One of the most anticipated times of the sports calendar is upon us, as the NFL postseason kicks off this weekend with the new and improved Wild Card round. With the new playoff format, there are now two extra games to look forward to.
Wild Card Weekend gets underway Saturday afternoon with the Buffalo Bills hosting the Indianapolis Colts, and it concludes Sunday night when the Steelers host the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns, who are making their first playoff appearance since 2002.
It will be a busy weekend of NFL betting action, and opening lines have already been released for all six games.
All lines and odds are FanDuel Sportsbook.
NFL Wild Card Weekend Betting Odds
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills (Saturday 1:05 pm ET, CBS)
- Spread: Indianapolis +7 (-118) | Buffalo -7 (-104)
- Moneyline: Indianapolis +260 | Buffalo -320
- Total: Over 52 (-110) | Under 52 (-110)
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (Saturday 4:40 pm ET, FOX)
- Spread: Los Angeles +4.5 (-110) | Seattle -4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +190 | Seattle -230
- Total: Over 42.5 (-110) | Under 42.5 (-110)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Football Team (Saturday 8:15 pm ET, NBC)
- Spread: Tampa Bay -8.5 (-115) | Washington +8.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay -450 | Washington +350
- Total: Over 46.5 (-110) | Under 46.5 (-110)
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans (Sunday 1:05 pm ET, ESPN/ABC)
- Spread: Baltimore -3.5 (-110) | Tennessee +3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Baltimore -200 | Tennessee +168
- Total: Over 54.5 (-106) | Under 54.5 (-114)
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints (Sunday 4:40 pm ET, CBS)
- Spread: Chicago +9.5 (-105) | New Orleans -9.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Chicago +360 | New Orleans -460
- Total: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (8:15 pm ET, NBC)
- Spread: Cleveland +4 (-104) | Pittsburgh -4 (-116)
- Moneyline: Cleveland +180 | Pittsburgh -215
- Total: Over 46.5 (-110) | Under 46.5 (-110)
Are the Steelers and Seahawks Being Underestimated?
The most notable spread might be Pittsburgh’s edge over Cleveland. Familiarity can be factored in, as can Pittsburgh’s 1-4 finish. However, the Steelers beat the Browns 38-7 at home in Week 6, and only one of their four losses was at home, where they are 7-1. That line could see some favorable movement for the Steelers.
The Seahawks-Rams spread could also significantly shift in favor of the home team. Rams QB Jared Goff, who broke his thumb at Seattle in Week 16, missed Sunday’s playoff-clinching win over Arizona and may not return for Wild Card Weekend. Backup John Wolford fared well against the Cardinals, but the playoffs are a different story, especially against a team like Seattle.
Speaking of movement, the total in that game could see some downward movement. The Rams and Seahawks played two low-scoring games in the regular season, the Rams’ 23-16 home win in Week 10 and Seattle’s 20-9 home win in Week 16.
AFC South Rivals Could Be Top Dogs
Wild Card Weekend is often good for an upset, but the likeliest underdog would not be an upset. The Ravens are playing their best football, with five wins in a row since being 6-5. However, the Titans won in overtime in Baltimore in Week 11, a repeat of their divisional round feat last season, when 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson and the top-seeded Ravens seemed primed for a title run.
Among the other underdogs, Indianapolis stands out. The Colts have a hungry, veteran quarterback, a thriving rushing attack, and a stout defense with 25 takeaways. The Bills have had a stellar season, but are they a year early? The Over there should see plenty of action. The Colts scored more points on the road (231) than at home (220), while Buffalo has 142 points in their last three games.
Do Washington and Chicago Have a Shot?
7-9 Washington and 8-8 Chicago are the only two playoff teams without at least 10 wins, and it is unsurprising that both are heavy underdogs. Washington hosts a Buccaneers team with a four-game winning streak. Can they generate enough offense to have a chance? Washington’s defense is not the only top defense that will be on the field.
The Saints could be without Alvin Kamara due to COVID-19 but still have more than enough weapons to see handle the Bears. Chicago did well to reach the playoffs but are over matched. They have only one win this season over a team that finished with a winning record, back in Week 5 against Tampa Bay when the Buccaneers were still trying to find their groove.