As the old saying goes, “Good teams win, great teams cover.” We are back for the Wild Card Round with our picks against the spread! The NFL playoffs are here, and every team here has a shot at winning it all. With so many great teams left, I am expecting several nail-biters across this slate and the entire NFL playoffs.

Below, we will be breaking down our NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread while also going through the NFL Wild Card Round schedule. So without further ado, let's dive in!

 

 

 

NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread + NFL Wild Card Round Schedule Predictions

For the NFL Wild Card Round Schedule, we have all 12 teams playing in 6 games. Each week of the NFL playoffs, we will have fewer and fewer teams in the running for the coveted Lombardi Trophy, so time to lock in! In the following section, you will find my predictions, with my NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread highlighted in bold. All lines are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook:

 

 

 

NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread: Philadelphia Eagles -4.5 (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

Here we are again. The Philadelphia Eagles are set up to make a run. The Niners are no slouches; they are one game removed from playing for the one-seed, but I think the Eagles match up almost perfectly here. 

Health is a big factor in this game. We already know that the 49ers have overcome several injuries throughout the season, playing large chunks of the year without Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and more. And while they are expected to have their offensive playmakers (plus Trent Williams) healthy for this game, they will still be without superstar pass rusher Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, along with every other linebacker that started the year on the 53-man roster. Yikes. Those absences were felt last week when the 49ers' defense allowed Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet to combine for 181 yards on 33 carries. With Saquon Barkley in the Eagles' backfield, the Niners could be facing some deja vu. Plus, the 49ers' pass rush has been bottom of the barrel all season long, ranking 29th in pass rush win rate overall. With Jalen Hurts getting plenty of time in the pocket, thanks to the hopeful return of Lane Johnson, along with a complementary run game, the Niners' defense may struggle to get a stop.

Meanwhile, the 49ers' offense, which was on a roll heading into their Week 18 matchup with the Seahawks, got absolutely shut down, only putting up three points. This Eagles team has been playing like a top 10, possibly even top five unit over the past few weeks. While I do not expect another three-point game from the Niners, I think that the Eagles will be able to slow them down. I think the Eagles are capable of getting up early and maintaining their lead their way in this one. Jalen Hurts likes to save his best for the playoffs, so I like the Eagles to win by a touchdown or more. 

 

 

 

NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread: Chicago Bears +1.5 (-112 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

There is literally nothing better than getting part three of the oldest rivalry in football, this time, with playoffs on the line. Bears vs. Packers. The last time these two teams faced off, the Bears won in miracle fashion, thanks to the help of a fourth-down pass, an onside kick, and a brilliant throw from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore. Absolute cinema. This time around, though, I think the Bears can once again get the win, but without all the dramatics. 

Right now, it is looking like Soldier Field will be getting some snow. In my eyes, this plays right into the Bears' game script. Not only do the Chicago Bears have the stronger run game (ranked third compared to Green Bay's 15th-ranked run game), but they also have the most opportunistic defense in the entire NFL, leading the league in turnovers. This has allowed the Bears to finish the season number one in point differential. With the conditions playing a role in this one, I would tend to lean towards a team that can consistently move the chains by keeping the ball on the ground, along with creating extra opportunities thanks to a wet ball, tough sightlines, or whatever else the snow can throw at these players. Add in the question of who can throw the better ball through the wind and snow, and nothing against Jordan Love, but I would give another tick toward Caleb Williams and the Bears.

Take away the snow, and I might lean toward picking the Packers here, especially since they could be getting Zach Tom back, who is a game-changer along the offensive line, but with the Bears getting reinforcements as well (Rome Odunze, Ozzie Trapillo, and Kyler Gordon most notibly), along with the home field advantage, and I expect the Bears to at the very least cover the 1.5-point spread, if not win outright.  

 

 

 

How to Bet on NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread with Today's DraftKings Promo

Looking to tail our NFL Wild Card Round Picks Against The Spread? Well, look no further than DraftKings Sportsbook, where you can take advantage of today’s DraftKings promo for the NFL, where you’ll be unlocking a welcome bonus valued at $200 that is completely guaranteed! 

Just sign up now to DraftKings Sportsbook, place a bet $5 or more on one of our picks against the spread (or anything else that you would like), and successful or not, you’ll receive $200 worth of bonus bets! You don’t even have to worry about it winning!

 

 

 

NFL Wild Card Round Schedule

To make sure you get your NFL Wild Card Round Picks in before kickoff, we have listed when each game will be played for your convenience:

Saturday Slate (January 10th):

  • Rams vs. Panthers (4:30 PM ET)
  • Packers vs. Bears (8:00 PM ET)

Sunday Slate (January 11th):

  • Bills vs. Jaguars (1:00 PM ET)
  • 49ers vs. Eagles (4:30 PM ET)
  • Chargers vs. Patriots (8:00 PM ET)

Monday Night Football (January 12th, 8:15 PM ET):

  • Texans vs. Steelers

Be sure to come back and check out our NFL Wild Card Round Picks Straight Up, or take advantage of our DraftKings promo by signing up now!