The NFL Playoffs start their wild card round here and now this weekend before things get really serious afterwards.
I have made my own betting thoughts for all six games and have come up with a total of six NFL tips, which promise you odds of over 1.50 each and can even be spiced up with Betano Odds Boost.
Of the six games, there are two 50:50 affairs, which, according to the bookmakers with PayPal, can also be classified as games that correspond to a probability-related coin toss.
Personally, I only expect “surprises” in a single game – and that is the last one. The Steelers should actually be able to give the Texans a leg up thanks to experience, home advantage and strong defensive work.
Since the NFL is now really heading for the finish line, the bookmakers are packing out their best offers, and one or the other sports betting bonus has just been polished up again this month.
In any case, in my eyes there is only one wild card game, which should be quite one-sided in favor of the favorite – and that is Eagles against 49ers.
Because the defense of the 49ers – so my assumption – will not be able to withstand this endurance test against the defending champions for long …
NFL Wild Card: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans, 13.01.2026 Prediction
The Texans have one of the best defenses in the league, and that’s exactly what could be a problem for a Steelers offense that’s solid rather than explosive overall. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh has a decisive advantage in this game: Aaron Rodgers.
Because his enormous playoff experience should not be underestimated in such situations, and in addition, DK Metcalf returns as a real “difference-maker” who immediately gives the offense another dimension.
The Steelers’ offensive line has also stabilized in recent weeks, giving Rodgers significantly more time than at the beginning of the season.
Houston, on the other hand, travels with a lot of confidence thanks to an impressive nine-game winning streak. C.J. Stroud has developed further, and the offense also looks more mature and efficient.
But this is exactly the crux of the matter: the Texans offensive line meets the aggressive front of the Steelers, which knows how to deliver in such situations. Pittsburgh thrives on constant pressure, discipline and forced mistakes – especially in big games.
I therefore expect the Steelers to force Stroud to make one or two fatal mistakes, which will ultimately turn out to be game-changing …
My tip: Steelers at Interwetten.
Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams Prediction, 10.01.2026 Prediction
The direct duel from week 13 provides a clear template, but should not be overrated. Carolina won against the Rams because there were an extraordinary number of big plays on both sides of the ball.
Matthew Stafford in particular experienced a pitch-black day with three interceptions – a scenario that is unlikely to be repeated.
Accordingly, a much more structured and efficient Rams offense can be expected, which will protect the ball better and control the pace of the game this time.
Carolina will again try to get into the game via the running game. This worked well in the first meeting and remains the most logical way to take pressure off Bryce Young.
Young showed courage and overview in decisive moments, but this task is now much more difficult. The Rams are a playoff-proven team that knows exactly how to react in important games.
With the right balance of running and passing as well as Stafford’s experience, I expect a clear increase in performance. In the end, this will be too much for the young Panthers team.
My gut feeling tells me that the Rams will prevail, even if they may not quite succeed in covering the “spread”.
My tip: Rams -6.5 at bet365.
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Prediction, 11.01.2026 Prediction
Both teams beat each other once in the regular season, but the second duel in particular remains painful from the Packers’ point of view: An unsecured onside kick cost Green Bay the victory late on.
With four defeats in a row, the Packers come into this game just as battered as the Bears, who have recently lost twice in a row. Nevertheless, there is a lot to be said for Green Bay.
Jordan Love returns and meets a Bears defense that has shown noticeable weaknesses in recent weeks – especially against the pass and on deep routes. That’s exactly where Love can come in.
Defensively, the Packers will again try to put constant pressure on Caleb Williams, as they have already done in both previous duels. This led to mistakes, fast drives and many big plays.
If the weather cooperates, a high-scoring game is quite realistic. But primarily I trust a win bet on the Packers, according to which they will manage to keep a cool head in the decisive moments of the match.
My tip: Packers at Merkus Bets.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills Betting tip, 11/01/2026 Prediction
These young “Jags” are undoubtedly one of the positive surprises of the season, especially because they have been surprisingly stable in many aspects of the game.
Their run defense is particularly impressive: Jacksonville had the best run defense in the league and did not allow a running back to run more than 75 yards throughout the season.
That’s exactly what will be important against James Cook, as the Bills’ running back, of all people, leads the NFL in terms of rushing.
If the Jaguars manage to control Cook, even more responsibility will fall on Josh Allen – and of course he is always in a position to decide a game single-handedly …
On the other hand, the Bills had problems defensively again and again, especially in the passing game. This suits Trevor Lawrence, who has recently been very consistent with his offense and looks increasingly mature.
Jacksonville can move the ball, extend drives and make big plays. The bottom line is that I expect an offensive, entertaining game in which both quarterbacks shine.
In the end, however, I think it’s a bit more likely that Lawrence will turn the game in favor of the Jags in the final phase with some spectacular big plays …
My tip: Win Jaguars & over 44.5 points at Betano
Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Francisco 49ers Prediction, 11.01.2026 Prediction
The Eagles go into this duel with a dominant defense, while the 49ers clearly locate their greatest strength in their own offensive performance.
San Francisco’s defense, on the other hand, had problems finding consistency throughout the season, while the Eagles offense was not always convincing either.
Some part of the team has to give in in the end – and I believe that in the end it will be the defense of the 49ers that cannot withstand the pressure!
Philadelphia will find more of its game offensively than it has recently, especially through its own rushing game. Saquon Barkley is likely to play a key role in controlling the game, generating yards after contact and taking pressure off their own quarterback.
On the other hand, I see the Eagles defense as having a clear advantage. She is physical, variable and good at throwing quarterbacks off their game. So Brock Purdy will have a hard time pulling consistently clean reads and explosive plays out of the hat.
If Philadelphia also forces early stops and controls the tempo, the game may tip even faster in their own direction …
My tip: Eagles -4.5 at Bet-at-Home.
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, 12.01.2026 Prediction
It’s a long road trip for the Chargers – and at the same time an enormously important game for Justin Herbert, who is still waiting for his first playoff win in his NFL career.
But this is exactly where the core problem lies: The Chargers’ offensive line is vulnerable, and that plays right into the hands of the Patriots defense. New England should largely control the running game of the LAC and put Herbert under constant pressure, which can disrupt his rhythm early on.
On the other hand, the Chargers have a top 10 defense that poses real challenges for rookie quarterback Drake Maye, especially in the passing game.
But the Patriots have recently found their identity clearly: In the past five games, they have had a strong 168.6 rushing yards per game at 5.8 yards per run.
That’s exactly what the gameplan will be geared towards – run early, check the clock and take pressure off Maye.
So if Herbert is not properly protected, it could be a long evening for the Chargers. It remains close, but New England prevails in the end.
My tip: Patriots -2.5 at NEObet.
