2023 NFL Wildcard Playoffs Betting Predictions
The NFL playoffs are here and we look at the three primetime matchups, starting with Herbert vs Lawrence in Jacksonville.
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
Justin Herbert will make his NFL debut on Sunday as the Chargers travel to Jacksonville for this AFC Wildcard playoff matchup. Herbert has been impressive in the regular season with 25 touchdowns and 4739 yards. That's despite missing top WRs Allen and Williams with injuries mainly throughout the middle of the season. Williams did injure his back in a meaningless loss against the Broncos last week and will be questionable. In this matchup against the Jags, the Chargers will be looking to attack the Jags through the air as they've allowed the 28th most passing yards. While on defence, the Chargers aren't great against the run so they'll likely need to focus on that area and force Lawrence into mistakes. The Jaguars won the AFC South title last week to reach the playoffs and it's an impressive feat considering they held the #1 pick in the draft just last year. In a tight game against the Titans, a fumble return touchdown sealed the victory in the last quarter. The key in this game against the Chargers will likely be the Jags running game. LA has struggled in this area all season and Travis Etienne should enjoy a favourable matchup on the ground. He's hit the 100+ rushing mark in 2 of his last 4 games and finished with 1000+ yards on the season. Defensively, the Jags are stronger against the run compared to the pass, which could be an issue against Herbert. However, they've been getting turnovers lately so they'll be hoping their defence can take advantage. The Chargers will start as road favourites but this looks like a tough game to pick. So the Over does look like the best bet. Both teams are giving up 20+ pts this season. The Over has a good record in this matchup at 6-1 and 5-2 at this venue. Stadium Record Jacksonville has won 4 of their last 5 at home. Los Angeles holds a 4-1 record at this venue. Head to Head Record The two sides met this season and the Jags thrashed LA 38-10. However, the Chargers are 8-2 in this matchup since 2010. Best Bet Over 47.5 = $1.92
Baltimore Ravens (10-7) at Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
The Ravens are limping into the playoffs after just 1 win in their last 4 games but injuries have made it tough. Starting QB Lamar Jackson is doubtful to return from a knee injury and Tyler Huntley is also dealing with injuries. So it's hard to see their offence scoring enough points to keep up with the Bengals. As such, it's all about their defence, which has been strong this season. They're giving up just 18 points per game and have been one of the best teams at stopping the run. However, their 26th in the NFL for passing yards allowed and that will need to improve against Burrow. The Bengals are one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs after 8 straight wins. They also beat this Ravens team just last week 27-16 and their game plan likely won't change too much. Ja'Marr Chase comes off 8 catches & 86 yards and will be Burrow's favourite target again. Overall, the Bengals are scoring 26 points per game and that ranks them inside the top 10 of the NFL. While on defence, they have struggled against the pass but they shouldn't have a problem against the Ravens injury-riddled offence. Cinci are top 10 against the run on defence and that should be the key when the Ravens have the ball. Without Lamar Jackson, the Ravens will likely struggle to score enough points to beat the red-hot Bengals. Cinci are 8-3 against the Ravens as well and just beat them last week by a good margin. They're also 5-1 ATS at home and should cover in this playoff matchup. Stadium Record Cincinnati has covered in 5 of their last 6 home games. Baltimore has lost 8 of their last 11 at this venue. Head to Head Record The Bengals won last week's matchup 27-16 but the Ravens are 6-4 in the last 10. Best Bet Cincinnati Bengals -8.5 = $1.85
Dallas Cowboys (12-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
The Cowboys head into the playoffs on the back of a disappointing 26-6 loss against the Commanders. They scored just 3 pts in the first week of the season against Tampa so their offence will need to find form to beat the Bucs this time. For Dak Prescott, he needs to limit turnovers and they should be focusing on their one-two-punch running game. The Bucs defence has struggled in this area and Elliott/Pollard should give the Cowboys a chance. On defence, the Cowboys have conceded just 20 pts per game and that puts them in the top 5. They've been good against the pass and that should be the key against Brady. Tom Brady returns to the NFL playoffs as the 8-9 Bucs won the woeful NFC South title. It hasn't been a great season for the Bucs but with the experienced Brady at the helm, they're every chance of pulling off some upsets in the NFC. Last week, the Bucs rested their starters for the second half so they should be fresh for this playoff matchup. The key on offence will be the Godwin/Evans connection with Brady. Evans exploded for 3 touchdowns a few weeks ago and Godwin is usually a consistent target for Brady. While on defence, Dak Prescott is turnover prone at the moment and the Bucs defence will look to force similar mistakes. There's merit in an upset with Brady in the playoffs and the Bucs are currently underdogs at their home stadium. However, a low-scoring battle is likely the best play. The Under has saluted in 6 of the last 7 meetings, which includes a 19-3 result in Week 1. Stadium Record Tampa Bay has won 4 of their last 5 at home. Dallas holds a 2-4 record in Tampa. Head to Head Record The Bucs won the first meeting of the season 19-3. The Cowboys are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings since 2006. Best Bet Under 45.5 = $1.89
Other NFL Wildcard Playoff Tips
| Game | Best Bet |
|---|---|
| Seahawks at 49ers | Seattle Seahawks +9.5 = $1.92 |
| Dolphins at Bills | Over 43.5 = $1.91 |
| Giants at Vikings | Giants Win = $2.33 |
