Wild Card Saturday features a pair of marquee matchups as the Los Angeles Rams take on the Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packers face off against the Chicago Bears.
For my top Wild Card Saturday NFL PrizePicks and Underdog plays, I’m highlighting Colby Parkinson, Matthew Stafford, DJ Moore, and Caleb Williams.
Colby Parkinson
More Than 2.5 Receptions
The Los Angeles Rams may have their three-headed monster intact at tight end for this matchup, but even with Tyler Higbee and Terrence Ferguson healthy, Colby Parkinson is the leading option.
Parkinson has racked 25 targets over the past four games, hauling in 17 of them. His role is ever-growing in an electric Rams offense, and three receptions appear to have become his floor as he's hit the mark in seven of the last ten games.
Look for the Rams to come out aggressively and Parkinson to be a big part of their aerial attack against Carolina.
Matthew Stafford
Less Than 1.5 Rushing Attempts
Next, we stay on the Rams' side of the ball and target Matthew Stafford, who has put together an MVP-caliber season through the air, but at 37, his legs have not been a big part of his game.
Earlier in the season, Stafford ran at least twice in seven of the first nine games, but has only run twice in one of the last eight games. He only ran once in the first meeting against Carolina, and this matchup is expected to have a much more positive game script.
His decline in running, the Panthers' poor pass rush, and the need to preserve him for the rest of the playoffs should have him record less than this total again.
DJ Moore
More Than 2.5 Receptions
We move to the late game, where passing the ball could be a challenge at a snowy Soldier Field. Although the Bears may not have a choice if they are trailing against the Packers, like they were in both meetings this season.
A consistent part of the Bears' passing attack has been DJ Moore. Moore has averaged five targets per game this season, and his 58 percent catch rate has led him to haul in three passes in 11-of-17 games this season.
With Rome Odunze likely being a decoy as he plays through injury, look for Moore to be Caleb Williams' safety valve in this matchup.
Caleb Williams
More Than 18.5 Pass Completions
Building off the play above, the Bears may be forced to throw the ball more than expected in this matchup. In fact, that has been the trend for the Bears' offense despite them being a team that runs the ball at the ninth-highest rate in the NFL.
Williams has completed more than 18 passes in 12-of-17 games this season, and we should see his volume and efficiency remain in this matchup.
The Packers are 22nd in completion percentage allowed, and the Bears may be forced to throw if their time of possession is limited by the Packers ground game.
