mike Tomlin’s team has been a great underdog bet. As underdogs, the Steelers are 6-3-0 ATS this season. Additionally, they went 4-2-0 ATS in divisional games against AFC North opponents. The defense did a good job overall, with 20.4 points allowed per game for eighth in the league.
Jackson typically doesn’t have his best performances against Pittsburgh. He holds just a 73.1 QB rating, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions in eight games.
Tomlin has played Jackson enough by now that he knows how to put a strategy together to at least slow him down. If the Steelers want to win, QB Russell Wilson has to be at his best and on the same page with WR George Pickens.
That said, the Steelers should manage to keep this score close enough. The public will fade Pittsburgh after their recent misfortunes, but I expect Tomlin to have the defense ready to play. Expect Baltimore to win, but 10 points is too much to lay for your NFL Wild Card best bets!
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets: Steelers vs. Ravens
For the second matchup on Saturday, there are a couple of NFL Wild Card Weekend prop bets between the Steelers and Ravens to include on your card:
Total Touchdowns: Pittsburgh Steelers Over 1.5 (-143)
- Over 1.5 (-143)
- Under 1.5 (-105)
Wilson is unlikely to lead the Steelers’ offense up and down the field against the Ravens. However, they should find the end zone twice at M&T Bank Stadium. The Steelers finished the regular season 16th in the NFL, with 22.4 points scored per game.
They notched 2.2 touchdowns per game this season. Although the Ravens’ defense can stop the run, they suffer in the secondary. They’ve conceded 244.1 passing yards per game! I don’t suspect that the Steelers’ offense will go away quietly.
There is decent betting value on over 1.5 touchdowns for the Steelers this week!
Total Passing Yards: Russell Wilson (PIT) Over 203.5 (-115)
- Over 203.5 (-115)
- Under 203.5 (-115)
Following my last point, the Ravens’ secondary is far from elite. Ed Reed isn’t lurking in the secondary for Baltimore any longer, that much is for certain. Wilson and the Steelers’ passing game has faced criticism lately.
However, that’s the nature of having Wilson under center. He is a hot and cold quarterback who has struggled with consistency since leaving Seattle. Wilson wrapped up the regular season with 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
He tossed 200+ yards in two of his last three starts, including 217 versus the Ravens on Dec. 21. In both regular season contests, Wilson recorded more than 204 yards through the air.
Russ to Pickens. What a throw. What a catch. 🎯
📺: #NYGvsPIT on ESPN/ABC/ESPN2
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/zbMQPqm3hF— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2024
Even if Wilson doesn’t have a lights-out performance again, he should reach a minimum of 205 yards. The stout Ravens’ rush defense will force Wilson to keep passing! Consider backing him for over 203.5 passing yards for your NFL Wild Card props this weekend.
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills Odds and Predictions
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
Denver Broncos | +8.5 (-105) | +355 | Over 47 (-110) |
Buffalo Bills | -8.5 (-115) | -490 | Under 47 (-110) |
The Bills are among the teams with the shortest Super Bowl odds. However, they missed out on a bye week and the No. 1 seed in the AFC to the Kansas City Chiefs. Nevertheless, this is a talented squad, and it’s reflected in the NFL Wild Card odds on betting apps this week!
Bills’ QB Josh Allen has the numbers to back up his MVP season. He passed for 28 touchdowns and six interceptions on 63.6% completions. The former Wyoming product’s legs held up for him, too. Allen gained 531 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
The Broncos have a big challenge on the road in Orchard Park. Nevertheless, Denver’s defense has the talent to give the Bills issues. Denver finished third in the NFL, yielding an average of 18.3 points per game. Additionally, the Broncos lead the NFL with 3.7 sacks per game!
It’s by far the most underrated defense in the league and I expect results for this motivated group. Broncos’ rookie QB Bo Nix wasn’t able to beat the Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels, but it was a strong year for the No. 12 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nix passed for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on 66.3% completions. As a mobile quarterback, the former Oregon star does a lot of the same things Allen does on the football field.
The Broncos were one of the better bets in the NFL this season. Overall, Denver went 12-5 ATS and 6-3-0 ATS on the road. I’m expecting the Broncos to give the Bills all that they can handle, so +8.5 is a strong bet against the spread!
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets: Broncos vs. Bills
There is one prop in the Broncos vs. Bills that I have circled for my NFL Wild Card Weekend betting picks. Let’s check it out below before getting into the next matchup:
Total Rushing Yards: Bo Nix (DEN) Over 22.5 (-120)
- Over 22.5 (-120)
- Under 22.5 (-110)
This total is certainly low enough to warrant a play on Nix over 22.5 rushing yards. His mobility is one of the major reasons why he was drafted with the No. 12 pick.
