The NFL playoffs are finally here! The first round of the playoffs begins with Wild Card weekend, a three-day affair that usually lives up to its name with some wild finishes to these contests.
With oddsmakers gearing up for a big betting weekend, we’ll reveal all of the odds bettors can expect for the NFL’s Wild Card matchups. Let's get to it!
Cleveland Browns (-2.5) at Houston Texans Saturday 4:30pm
The Cleveland Browns (11-6) earned their spot in this year’s playoffs after signing QB Joe Flacco. Flacco led the Browns to four straight wins, including a 36-22 victory over this weekend’s opponent – the Houston Texans (10-7) – in which Flacco threw for 368 yards and three TD passes to lead the Browns.
The Texans last made the playoffs in 2019, losing to Kansas City in the Divisional Round. This Wild Card contest’s over/under total is set at 44.5 points.
Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs (-4) Saturday 8:00pm
Miami is making its second-straight playoff appearance after the Dolphins (11-6) fell to sixth seed with a loss Sunday night against rival Buffalo. The Kansas City Chiefs (11-6) are making their ninth consecutive appearance in the NFL playoffs.
These two teams met in November, resulting in a 21-14 Chiefs’ victory. Sensational Miami rookie De’Von Achane was not available for their first contest, giving the Chiefs an additional worry as Kansas City shoots for back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. This contest’s over/under total is starting at 43.5 points.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills (-10) Sunday 1:00pm
The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) snuck into this year’s playoff picture with a three-game winning streak to finish off the regular season. The Steelers relied on QB Mason Rudolph to make the run as starter Kenny Pickett continues to recover from an ankle injury.
This week’s opponent is the Buffalo Bills (11-6), a team Pittsburgh beat in a pre-season contest. The Bills are riding the longest active win-streak of any team after sweeping their last five contests. This game’s over/under total is starting at 36.5 points, the lowest total for a Wild Card weekend matchup.
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys (-7.5) Sunday 4:30pm
The Green Bay Packers (9-8) earned three straight victories to cap off the 2023 NFL season, earning this playoff berth. Their opponent will be the Dallas Cowboys, winners of two straight contests and the NFC East’s divisional crown.
These two storied franchises did not meet in the regular season, but the matchup will be the ninth time Dallas and Green Bay have met in the postseason. Both teams have won four each with their last meeting occurring in 2017. This game’s over/under total is starting at 50.5 points.
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-3) Sunday 8:00pm
The Los Angeles Rams (10-7) won four straight contests to end the regular season, making the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl LVI (56). The Detroit Lions (12-5) are playing in the postseason for the first time since 2017, a seven-year turnaround for the franchise.
While the Rams have some recent success, Detroit last won a playoff game in the 1991 NFL playoffs and have lost the last nine games the Lions have played in the playoffs. This contest’s over/under total is the highest for Wild Card weekend, starting at 51.5 points.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday 8:15pm
At one time, Philadelphia seemed destined to be the NFC’s top seed. But losing six of their last seven games cost the Eagles (11-6) both a bye and the NFC East. Now, Philadelphia needs a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8) to save face in their once-promising season.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, reeled off wins in four of their last five games, setting up this postseason matchup. Earlier in the year, Philadelphia beat the Buccaneers 25-11. This Wild Card rematch’s over/under total is appropriately starting at 43.5 points.
