Our football staff has locked in picks for both of Saturday's playoff games for our NFL predictions for the Wild Card Round on January 10.
First, we'll target Rams vs. Panthers in the early window, followed by our best bet for Packers vs. Bears later in the evening.
Let's dive into our expert NFL picks and best bets for Wild Card Saturday.
NFL Predictions & Picks — Wild Card Saturday
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 4:30 p.m. | |
| 4:30 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NFL Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Rams vs Panthers Spread Prediction
I will look for every possible way to fade this Carolina team that lost its way into the playoffs.
The Panthers stumbled into an NFC South title and will be rewarded by having to face the Rams in the Wild Card Round.
The Rams are the 2nd-most-efficient offense in the NFL, totaling .149 EPA/play. They are equally as effective through the air and on the ground, ranking 3rd in dropback EPA and 4th in rush EPA. The Panthers rank 26th in EPA/play on offense.
The Rams have a clear advantage in this game.
The talent disparity continues to grow when you look at the defenses. The Rams rank 7th in EPA/play allowed, whereas the Panthers rank 23rd.
In the Action Network's luck rankings, the Rams come in as the unluckiest team in the playoffs (at 27th), while the Panthers rank 12th. Yet again, another advantage for the Rams.
The Panthers may have taken the regular-season matchup, but the Rams should get their revenge (and then some) in the playoffs.
Pick: Rams -10.5 (-110)
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Rams vs Panthers Over/Under Pick
By Bet Labs
This NFL system is built on how weather directly impacts offensive efficiency and scoring potential.
When average wind speeds climb into the double digits, passing games struggle with accuracy, kicking becomes unreliable, and play calling leans more heavily toward conservative runs. This naturally limits explosive plays and lowers scoring opportunities.
With temperatures sitting in a reasonable range that does not drastically impact player stamina or ball handling, wind becomes the defining variable.
Both regular season and postseason games fit this mold, as weather remains an equalizer regardless of stakes.
Betting the under in these conditions takes advantage of how the market often undervalues the true effect of sustained wind on football outcomes.
Pick: Under 46 (-110)
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Packers vs Bears Moneyline Best Bet
By Dylan Wilkerson
The Bears remain one of the luckiest teams in the NFL, ranking 2nd in Action Network's luck rankings. The Packers are one of the unluckiest teams, coming in at 22nd.
This indicates that some improvement is due for the Packers, while regression may be on the horizon for the Bears.
In addition to this, the Packers have the benefit of rest, while the Bears do not.
The Bears did not rest their starters in their loss to the Lions, while the Packers rested their starters in Week 18. This presents another advantage for the Packers.
The Packers also have better offensive EPA numbers in the pass game, and on offense overall, while the defensive matchup is comparable.
The Packers should take this NFC North matchup as the No. 7 seed.
Pick: Packers Moneyline (-120)
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