When the pocket breaks down, he is fully capable of taking off for the first down markers. Nix ran for 430 yards and four touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry. He has notched 23 rushing yards or more in four consecutive games.
More. Bo Nix. Runs. pic.twitter.com/l58NedlK3P
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) January 6, 2025
In his latest outing, Nix finished with 47 yards on seven attempts versus the Chiefs. In a must-win game and his first-ever playoff experience, expect Nix to put his head down and run his heart out.
With this in mind, over 22.5 rushing yards on Nix is my top prop bet for the Broncos vs. Bills.
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds and Predictions
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
Green Bay Packers | +4 (-105) | +180 | Over 45.5 (-110) |
Philadelphia Eagles | -4 (-115) | -220 | Under 45.5 (-110) |
The Packers and Eagles clash again after their meeting in Brazil to open the 2024 regular season. That was an entertaining matchup, with the Eagles prevailing for a 34-29 victory. RB Saquon Barkley made an impact right out of the gate for the Eagles.
He ran for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the winning effort. It was a sign of things to come, as Barkley was unstoppable against the vast majority of opponents. Despite coming short of the NFL record, Barkley led the NFL in rushing and had a fantastic campaign in his first year in Philadelphia.
As a team, the Eagles finished eighth with 367.2 yards per game. They dominated on the ground with 179.3 rushing yards this season. Any team that can run the ball effectively should have success in the postseason. Controlling the clock and winning the time of possession is important.
I expect Barkley to have a huge showing at Lincoln Financial Field, so keep that in mind! Packers’ QB Jordan Love isn’t making mistakes and throwing interceptions. That said, he hasn’t been a difference-maker recently.
After failing to pass for 200+ yards in three consecutive weeks, and getting fewer than 60% completions in two of the last three, Love isn’t entering with much momentum.
Now, the QB will have to wake up against the top-rated defense in the league. The Eagles led the NFL in the regular season, with 278.4 yards against per game.
I suggest backing the Eagles minus the points for your NFL Wild Card Weekend best bets!
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets: Packers vs. Eagles
Before finalizing your NFL betting strategy for Wild Card Weekend, consider checking out a couple of prop bets in Philadelphia:
Total Rushing Yards: Saquon Barkley (PHI) Over 98.5 (-115)
- Over 98.5 (-115)
- Under 98.5 (-115)
Barkley concluded the regular season with 2,005 rushing yards on 5.8 yards per carry. He chipped in with 13 touchdowns in a career year for Barkley.
After leaving the Giants’ dysfunctional organization and going to a squad with one of the best offensive lines in football, it wasn’t shocking to see him run for miles.
The Packers offer a fairly capable defense, but I don’t foresee Barkley being stopped. He is running with a purpose, and there’s a terrific offensive line carving up paths for him. Note that Barkley has gained more than 100 yards rushing in six of the last seven weeks and nine of the previous 11.
Barkley over 98.5 rushing yards is worth a look for your NFL Wild Card picks.
Total Rushing Yards: Josh Jacobs (GB) Under 70.5 (-120)
- Over 70.5 (-110)
- Under 70.5 (-120)
On the opposite side, RB Josh Jacobs’ rushing prop bet is a solid pick, too. However, instead of the over, I am interested in the under against the Eagles. Jacobs has slowed down after a quick start in his first year with the Packers.
He hasn’t reached 100 yards since gaining 106 yards against the 49ers on Nov. 24. The former Raider has failed to eclipse 70 yards in five of his last six starts.
Additionally, the Eagles are solid against the run, with 104.2 rushing yards swallowed per game. Also, the Packers will likely get behind early and lean heavily on the passing game.
Consider Barkley for the over, and Jacobs for the under in Philadelphia this week!
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds and Predictions
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
Washington Commanders | +3 (+100) | +155 | Over 50 (-110) |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | -3 (-120) | -180 | Under 50 (-110) |
In what should be an entertaining ball game between two explosive offenses, the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off at Raymond James Stadium. The Commanders’ QB is well on his way to capturing the NFL Rookie of the Year award, but can he lead his team to a playoff win in Tampa?
Daniels appears to have several playoff wins in his future. However, it could be tough in his first postseason appearance on the road. Before I have confidence in the Commanders, they will have to add some strength to their defensive line.
Right now, teams are slicing through their front seven and consistently getting yardage on the ground. The Commanders are 30th against the run, with only the Saints and Panthers worse.
It’s a poor matchup for the Commanders, as the Buccaneers love to run the ball to set up the pass. Tampa also still has a strong passing game and weapons for QB Baker Mayfield.
