Wild Card Weekend Picks | Predictions For Sunday’s NFL Games

Wild Card Weekend is upon us, and NFL fans all over are being blessed with six games instead of just the customary four. 

More games means more wagering options, and online sportsbooks in New Jersey and plenty of other states have tons of markets available to choose from for those looking to get in on the action. Whether you’re looking for conventional spreads and totals, or looking for props…these sites have something for everyone. 

We’ve already gone through Saturday’s Wild Card games, so below we’re going to preview each of Sunday’s matchups and offer picks on the spread and total, along with a prop selection for each. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Ravens vs. Titans Predictions | Wild Card NFL Picks

In a rematch from last year’s Divisional Round matchup, the Titans are taking on the Ravens. The difference this time around is that Tennessee is at home but despite that, Baltimore is a 3-point favorite while the total is at 54.5 points. 

Between what happened last year (a stunning 28-12 Titans win) and the fact that everyone loves a home underdog in the playoffs, this has Tennessee written all over it. But one major difference is that the Titans’ defense this season is absolutely horrendous, and Baltimore hasn’t spent the last round just loafing around waiting for the postseason this year. 

Perhaps this is a mistake, but I see Tennessee as a bit fraudulent. They’re a good team with a great offense, but A.J. Brown is banged up and the defense just can’t make timely stops. Yes, they beat Baltimore this season already, but it will be hard to do again and the Ravens are 5-1 since.

The Ravens are up to 3.5 points at plenty of sites and that hook could wind up making a big difference. If you’re taking Baltimore, try to secure the -3, even if you’re paying a bit more juice. As for the total: these teams can score, but Wild Card games skew toward the under and despite public backing, the under hasn’t budged and is seeing more of the handle than bets.

Our prop bet is going to be centered around Lamar Jackson, who has struggled in the postseason up until this point. With that said, the Titans allowed the second-most passing touchdowns per game this season, and there’s value on Lamar going over 1.5 here. 

Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3 (-118), Under 54.5 Points (-107)

Prop: Lamar Jackson Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (+120)

Bears vs. Saints Picks | Wild Card Predictions

New Orleans won the NFC South but didn’t get a bye, so they’re hosting the lowest seed in the conference, which is the Chicago Bears. The Saints are 10-point favorites and the total is at 47.5 for this matchup at the Superdome on Sunday afternoon. 

Congrats to the Bears on making the postseason. There’s nothing to apologize for even if this team isn’t really playoff-worthy in a normal season. With that said, Chicago is backing in and that’s never something anyone wants to do. 

After losing two straight in December, the Saints have done well to erase the doubt that came with Drew Brees’ return from multiple rib injuries. Alvin Kamara will play, as will several players who have missed some time, and that’s good news. The Bears’ strong defense won’t be enough to contain New Orleans for 60 minutes and while Chicago’s offense has been better of late, playing catch-up with the Saints is no easy task. 

As for the total, the under appears to be getting tons of sharp action. We’re big proponents of Wild Card games tending to have less points than regular-season matchups, but we’re actually going with the over here. With no weather concerns and the likelihood Chicago needs to take some chances, we think this can get to 48. 

For our prop bet, we’re looking at Alvin Kamara because, why not? There’s not much value in picking Kamara to score just one touchdown (-225), so consider him to score the first one (+400) and/or score twice in the game (+180). 

Pick: New Orleans Saints -9.5 (-121), Over 47.5 Points (-106)

Prop: Alvin Kamara First TD Scorer (+400), Kamara To Score 2+ Touchdowns (+180)

Browns vs. Steelers Predictions | NFL Wild Card Betting Picks

The Browns are in the playoffs for the first time in two decades but are now dealing with several players on the COVID list along with the head coach having to miss the game. As a result, the spread has ballooned to six points and the total is at 47.5 for the final game of the weekend. 

Look, there’s reason to like the Browns. They’re a likeable, plucky underdog that has finally reached the postseason and that alone is something the public loves. But we see the adversity as being too much here. 

We just saw Pittsburgh nearly beat them with plenty of regulars missing and a backup quarterback in the game. Throw in the off-the-field issues and the fact that the Steelers’ defensive front brings a ton of pressure (something Baker Mayfield may struggle with), and the recipe is just right for the home team. 

This total, currently 47.5, is too high. We’re going to have potentially freezing temperatures and a Browns team that is going to try to run the ball, while the Steelers don’t exactly take many deep shots down the field. Both games this season stayed under this total and this one should as well. Take an extra half point to make yourself feel better. 

For our prop bet, we’ll wager that neither team will reach 30 points in this game. DraftKings not only offers the choice for which team will reach a certain total, but there’s also an option to select a tie in that category, which would mean neither team makes it. 

Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -6 (-108), Under 48 Points (-117)

Prop: First To 30 Points: Tie (-129)