If Week 18 was any indication, NFL bettors need to prepare for an out of control Wild Card Weekend. The first-round schedule spans Saturday to Monday, and there are profitable entry points in virtually every contest. We’ve narrowed it down, highlighting our three favorite wagers for this weekend’s action!
Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Odds
- Spread: BUF -1.5 (-110) | JAX +1.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 51.5 (-110) | Under (-110)
- Moneyline: BUF -120 | JAX +100
The Jacksonville Jaguars have flown under the radar for most of the season. Quietly, the AFC South champs captured their first division crown since 2022 while maximizing output on both sides of the ball. The Buffalo Bills have a loyal following of public money, but they should be outmatched in Jacksonville.
The blueprint to beat the Bills has been laid out for all to see. Contain Josh Allen, and the rest of the offense crumbles. That might be easier said than done, but the Jags possess the defensive specialists to blanket the Bills’ field general.
Jacksonville finished the season with the 11th-ranked total defense, limiting opponents to 303.6 yards per game. That unit seemingly got better as the season progressed, holding their last three opponents to just 281.0 yards per game.
Since they played with the lead for most of the season, it’s not surprising to see the Jaguars’ pass defense metrics lagging slightly behind. But with only 596 passing yards allowed over its previous three contests, Jacksonville’s secondary will be ready to limit the damage through the air.
In their five losses, the Bills were held to an average of 337.4 points per game. In their 12 wins, that number jumps to 392.5. We trust the Jaguars’ defense to get the job done. Duvvaaaaal.
Best Bet: Jaguars +100
San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles Betting Odds
- Spread: SF +4.5 (-110) | PHI -4.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 45 (-110) | Under (-110)
- Moneyline: SF +180 | PHI -220
At different points this season, both the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers looked like premier Super Bowl contenders. Unfortunately, that reputation eludes both of these proud franchises in the Wild Card round.
The Eagles’ defense guided this team to their second straight division crown and third title in four years. Still, this team woefully underperformed on offense. Since Week 10, Philadelphia has eclipsed 365 total yards in just two of its nine outings, yielding a laughable average of 317.3 yards per game.
San Francisco has abandoned its former identity as a premier defensive team in favor of an explosive offense. Over their last four games of the season, the Niners eclipsed 430 yards in all but one of those contests. However, they won’t have that same success in the City of Brotherly Love. The 49ers have fallen below 281 yards in two of their last three road games, playing into the Eagles’ defensive advantage.
Philadelphia’s defense has the antidote for San Fran’s prodigious offense. Still, the hosts lack the offensive pedigree to pull away. As inferred by the betting price, the Eagles are the clear favorites in this one, but we don’t like their chances of covering the spread in the Wild Card Round.
Best Bet: 49ers +4.5
Wild Card Weekend – Final Thoughts
- Jaguars +100
- 49ers +4.5
The sharpest bettors move lines, but there’s still plenty of room for casual bettors to maximize their positions. That’s the case by taking a position on the Jaguars moneyline and 49ers +4.5 ahead of Wild Card Weekend. In both games, we expect bettors to be in receipt of closing line value ahead of kick-off. Monitor line movement and insulate your position as we head into another exciting weekend of NFL action.
New to sports betting? First, explore our Introduction to Sports Betting. Then check out our recommendations at Flip The Switch for online sportsbooks, along with offers to get started. And if you’re not an avid sports fan, you can still find some fun and unusual bets to enjoy!
