Sportsbooks Aim for Increased NFC Playoff Wagering

By Blog


Published on: January 4, 2026, at 10:50 AM.

Updated on: January 4, 2026, at 10:53 AM.

  • Wild Card matchups finalized for upcoming weekend as Broncos and Seahawks receive byes
  • Betting enthusiasts anticipate heavy action on the Bills vs. Jaguars showdown
  • Caesars Sportsbook indicates a preference for the Rams and Packers to struggle in Round 1

The NFL Wild Card matchups are officially announced, with the Houston Texans set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC, following the Steelers’ nail-biting win over the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 tonight, thanks to a last-second field goal miss by rookie Ravens kicker Tyler Loop, eliminating the Ravens from the playoff race.

Denver Broncos AFC
Bud Dupree #48 and Del’shawn Phillips #53 of the Los Angeles Chargers bring down RJ Harvey of the Denver Broncos during today’s matchup in Denver. The Broncos triumphed 19-3, securing their position as the AFC’s top playoff seed. (Image: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

In the AFC, the No. 7 L.A. Chargers will clash with the No. 2 Patriots in New England (Sunday at 8 PM EST), while the No. 6 Buffalo Bills will head to Jacksonville to face the No. 3 Jaguars (Sunday at 1 PM EST). The Denver Broncos, having earned the No. 1 seed, will enjoy a bye. The No. 5 Texans will play the No. 4 Steelers on Monday at 8 PM EST.

In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks hold the No. 1 seed and have received a bye. The No. 7 Green Bay Packers will take on the No. 2 Bears in Chicago (Saturday at 8 PM EST), while the No. 6 San Francisco 49ers will challenge the No. 3 Eagles in Philadelphia (Sunday at 4:30 PM EST). The No. 5 L.A. Rams will face the No. 4 Panthers in Carolina (Saturday at 4:30 PM EST).

Seahawks and Broncos Secure byes

“We see the Rams as a significant favorite against the Panthers, despite their earlier loss to them in Charlotte,” remarked Joey Feazel, Head of Football at Caesars Sportsbook. “The Packers vs. Bears matchup is expected to generate substantial betting action, as well as the Eagles vs. 49ers game. On the AFC side, we predict the Bills and Jaguars will attract considerable engagement.”

“We hope to see the Rams and Packers face early exits in Round 1, as we anticipate a higher betting volume on the NFC side during the initial playoff round.”

Initial NFL Betting Lines

According to DraftKings, the Rams are listed at -600, with the Panthers at +440; Packers at -115, Bears at -105; Bills at -118, Jaguars at -102; Eagles at -192, 49ers at +160; Patriots at -185, Chargers at +154, Texans at -162, Steelers at +136.

On FanDuel, the Rams are -620, while the Panthers are +460; Packers at -108, Bears at -108; Bills at -116, Jaguars at -102; Eagles at -192, 49ers at +160; Patriots at -210, Chargers at +176, Texans at -166, Steelers at +140.

“Saturday’s low-scoring games, with both underdogs winning, were favorable for the bookies. However, Sunday provided mixed outcomes due to many meaningless matches being played,” stated Feazel.



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