Tampa is fourth in the NFL, with 149.2 rushing yards per game. Look for the Buccaneers to establish a ground game and play keep away from Daniels. The Bucs’ defense has been playing great recently. They held the Saints, Panthers, and Chargers all under 20 points in three of their last four games. Daniels has many wins in his future, but I like Mayfield and the Buccaneers to take this. Consider backing the Buccaneers against the spread in a 27-20 final at home!
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets: Commanders vs. Buccaneers
One prop bet for the Commanders vs. Buccaneers caught my attention, so let’s dive right into this one for Sunday night:
Total Rushing Yards: Bucky Irving (TB) Over 85.5 (-115)
- Over 85.5 (-115)
- Under 85.5 (-115)
RB Bucky Irving is getting a short number here, so I think he’s worth considering for your NFL Wild Card Weekend 2025 prop bets! I have Irving’s number at 95 yards, so there is value to be had on offshore sportsbooks.
He has added some fantastic starts to his resume recently. Irving has run for at least 113 yards in three of his last six games. Additionally, the Buccaneers’ running back has surpassed 85 yards in three of the last four games.
Bucky Irving big run!
📺: #TBvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/4VSdL1yzfO— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2024
Now, against a vulnerable Washington front seven, the leading rookie should have more room to run. The Commanders have had success in the secondary on defense. Mayfield is unlikely to throw the ball 40+ times, so the game plan for the Bucs will center around the ground.
In short, Irving over 85.5 is one of the best NFL Wild Card props this week!
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds and Predictions
TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
---|---|---|---|
Minnesota Vikings | -1.5 (-110) | -130 | Over 47.5 (-110) |
LA Rams | +1.5 (-110) | +110 | Under 47.5 (-110) |
In the final Wild Card Weekend matchup, the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams meet on Sunday night. The Vikings must be feeling demoralized after getting blown out against the Detroit Lions for the NFC North.
Despite the Lions operating with a banged-up defense, the Vikings were chased off the field in a 31-9 loss! QB Sam Darnold looked lost and more like the quarterback we saw with the Jets. He is a play who depends on momentum and confidence, so he may have lost a big chunk of it in that defeat.
So, instead of getting the week off with a bye week, the Vikings travel to the West Coast for a matchup against the NFC West champs. The Rams finished the season at 10-7, and if it weren’t for a host of injuries to their offense, they likely would’ve won at least two more games.
QB Matthew Stafford was working with a skeleton crew when WR Cooper Kupp and WR Puka Nacua were absent. In addition to the receivers, Stafford’s offensive line was in shambles. The Rams ended up making it work, though. They finished strong and earned homefield advantage.
Stafford has been here before, and I expect the experience advantage to pay off considerably for the Rams.
On the other hand, Darnold is still reeling following the loss to the Lions. Despite a 14-3 campaign, I have the Vikings going home early! Consider backing the Rams +1.5 as a home dog for your 2025 NFL Wild Card best bets.
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets: Vikings vs. Rams
Let’s wrap up our NFL Wild Card 2025 betting picks with two Vikings vs. Rams prop bets for Monday night:
Total Touchdowns: Los Angeles Rams Over 2.5 (-110)
- Over 2.5 (-110)
- Under 2.5 (-120)
When they are healthy, the Rams’ offense is one of the tougher units to slow down in the NFL. Stafford has a plethora of experience and rapport in the offense with his weapons. The Rams scored 21.6 points per game for an average of slightly over three touchdowns per game.
And, again, they didn’t have a healthy offense for a good stretch this season. The offense might have appeared slow in the final weeks, but they didn’t need to turn it up against the Cardinals, Rams, and Jets. The Rams won all those games on defense.
I expect them to need more in the playoffs, so three or four touchdowns appears accurate. Back the Rams over 2.5 touchdowns against the Vikings!
Total Receptions: Puka Nacua (LA) Over 7.5 (-145)
- Over 7.5 (-145)
- Under 7.5 (+110)
Nacua has been a reception machine for the Rams. He took on the Kupp role as soon as the veteran receiver started to miss a beat. It’s worked out seamlessly for Stafford and the Rams.
Even though he missed six games, Nacua finished with 990 yards and 79 receptions. The receiver was busy to close out the regular season, as he hauled in 37 receptions over the last four games!
The last time Puka Nacua played in a playoff game:
• 9 receptions on 10 targets
• 20.11 yards per reception
• 182 yards (most by a rookie in a post-season game EVER)
• 1 TD pic.twitter.com/CRFOexljMW— Rams Bros. (@RamsBrothers) January 7, 2025
He failed to record eight or more catches in just one of those matchups. In the Wild Card against the Vikings, expect Nacua to shine in the passing game. Stafford will look in his direction early and often, so consider the over 7.5!