NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Round Overview
The NFL Playoffs are kicking off! We’ve got six matchups lined up for the Wild Card Round, but interestingly, there’s just one game with a spread over 3.5 points. It’s worth noting that the Rams, who were initially favored by 10.5 points against the Panthers a few months ago, actually faced defeat in that matchup. So, it’s safe to say we can expect some tightly contested games this weekend.
Tight playoff games tend to be great news for fantasy players. Teams usually push hard, leaving everything on the field. For quarterbacks, that sometimes means ramping up their running game. Josh Allen has been nursing a foot injury, but if he’s fit to play, he’ll keep pushing. He’s arguably a top fantasy quarterback right now, even without a star-studded receiving team around him.
Matthew Stafford and the Rams are showing the highest projected point total. While Stafford doesn’t lean on rushing to boost his stats, I’d still rate him pretty highly. On the other hand, Jalen Hurts is gearing up to face a vulnerable 49ers defense, and I expect to see the tuck-and-push tactic used extensively—it’s a crucial playoff game after all.
Justin Herbert has had his share of offensive line issues this season with the Chargers. Fortunately, he took a breather in Week 18. A finger injury has been a concern, but he should be good to go as they head to Foxboro this Sunday night.
Aaron Love missed Week 17 due to a concussion, but he bounced back for Week 18. The Packers secured the No. 7 seed, allowing them to rest several main players, including Love. He should be ready when they make the trip to Chicago for the wild card round on Saturday night.
Purdy took a tough hit in Week 18 against the Seahawks, but the news is reassuring—no major injuries and his non-throwing shoulder seems to be fine. He’s expected to be available to play the Eagles on Sunday.
Speaking of injuries, Allen’s been dealing with that foot issue but managed to rest during Week 18. So, he should be in decent shape when he’s off to Jacksonville on Sunday.
Upcoming Matches
Bills at Jaguars (51.5)
Rams at Panthers (46.5)
49ers vs. Eagles (46.5)
Chargers at Patriots (46.5)
Packers at Bears (45.5)
Texans vs. Steelers (39.5)
Implied Team Totals
Rams (28.5)
Bills (26.5)
Jaguars (25)
Eagles (25)
Patriots (25)
Packers (23.5)
Bears (22)
49ers (21.5)
Chargers (21.5)
Texans (21.5)
Panthers (18)
Steelers (18)
Point Spreads
Rams (-10.5) vs. Panthers
Texans (-3.5) vs. Steelers
Chargers at Patriots (-3.5)
49ers vs. Eagles (-3.5)
Bills (-1.5) Jaguars
Packers (-1.5) Bears
DVOA Pass Ranking
Texans (2nd)
Rams (4th)
Eagles (5th)
Jaguars (7th)
Chargers (10th)
Bills (12th)
Steelers (13th)
Packers (18th)
Panthers (23rd)
Bears (24th)
Patriots (25th)
49ers (26th)
