NFL Playoffs: Picks For Every Wild Card Game

The Los Angeles Rams come into this one as 10.5-point favorites over the Carolina Panthers. Looking at the teams on paper, the Rams hold a noticeable advantage, but the Panthers have been streaky all season and can definitely make things interesting.

In Week 13, Carolina actually beat the Rams 31-28 in Charlotte. Matt Stafford had a rough day, turning the ball over three times and getting sacked twice.

Even so, I’m going with Rams 27, Panthers 13. I think the Panthers will hang around in the first half, especially with the boost from their home crowd. But eventually, the Rams’ talent and experience will take over sometime in the third quarter, and they’ll pull away for the road win.

Packers Vs. Bears

This matchup is very intriguing, especially considering how these two teams split the regular season series.

The Green Bay Packers enter this game more hobbled and uncertain than the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Jordan Love hasn’t played since Week 16 against the Bears, when he left the game in the second quarter. On top of that, the Packers will be without superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 15.

That being said, this game is still tough to predict. These teams know each other very well, and the Bears’ inexperience adds another layer of uncertainty.

I’m leaning toward Bears 23, Packers 20 in what should be a classic NFC North slugfest. I expect quarterback Caleb Williams to rise to the occasion, and the Bears’ defense to do just enough, as it has all season, to hold off Green Bay.

Bills Vs. Jaguars

This matchup shapes up to be one of the most exciting games of the weekend. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills finally have a chance to make a deep playoff run without facing Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, though, aren’t going to make that easy. Under new head coach Liam Coen, Jacksonville has ascended in just one season. The Jaguars enter this game riding an eight-game win streak and an AFC South title.

Buffalo finished the season 12-5, but they haven’t been as dominant as in past years. Their defense ranks in the bottom five of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. That weakness could be costly against a Jaguars team that has run the ball efficiently all season. Travis Etienne racked up 1,107 rushing yards, while quarterback Trevor Lawrence has added nine rushing touchdowns of his own.

While the safe pick would be to trust Josh Allen and Buffalo’s experience, this feels like a tough draw for the Bills. I’m taking the Jaguars 30, Bills 27. Expect Jacksonville to have a smart defensive game plan to limit Allen and running back James Cook, while the offense does just enough to secure a home playoff victory.

49ers Vs. Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles enter this matchup as 4.5-point favorites over the visiting San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco has been hit hard by injuries all season, missing key defensive players and offensive playmakers throughout the year.

The Eagles, meanwhile, have battled their own setbacks along the offensive line and stumbled at times during the regular season. Still, even in a somewhat down year, Philadelphia finished 11-6 and won the NFC East once again.

The biggest question in this game is what kind of offense Philadelphia will bring. They have the potential to be dynamic, especially against a struggling 49ers defense, but this season, they have often been lackluster.

I’m going with Eagles 17, 49ers 14 in what should be a slow-paced, grind-it-out game. If Philadelphia can force San Francisco into a methodical, physical style of play, the 49ers’ injuries may make it difficult for them to keep up as the game goes on.

Chargers Vs. Patriots

In the Sunday-night capper, the Los Angeles Chargers travel across the country to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to face the New England Patriots.

The Patriots enter as slight favorites at 3.5 points and will host their first playoff game since 2020. The Chargers have been a steady team all season, playing tough defense and doing just enough on offense to sneak out wins. Their offensive line has struggled, though, and starting quarterback Justin Herbert has been playing through a broken hand since Week 13.

The Chargers’ defense should be able to challenge Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense at times, keeping the game competitive. Eventually, though, the offense will need to put points on the board.

I’m going with Patriots 28, Chargers 17. The Patriots’ offense is too dynamic to be contained for four quarters, and their defense has been solid at key points throughout the season.

Texans Vs. Steelers

It seemed destined for Aaron Rodgers to will the Pittsburgh Steelers into the playoffs, but the celebration won’t last long. The hungry Houston Texans come to town Monday night as 3-point favorites.

The Steelers’ season has been defined by inconsistency. At times, the defense carries the team to victory, and at other times, the offense steps up. Rarely have both units clicked at the same time.

The Texans, meanwhile, won 12 games almost entirely on the strength of their defense, which allowed the fewest yards per game in the NFL this season. Their offense hasn’t been as dominant, but it has enough playmakers to put points on the board.

If quarterback CJ Stroud can limit turnovers, Houston should come out on top. If not, Pittsburgh has a solid shot, especially at home. I’m going with Texans 24, Steelers 20 in what should be an exciting finish to Wild Card Weekend.

End Of My NFL Playoffs Rant

The 2025 NFL Playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most wide-open races in recent memory. With Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs out of the picture, it truly feels like any team has a chance to win it all.

The first game of Wild Card Weekend features the Rams taking on the Panthers on January 10 at 4:30 p.m. on FOX.