David's NFL Wildcard Sunday Betting Picks & Predictions (with Units)

The GridironAI Betting Model has locked in its top value plays for Wildcard Weekend of the NFL season. Using advanced analytics, player performance trends, and line-movement data, these are David's best bets for this week.

David does the research and uses our models so you don't have to.

Wildcard Sunday Picks

The Bills vs. Jaguars should be a very entertaining game. This line opened Bills -1.5, and has moved to the Jaguars -1. With the highest total of the weekend at 51.5, a lot of scoring is projected. Both these teams have high powered offenses, especially passing. The Bills advantage is their running game, where they led the league in rushing yards per game, while the Jaguars ranked 19th. Both teams have above average defenses, but are very different in their strength. The Bills had the #1 pass defense in the league, allowing just 157 yards per game. But they also have the 5th worst run defense. Meanwhile, the Jaguars have the #1 rushing defense allowing just 86 yards per game. I believe the Jaguars stout run defense will be able to shut down the Bills run game, and force Josh Allen to try to win the game on his arm. Meanwhile, the Jaguars will be able to run the ball at will against this Bills defense. The Jaguars come into the playoffs red hot, riding an 8 game winning streak. 93% of the GridironAI spread models like the Jaguars, and the team scoring model projects 52 points, with a score of 31-21 Jaguars, which supports the pick of the Jaguars.

The 49ers vs. Eagles has had the most line movement of any game. The line opened Eagles -3.5, and moved as high as -6.5, some based on sharp action, but also based on injury news with the 49ers, in particular OL Trent Williams and WR Ricky Pearsall. Both are now upgraded to Questionable (75% chance they play). The favorable news has cause the line to move down to 6. If you've read this blog all season, you know what I'm going to say, so say it with me. The Eagles are frauds! I liked the 49ers are 3.5, and now I can have them at 6? Yes, please. I know this 49ers team has been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball. Their offense should actually be at full strength tomorrow, and the defense has found ways to play well despite key losses like Fred Warner and Joey Bosa. The 49ers are 13-4, and 3 of their 4 losses came against the top teams; Jaguars, Rams, and Seahawks. They boast a top 10 offense, and are top 5 in passing. Compared to the Eagles who rank 22nd. This is not the same Super Bowl Eagles team. Their offensive line is much worse, Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are showing signs of wear and tear. People are hyping up the Eagles defense as being elite, but the stats don't support it. They rank 13th in yards per game, although they are top 5 in points allowed per game. The 49ers offense has only struggled against Top 5 defenses (by yards allowed), which the Eagles are now. The 49ers should be able to move the ball down the field pretty easily, and once they are in the redzone, the 49ers offense has the 5th highest TD percentage, thanks to guys like CMC. 86% of the GridironAI spread models like the 49ers to cover, and the team scoring model projects 53 total points (30-23 in favor of the Eagles), which implies value on the over. I know the score differential of 7 doesn't support the spread model, but I'm giving more weight to the spread model play.

The Patriots vs. the Chargers should be a fun game to cap off the day. This line has stayed at 3.5 all week. Defensively these teams are pretty even, both with top 10 defenses, similar in most metrics against the run, pass and turnovers. The Patriots have the edge on offense, boasting the #3 offense, while the Chargers rank #12. The Chargers biggest issue is their offensive line, which is down 2 key starters lost mid-season. The Chargers are tied for 2nd to last in sacks allowed, at 3.5 per game. Last year, the Chargers laid a huge egg in their first playoff game, with Justin Herbert throwing 4 interceptions. The Patriots haven't played very many tough games, and their losses came against the Bills by 4 points(rank #1 in pass defense), Steelers (where they had 5 turnovers, and still only last by 7 points), and in week 1 against the Raiders (we can just chalk that one up to rust). As long as the Patriots don't lose the turnover battle by a wide margin, they should easily win this game. 67% of the GridironAI spread models like the Patriots to cover the -3.5, and the team scoring model projects 52 total points (33-19 Patriots), implying value on the over, and supporting our side on the Patriots.

GridironAI Edge

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All odds current as of publication. Make sure you shop around at different sports books to get the best odds and line to maximize your return. Always wager responsibly.