NFL Picks for Wild Card Round – A.I. ATS Predictions & O/U Best Bets

• Our internal A.I. has made its NFL Wild Card picks
• The A.I. is betting four underdogs to cover the spread
• See NFL picks for Wild Card weekend from Sportradar’s A.I. model

Our internal A.I. didn’t have the best regular season, going 117-118-1 ATS and an ugly 112-124 O/U. But it was much better in the second half of the season, posting a 55-44-1 ATS record and 54 46 O/U record over the final seven weeks.

Will it carry that momentum into the postseason? I have asked it to provide its top ATS picks and O/U picks for each of the six Wild Card games on the schedule for next weekend. The table below lists all 12 picks, in chronological order by game. Check out the opening Wild Card Round odds to see how the lines have shifted already.

A.I. NFL Picks for Wild Card Round

The A.I. is going with four underdogs to cover and just two favorites (Bills, Eagles). Its game-total picks are evenly split between overs and unders. The subsections, below, set out the A.I.’s rationale for each of its picks.

The NFC #1 Seattle Seahawks, the outright favorite in the Super Bowl 60 odds, and the AFC #1 Denver Broncos earned byes to the Divisional Round.

Best available odds as of 11:58 am ET, Jan. 5. Claim the top Super Bowl betting promos to use during the 2026 NFL playoffs.

LA Rams vs CAR Panthers Picks

• ATS Pick: Panthers +11.0 (-122) at BetRivers
• O/U Pick: Over 46.5 (-110) at BetMGM

A.I. rationale: “Panthers +10.5 is the strongest ATS pick due to several compelling factors, most notably their prior 31-28 home victory over the Rams in Week 13 of the regular season. This upset demonstrated Carolina’s ability to exploit the Rams’ defensive weaknesses, forcing critical turnovers from Matthew Stafford, and controlling the tempo through Rico Dowdle’s ground game. The Panthers are well-positioned to keep this competitive and cover the substantial spread.

Over 46.5 points is strongly supported by the offensive capabilities of both teams and their previous high-scoring encounter. Matthew Stafford leads a veteran LA offense, while Bryce Young’s continued growth, combined with the ground game of Rico Dowdle and the deep-threat potential of Tetairoa McMillan, render Carolina more than capable of contributing to their share of the total.”

GB Packers vs CHI Bears Picks

• ATS Pick: Packers +1.5 (-120) at DraftKings
• O/U Pick: Under 46.5 (-110) at Fanatics

A.I. rationale: “Sharp money has shifted the line towards Green Bay, indicating professional bettors see value in the road underdog. This aligns with Jordan Love’s playoff experience contrasting with Caleb Williams’ debut in a high-pressure environment. The Packers’ run-heavy approach, led by Josh Jacobs, is designed to control the game’s tempo and if Chicago’s insane turnover luck regresses, the Packers should advance.

Regarding the under 46.5 O/U pick, multiple factors suggest a low-scoring affair. Sharp money is consistently backing the under, supported by projections for limited aerial fireworks from both quarterbacks, the likely impact of January weather at Soldier Field favoring defensive play, and both teams’ strong red-zone defenses throughout the regular season.”

BUF Bills vs JAX Jaguars Picks

• ATS Pick: Bills -1.0 (-110) at Fanatics
• O/U Pick: Over 51.5 (-108) at BetRivers

A.I. rationale:“Buffalo -1.0 is the best pick due to the Bills’ extensive postseason experience under Josh Allen, which creates a significant intangible edge that the betting spread doesn’t fully capture. The Bills are favored by sharp money, with 64.93% of the handle on their side, indicating strong confidence in their playoff pedigree. This pick leverages Buffalo’s battle-tested roster against a Jacksonville team that, while riding high from a division title, lacks comparable playoff seasoning, and whose recent celebration-heavy mindset could prove detrimental in a high-pressure Wild Card environment.

Over 51.5 points is the best game-total pick given the offensive firepower expected from both teams. Oddsmakers are projecting significant aerial production from both Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence, and rushing props for key players like James Cook and Travis Etienne Jr further support a high-scoring affair. With both offenses healthy and no adverse weather concerns at EverBank Stadium, all signs point to a game exceeding the 51.5-point total.”

SF 49ers vs PHI Eagles Picks

• ATS Pick: Eagles -3.5 (-110) at BetMGM
• O/U Pick: Under 46.5 (-118) at FanDuel

A.I. rationale: “The Eagles are a compelling pick at -3.5, primarily due to their formidable home-field advantage. Their robust ground-and-pound offensive identity is perfectly suited for the physical nature of January football, enabling them to control the game’s tempo against the San Francisco defense.

Under 46 is a strong bet. Expectations for a lower-scoring affair is reinforced by notably conservative passing prop totals for both quarterbacks, Brock Purdy (235.5 yards) and Jalen Hurts (206.5 yards), suggesting a methodical, possession-based game where red-zone efficiency will be paramount over explosive plays. Historically, January football favors defenses, and this pick aligns with sharp money, further solidifying its value.”

LA Chargers vs NE Patriots Picks

• ATS Pick: Chargers +3.5 (-105) at BetMGM
• O/U Pick: Over 45.5 (-113) at BetRivers

A.I. rationale: “Chargers +3.5 is the best ATS pick due to several compelling factors. Despite the Patriots holding home-field advantage, laying more than a field goal against a veteran quarterback like Justin Herbert, who has significant postseason experience and elite arm talent, is ambitious. Historical trends further support this pick: road underdogs of 3-4 points having a 60% ATS success rate in Wild Card rounds since 2018. Additionally, Herbert’s disciplined approach under Jim Harbaugh’s system minimizes self-inflicted mistakes, and securing the +3.5 hook means the Chargers can lose by exactly three points and still cover the spread, offering crucial value.

Over 45.5 is the preferred game-total pick. The total has moved upwards to 46.5 at most books, indicating that sharp bettors anticipate a higher-scoring affair, but bettors can still find 45.5 at BetRivers. Historical data from the last five seasons shows that Wild Card games with totals between 45-48 points have gone over at a 62% clip. Furthermore, the Patriots’ red zone efficiency under Mike Vrabel and Herbert’s precision in scoring positions provide multiple avenues for points.”

HOU Texans vs PIT Steelers Picks

• ATS Pick: Steelers +3.5 (-114) at Caesars
• O/U Pick: Under 39.5 (-110) at BetMGM

A.I. rationale: “The Pittsburgh Steelers at +3.5 presents the best ATS value due to several converging factors that favor a tight, low-scoring affair. As a dangerous home underdog, their formidable defense, anchored by the disruptive TJ Watt, is perfectly suited to create havoc for CJ Stroud and limit Houston’s explosive plays. The low game total of 39.5 underscores that every point is precious, making the 3.5-point cushion highly significant. Combined with Aaron Rodgers’ veteran experience in critical moments, Pittsburgh is well-positioned to keep this contest within a field goal, or even win outright.

Under 39.5 is the optimal game-total pick. Oddsmakers have set Aaron Rodgers’ and CJ Stroud’s passing-touchdown props (both 1.5 O/U) are under heavily juiced to the under. Houston’s revamped pass rush, featuring Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, will challenge Rodgers, while Pittsburgh’s stout defense will contain Stroud. With both teams entering the game at full health, their defensive units are expected to control the pace, emphasize ball security, and limit offensive opportunities, leading to a methodical, low-scoring outcome.”

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