Early NFL Player Props to Target for Wild Card Round

• Online sportsbooks have released player props for Wild Card Weekend of the NFL playoffs
• Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry is projected for 98.5 rushing yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers
• See the top player props to target for NFL Wild Card Weekend, including Henry’s rushing yards and Quentin Johnston’s receptions

The NFL playoffs get underway this weekend with six exciting matchups on tap. We’ve analyzed the markets and identified the top player props to target for Wild Card Weekend.

Among my top NFL player props to target for Wild Card Weekend is the total rushing yards for Baltimore RB Derrick Henry. Over in the AFC West, I’m locking in Chargers WR Quentin Johnston in his matchup with Houston. Meanwhile, in the anytime TD markets, you can’t go wrong with NFL MVP favorite Josh Allen.

Let’s dive further into the NFL player props I’m locking in early for Wild Card Weekend.

Wild Card Weekend NFL Player Props

NFL player prop odds as of Jan. 8, 2025. Shop the best football betting lines for the best prices on player props.

Wild Card Weekend Rushing Props – Derrick Henry Rushing Yards

I’m beginning my NFL Weekend Wildcard prop bets with a play on Derrick Henry against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m expecting Baltimore to lean heavily on their star running back against a reeling Steelers team.

Henry has been exceptional for Baltimore this season, accumulating 1,921 yards and 18 touchdowns on 325 carries in 17 games. He won’t have any rust for this pivotal Wild Card showdown after playing in Week 18 and exploding for 138 yards vs Cleveland.

Derrick Henry 43-yard Touchdown pic.twitter.com/Ms1HIXNJCz

— Highlight Vault (@HighlightVault) January 5, 2025

Henry’s rushing yard line against Pittsburgh is set at 98.5, and I’m all over the Over early in the week. I expect this number to get over 100 by the time kickoff arrives. You can get the over at -115 at DraftKings, which is tremendous early-week value.

The Steelers are known for having an elite rush defense, but this year, they are giving up 4.10 yards per carry to the RB position group. With Pittsburgh dealing with injuries, including key LB Cole Holcomb, I don’t see them slowing down Baltimore’s star back.

Henry has already faced this Pitt defense in Week 11. In that matchup, Henry carried the ball 24 times for 162 yards in a 34-17 victory, with 189 scrimmage yards. I’m betting on another huge day for Henry against a struggling Pitt rush defense that had nearly dropped out of the top 10 in PFF’s efficiency rankings.

• NFL Player Prop Pick: Derrick Henry over 98.5 rushing yards (-115 at DK); risk 1 unit

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Wild Card Weekend Receiving Props – Quentin Johnston Receptions

Another player prop I’m targeting in NFL Wildcard weekend is Quentin Johnston over 3.5 receptions. The 23-year-old is coming off a career-high performance vs the Raiders, where he recorded 13 receptions on 14 targets for 186 yards.

Johnston has been fairly inconsistent as a pass-catcher, but I like how involved he has become entering Wild Card weekend. The second-year receiver has seen his role explode recently, averaging 8.8 targets over his last five games.

Quentin Johnston today: 13 catches, 186 receiving yards.

A really cool story in player development from year one-to-year two pic.twitter.com/jiTv2b6fX4

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 6, 2025

Instead of betting his total receiving yards, I’m looking at his receptions line. He’s gone over 3.5 receptions in three of the past four games and should see a heavy volume once again on Saturday.

Houston has only allowed 3.93 yards per carry to running backs this season, so I think we will see the Chargers rely more on Justin Herbert’s arm. Herbert has averaged 263 passing yards and 33 pass attempts per game over his last five games. Now, he faces a Houston secondary allowing nearly eight yards per throw.

Johnston is seeing consistent snaps (40+ per game) and just delivered the most productive game of his career right before the playoffs begin. The combination of increased volume, explosive plays, and matchup edge makes Johnston one of my top players to target on Saturday.

• NFL Player Prop Pick: Quentin Johnston over 3.5 receptions (-135 at Caesars); risk 1 unit

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Wild Card Weekend TD Props – Josh Allen Anytime TD

There’s no need to overthink this one. Josh Allen and the opening round of the playoffs are a lethal combo that will print you money if you bet on the right markets. For the Wild Card, that’s going to be the touchdown-scoring market.

Allen has accounted for at least one TD on the ground in six of his last seven full games. The NFL MVP favorite only played one snap in Week 18 vs New England to reduce the risk of injury. There shouldn’t be any fatigue with the extra time to prep for Denver.

Josh Allen on getting the start against the Patriots to extend his consecutive starts streak which sits at 114 (counting playoffs): “It’s something that means a lot to me. Just making sure that I’m available, playing through things throughout the years.. Glad I get to start.”… pic.twitter.com/u0BZDmSGs2

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) January 1, 2025

The Broncos have one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, but mobile quarterbacks have found success against them. Pat Mahomes and Justin Herbert each rushed for over six yards per carry against Denver, while the dynamic Anthony Richardson went for 45+ yards and a score.

Allen has simply been spectacular during Wild Card Weekend throughout his playoff career. In five previous wild card matchups, the 28-year-old has averaged 71.5 rushing yards on 8.5 attempts for two total touchdowns. He comes to play in this round, especially at home, where the Bills are 8-0 this season.

I’m seeing the best odds for a Josh Allen anytime touchdown at -130 at BetMGM, which is 56.5% implied probability. After watching the Wyoming product go off for 74 yards and a score against Pittsburgh’s elite defense last wild card round, I’m not doubting him against Denver’s loaded defense.

• NFL Player Prop Pick: Josh Allen anytime touchdown (-130 at MGM); risk 1 unit

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