The Best NFL Bets for Wild-Card Weekend
The Ringer••sports
Key Points:
- The Houston Texans will break tradition by playing their wild-card playoff game on Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending the NFL's "Shakey's Game" Saturday 4:30 p.m. ET slot they have occupied in all eight previous playoff appearances.
- Three quarterbacks—Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye—will make their playoff debuts this weekend, challenging a historical trend where playoff rookie QBs have performed poorly against the spread, holding a 20-39-1 record since 2002.
- Key matchups include the Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers, where the Panthers’ defense is healthier but their offense struggles, and the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, expected to be a high
