Ah, the playoffs. The stakes are greater, the slate is smaller, and the prop bets, well, there are plenty of those to go around.
And thank goodness for that, because we hit a rhythm late in the year. After a 7-1 week a short while back, we went 6-2 in Week 18. I will undoubtedly jinx it, but I can’t remember the last time we finished a weekend under .500.
Let’s try to keep the hot streak alive with our best NFL Wild Card prop bets.
Please note that all NFL Wild Card odds and lines are current as of 10 AM EST on Thursday, January 13.
NFL Wild Card Prop Bets
Las Vegas Raiders vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Raiders made it. That’s the good news. But their collapse against the Los Angeles Chargers last week—before avoiding a tie with a game-winning field goal—certainly feels significant.
Still, give credit to QB Derek Carr and a defense that made just enough plays. The question now, of course, is whether this defense can slow down QB Joe Burrow, wideout Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals’ slew of weapons.
Cincinnati sat many starters in the regular-season finale, so they should be fresh. And if the offense comes close to playing up to its potential, Las Vegas might not be able to keep up.
Bengals 1st to Score (-145) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
The Bengals just have too many weapons. I know the Raiders started strong last week, but I expect the road environment to be different.
Bengals OVER 13.5 1st Half Points (-115) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
On the topic of weapons, expect Cincy’s offense to come out strong and score at least two touchdowns early. A week of rest coupled with late-season momentum should help immensely.
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San Francisco 49ers vs Dallas Cowboys
Give Jimmy Garoppolo credit. While it was ugly for a while last week for the San Francisco QB, his play in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams was a different story. The 49ers’ win changes the complexion of this matchup against Dallas on the road, and a small spread is likely to generate a polarizing response.
The Cowboys come into the game with some momentum after a monster 51-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last week. Can Dak Prescott and co. overwhelm a resilient 49ers defense?
We’re about to find out. San Francisco might be a tough out once again.
49ers OVER 2.5 Touchdowns (-135) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
What version of the 49ers will we get? As good as the Cowboys have been defensively this year, I think San Francisco finds enough success on offense.
49ers (+1) 1st Quarter Spread (-135) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
I know Dallas has all the pieces, but this feels like a difficult matchup for them. It wouldn’t shock me to see the 49ers deliver early.
Look for the San Francisco 49ers to start strong against the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL Wild Card matchup. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs
On paper, this matchup feels remarkably one-sided. We have to start there.
Given Kansas City’s balance and Pittsburgh’s, well, presence, I have a hard time seeing the Steelers make this game competitive on the road. The oddsmakers tend to agree, as the Chiefs are heavily favored here.
Patrick Mahomes vs Ben Roethlisberger is not the first-round matchup we expected to see, although it’s not without intrigue. With so much focus on Pittsburgh’s QB, however, the story really will likely be the Steelers’ defense, which has allowed 14 points or less in three of its last four games.
The lone exception during that span was Week 16 in Kansas City when the Chiefs throttled them, 36-10. This might not be that bad. Then again, it could be.
Check out more of our NFL Wild Card Betting Tips
Chiefs 1st to Score (-220) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
I know it’s chalky. I know. But I still will take the lack of value for something that feels really, really good for our NFL bet of the day.
Chiefs OVER 15.5 1st Half Points (-120) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
I see this game playing out exactly the way you think it will. The Chiefs get going early, and they don’t stop.
Best NFL Prop Bets Today
Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams
Seeing an NFL postseason game on a Monday night is going to take some getting used to.
To be clear, this is not a complaint. I am very much here for it. I am also here for this NFC West tussle, which is likely to be extremely compelling.
Despite the Rams’ collapse against the Niners in Week 18, they’re still favored by more than a field goal at home on our NFL gameday odds. QB Matt Stafford has to protect the football for Los Angeles, however, which has been an issue throughout the year.
Arizona, meanwhile, had its own issues against the Seattle Seahawks last week. The Cardinals could not win their final game as their defense, which has been largely excellent, allowed 38 points to a team with nothing to play for.
If that is going to happen again, Kyler Murray will need to be brilliant at quarterback. Heck, that might be the case regardless.
OVER 24 1st Half Points (-110) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
Both defenses are plenty capable, but both offenses can light it up. I don’t expect this to be a defensive game.
Rams OVER 26.5 Points (-125) at Betway
Wager: 1 Unit
It didn’t end well for Los Angeles last week, but I view that as a blip more than anything else. The Rams will score plenty of points here and advance to the next round.
