NFL Wild Card Predictions | Sunday Picks Today, Best Bets
Grant White
Host · Writer
After 18 exciting weeks, the 2024 NFL regular season has ended. Only four rounds separate the 14 remaining teams from a Super Bowl Championship. That march starts with an exciting Super Wild Card Weekend slate.
We’ve got you covered for betting purposes, highlighting our favorite wagers for this week’s NFL action.
Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills
Broncos vs Bills Matchup Page
Spread: Broncos +8.5 (-108) | Bills -8.5 (-112)
Moneyline: Broncos +350 | Bills -460
Total: OVER 47.5 (-110) | UNDER 47.5 (-110)
The Buffalo Bills couldn’t do enough to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC. That means the Bills are forced to take the long way to the Super Bowl, starting with Sunday’s clash versus the upstart Denver Broncos.
Many thought the Bills would struggle at the start of the season, but those concerns were quickly dismissed. Buffalo’s offseason adjustment paid dividends, with their passing and ground games thriving since Week 1. They ended the season with the second-ranked scoring offense, finishing in the top ten in passing and rushing yards per game.
While Denver’s defense was the foundation of its early success, we’ve seen it falter more recently. The Broncos have given up 30 or more points in three of their past five, with their worst performances coming on the road. Still, their offense has been able to offset some of those shortcomings by maximizing production and improving their scoring efficiency.
Buffalo’s strength lies on the offensive side of the ball, and its pass defense will continue to be a liability. Consequently, we see points being scored early and often, with this Wild Card showdown easily going over the total.
NFL Best Bet: Over 47.5 -110
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Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Commanders vs Buccaneers Matchup Page
Spread: Commanders +3 (-115) | Buccaneers -3 (-105)
Moneyline: Commanders +138 | Buccaneers -166
Total: OVER 50.5 (-105) | UNDER 50.5 (-115)
We’re anticipating another shootout in the Sunday nighter as the Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers unleash their respective offenses against lackluster defenses.
Washington’s defensive struggles have fallen off most people’s radars recently. Still, this team struggles to contain opponents. They gave up a concerning amount of rushing yards this season, allowing opponents to churn out 137.5 yards per game. Further, their pass defense has started to erode, allowing 447 across their last two regular-season games. Baker Mayfield has rekindled his career in a Bucs jersey. His efficacy is complemented by the emergence of Bucky Irving, which should allow the Bucs to run rampant at home.
However, the Bucs don’t possess the defensive faculties to limit a dangerous Commanders attack. The NFC South winners allowed an average of 360.4 yards per game this season, relegating them to the league’s bottom half. Jayden Daniels has spent his rookie season building chemistry with his top pass-catchers. His quick development and rushing ability will allow Washington to move the ball efficiently at Raymond James Stadium.
The Bucs and Commanders should spend most of their contest exchanging scoring chances, and we don’t expect either team to miss on those opportunities. As a result, this one should make its way over 50.5 points.
NFL Best Bet: Over 50.5 -105
Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles
Packers vs Eagles Matchup Page
Spread: Packers +4.5 (-105) | Eagles -4.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Packers +198 | Eagles -240
Total: OVER 45.5 (-105) | UNDER 45.5 (-115)
Injuries to both starting quarterbacks have clouded the outlook for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round. Offensive efficiency could be compromised as both teams are expected to deploy their starters on Sunday. That could render this game closer than anticipated, in what should quickly turn into a defensive slugfest.
Philadephia’s offense stole all the credit this season, but let’s take the time to recognize the Eagles’ defense for what they were. Led by Zack Baun, this unit ranked first in total and passing defense, falling to second in scoring and third in third down conversion percentage. With Jordan Love dealing with a throwing arm injury and a few other missing pieces, those metrics could look even better after this contest.
Still, we can’t discount the Packers’ defense. Green Bay asserted itself as a defensive force this season, limiting opponents to an average of 332.2 yards and 19.9 points per game, ranking in the top six in both categories. Moreover, we saw those benchmarks improve in the latter stages of the campaign, falling to 287.0 and 17.0, respectively.
This contest should end up being a defensive slugfest. Along that vein, we like the Packers’ chances of covering +4.5, with this one staying under the total.
NFL Best Bet: Packers +4.5 -105, Under 45.5 -115
