The NFL wild card round is here and the AFC is delivering a weekend full of high-stakes football, featuring teams with contrasting strengths and some fairly dynamic rosters. From young breakout stars to proven vets of the game, these games will undoubtedly deliver plenty of drama.
The Buffalo Bills enter the playoffs with a decent record of 13-4 which is good for the #2 seed and one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.
Quarterback Josh Allen has been the driving force behind Buffalo's success. He’s thrown for 3,731 yards and 28 TDs, but that’s not even the best part. He did all of that while maintaining insane efficiency with just 6 interceptions on the season. On top of that, Allen's dual-threat ability has been a constant challenge for defenses to figure out, as he’s also added 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He’s looking unstoppable and many are calling him the MVP.
Running back, James Cook has done great work in complementing Allen in the backfield. He’s rushed for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns at an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. Khalil Shakir is coming in hot as well as he leads the receiving corps with 821 yards and 4 touchdowns — providing a reliable target for Allen in big moments.
Buffalo's defense has been a huge factor in their dominance — particularly at home.
The Bills have not lost at Highmark Stadium this season. They’re boasting an 8-0 home record. This home-field advantage will be a big factor as they face the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos are returning to the postseason for the first time since their Super Bowl-winning 2015 season. They bring a 10-7 record into this game which was good enough to squeeze them into the playoff picture as the 7th seed.
Rookie QB Bo Nix has been the story of the season for Denver as he’s thrown for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. His ability to get the ball downfield under pressure was evident in the regular season finale against KC, where he tossed 4 touchdowns to secure Denver’s playoff berth — though this was against the Chiefs’ backups.
While Nix’s potential is undoubtedly exciting, the Broncos’ ground game has struggled the most. Javonte Williams led the team with just 513 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, which is nothing to write home about.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been a solid performer for Denver’s offense. He’s hauled in 1,081 yards and 7 touchdowns. He quickly found himself as Nix’s favorite target in challenging situations.
However, Denver’s offensive line has dealt with injuries, including the absence of Frank Crum (illness), which could bring its own challenges against Buffalo’s dominant pass rush.
Buffalo enters as heavy favorites with 8.5 points, but Denver’s young talent makes them a team to watch.
The Baltimore Ravens, at 12-5 and the #3 seed in the AFC, have been one of the AFC’s most balanced teams.
Led by superstar QB Lamar Jackson, they secured the AFC North title with an explosive offense and a defense that has shut down even the best offenses.
Jackson threw for a staggering 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns while limiting the turnovers with just 4 interceptions on the season. He’s another one many are calling the MVP.
On the ground, Derrick Henry has been a game-changer as well. He’s rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. The Ravens’ ability to control the clock with their rushing attack between Henry and Jackson makes them a dangerous playoff team with which everyone else will struggle to keep up.
Defensively, Baltimore has been a dominant force, ranking among the league leaders in the fewest points allowed with just 21.2. A big part of this is their run defense which is best in the NFL as they’re allowing just 80 yards per game. However, injuries to key players, including wide receiver Isaiah Washington (hamstring), could test the Ravens’ depth.
Despite this disadvantage, they still remain 9.5-point favorites as they host their divisional rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers, at 10-7 and the #6 seed in the AFC, have relied heavily on veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to get them this far. He’s thrown for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his first year with Pittsburgh.
While Wilson has been unquestionably efficient, the Steelers' offense has been fairly inconsistent at times, particularly down the final stretch of the season, as they lost 3 straight games heading into the postseason. Running back Najee Harris has provided a bit of stability in the backfield, rushing for 1,043 yards and 6 touchdowns, and wide receiver George Pickens has come out as one of Wilson’s key weapons with 900 receiving yards and 3 TDs.
Pittsburgh’s defense, led by star linebacker T.J. Watt, is really their greatest strength.
Watt’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses could be a game-changer in this game. However, the Steelers' secondary has been hit by a few injuries, with cornerback Zyon Gilbert (knee) and safety Ryan Watts (neck) both sidelined for this wild card game.
Their ability to contain Baltimore’s rushing attack we think will be the most critical piece in determining the outcome.
The Los Angeles Chargers, finishing the regular season at 11-6 and grabbing the 5th seed in the AFC, enter the playoffs with momentum after a strong second half of the regular season.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has been the centerpiece of the Chargers’ offense and is looking great coming into this weekend. He has thrown for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. Herbert’s ability to push the ball downfield with chunk plays has been complemented by wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who led the team with 1,149 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
Running back J.K. Dobbins hasn’t been too bad, either, as he’s added 905 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns to the mix. This has given the Chargers a balanced offensive attack.
Defensively, Los Angeles has been solid, particularly along the defensive line, which has helped them generate turnovers and limit explosive plays.
However, injuries could be a concern, as running back Gus Edwards (ankle) and cornerback Matt Hankins (undisclosed) are both questionable for this weekend’s game.
The Chargers’ ability to apply pressure on opposing QBs will be something to watch as they face a young but talented Texans team.
The Houston Texans, at 10-7, clinched the AFC South and the #4 seed with a mix of efficient offense and a bit of an opportunistic defense.
Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been a revelation, though, he’s not looking as good as he did last season. He has thrown for 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Stroud’s development throughout the season has been pretty impressive, and he enters this playoff game with confidence.
Running back Joe Mixon, however, has been the biggest workhorse for the Texans as he’s rushing for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, while wide receiver Nico Collins has provided a big-play threat on his own with his 1,006 receiving yards and 7 scores.
Houston’s defense has been the biggest factor in their success, particularly in forcing turnovers. They’re 2nd in the NFL with 19 interceptions on the season. However, injuries along the defensive line, including Denico Autry (knee) and Folorunso Fatukasi (ankle), could make it difficult to contain the Chargers’ dominant offense.
The Chargers are slight 2.5-point favorites in what we expect to be a closely contested game.
The AFC Wild Card matchups are undoubtedly going to deliver a good mix of young talent and seasoned veterans.
Josh Allen and the Bills are all set for a deep run, but they’ll need to overcome Denver’s resilient young QB. Baltimore and Pittsburgh renew their storied rivalry with one of the most anticipated games of the weekend, with the Ravens’ dynamic rushing attack facing a dominant Steelers defense. Meanwhile, Los Angeles and Houston bring their own interesting storylines, with Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud showcasing their skills on the playoff stage.
You’re not going to want to miss out on any of these games as there are plenty of options to load up your bet slip with whether it’s game bets or even some smoking hot prop bets.