Forecaster Frank NFL Wild Card Picks
Saturday
- LAC -2.5 (o/u 41.5)
- Chargers 27 Texans 16
If the Texans are in the playoffs, they are playing on Saturday at 4 to start Wild Card weekend. They won the AFC South but struggled in the second half. The Chargers, meanwhile, were playing their best football late in the season, as they have found a rhythm with Justin Herbert learning Jim Harbaugh's play calls. This trend will continue as the Chargers advance.
- Pit +9.5 (o/u 43.5)
- Ravens 24 Steelers 20
The Steelers backed into the playoffs, losing their final four games. This allowed the Ravens to swoop in and take the AFC North. These rivals have been battling for 20 years, and most games are decided by less than a touchdown. While the Steelers are scuffling, it is hard to imagine they will get blown out when facing their arch-rivals. The Ravens will advance, but the game will come down to the final minutes.
Sunday
- Buf -8.5 (o/u 47.5)
- Bills 34 Broncos 10
The Bills real season begins now as they hope to get over the hump and get back to the Super Bowl. The Bills beat the Chiefs and Lions during the regular season, as Josh Allen had an MVP season. The Broncos accomplished plenty in ending a nine-year playoff drought, but the inexperience of Bo Nix and the hostile Bills mafia crowd will make it a long afternoon for the Broncos.
- Phi -5.5 (o/u 45.5)
- Eagles 30 Packers 20
Before their meaningless loss last week, the Packers' only losses were to the top three teams in the NFC. The Eagles were among them. The season began for both teams, with the Eagles beating the Packers in Rio. That result will be duplicated, as the Eagles have too many weapons, especially with Jalen Hurts cleared to return from a concussion.
- Was +3 (o/u 50.5)
- Commanders 27 Buccaneers 24
The Buccaneers have been inconsistent most of the season, countering a four-game losing streak with a four-game winning streak. They were able to win the NFC South but were sputtering late in the season, which was highlighted by an ugly loss in Dallas. The Commanders have won several close games, as Rookie of the Year candidate Jaylen Daniels has shown veteran poise late in games all season long. Expect this one to come down to the wire, with the Commanders winning on a late field goal.
Monday Night
- Min -2.5 (o/47.5)
- Vikings 31 Rams 13
It has been a rough week for Los Angeles, as they have been dealing with wildfires, causing millions of damage and displacing residents throughout the area. This includes the Rams, as this game will be played in Arizona, with the fires making the city unsafe. Such a change is necessary, but the off-field toll on the Ram's personal lives is something to ponder. The Vikings lost a chance to be the top seed in the NFC in Detroit last week, so they are the better team. The Rams' person upheaval will be difficult to overcome as the Vikings with the game easily.