NFL Wild Card Sunday Game Picks, Predictions, & Betting Odds

Wild Card Sunday in the NFL starts off with Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos trying to upset the Buffalo Bills. We then head to Philly where the Eagles will take on the Green Bay Packers. The entree will be what promises to be a thriller between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Washington Commanders. Let’s dive into our predictions and game picks for the Sunday slate.

NFL Wild Card Sunday Game Picks & Predictions - January 12

All odds provided by Betway.

Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills - Sunday at 1PM on CBS

The spread we’re getting here from online betting sites is a bit surprising. This Broncos defense is no joke. They’re 3rd in points allowed and seventh in yards allowed. They also give up under 100 rushing yards per game. Josh Allen’s going to need to spread it around to his bevy of quality pass-catchers, because Patrick Surtain is likely to take away whoever the Broncos deem his favorite target on the outside.

The Broncos haven’t been at their best when they’ve been on the road this year. They were just 4-5 away from Mile High, going 6-2 when they had that thin air advantage. They did go 6-3 ATS on the road, however, so there is something to be said about their spread here, which seems far too large for a team that’s only lost one game by more than one score all year. If you’ve got to bet a spread, take the Broncos in this one.

However, we think the over is actually a better shout. Denver’s offense is more potent than you think: they’ve scored 24+ in six straight games. They’ve also allowed 30+ in three of the last four games they played against starters. Buffalo, meanwhile, has scored 30+ in eight of their last nine games discounting Week 18.

We also like both Javonte Williams and James Cook to put in work in the passing game. Both these teams are top 10 in pressure percentage on defense—which means quicker throws—and both are bottom 10 in receiving yards allowed to RBs per game. Luckily, both backs also have very reasonable lines, with Williams sitting at 14.5 and Cook sitting at 12.5. 

Game Pick: Buffalo Bills

Best Bet: Broncos +8.5 Point Spread/Game Total Over 47.5

Player Prop: Javonte Williams Over 14.5 Receiving Yards/James Cook Over 12.5 Receiving Yards

Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles - Sunday at 4:30PM on Fox

In the first of two Week 1 rematches on Sunday, the well-rested Eagles welcome the ailing Packers to town. QB Jordan Love’s status was up in the air for much of the week. Luckily for Green Bay, he’s good to go, though he was limited in practice as recently as Wednesday.

The fact that the injury is to Love’s throwing elbow is worrying. One awkward hit and Love could be back on the shelf, which is something to consider when putting a bet down for this one. No doubt the Eagles will do all they can to ensure they’re getting mitts on Love every time he drops back.

With that being said, we like the Eagles. Jalen Hurts is out of the concussion protocol so he’s at 100 percent, and the rest of the guys got an extra week up to heal what ails them. We believe they’re going to come out and dominate this game, healthy Love or not, and impose their will on them in the running game. Five points is never a great spread to bet, but we’ll take it here for the Birds.

As far as player props go, there are a couple of touchdown magnets in this one. Josh Jacobs has scored in 10 of his last 11 games, and Jalen Hurts has run one in (or been tush pushed) in eight of his last 10. Somehow, both are offering -110 odds for the anytime TD scorer prop, so scoop those up ASAP.

Game Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Best Bet: Eagles -5.0

Player Prop: Josh Jacobs ATD/Jalen Hurts ATD

Washington Commanders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sunday at 8PM on NBC

No matter how good a rookie is in the regular season, the pressure is simply different in the playoffs. Jayden Daniels said he was more nervous for his Week 1 matchup with the Bucs than for any other game in his life. You think he’s nervous for this one? 

A playoff debut is no small thing, especially for a rookie QB. When a rookie QB’s NFL playoff debut comes on the road, they’re 3-14 all-time. That’s a tough trend to overcome, especially considering the Commanders only won one game against a playoff team this season. Tampa has won four against such teams. It’s experience over talent here for us, so take the Bucs spread.

Washington also enters with the worst run defense in this playoff field. We expect Daniels to be a bit antsy to start, which should help Tampa get an early lead, after which they can let Bucky Irving do his thing. The rookie running back’s prop has risen by four yards over the last couple of days and now sits at 90.5. Get it while it’s hot.

Game Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best Bet: Buccaneers -3.0 Point Spread

Player Prop: Bucky Irving Over 90.5 Rushing Yards