The bets I’m making on Saturday’s and Sunday’s games.

The NFL playoffs are here and 14 teams are still dreaming of winning it all.

For six of those teams, that dream will come to a premature end this weekend, whilst the remaining six will be joined by Detroit and Kansas City in next week’s divisional round.

I’ve put together my player bets for each of the five games taking place this weekend, and will cover the relocated Vikings/Rams game nearer the time.

For now though, here are my bets for this weekend’s games.

NFL Wildcard Weekend Player Bets

Chargers @ Texans

Saturday, 4.30pm ET. Spread: Chargers -3

The Chargers avoided a trip to Baltimore this weekend by beating the Raiders in week 18. Instead, they face a Texans side that have lost 2 of their last three.

On top of that, the Texans won their division despite only recording one win all season, against teams that finished with a winning record (Bills-week five).

The Chargers come into this game off the back of three-straight wins and are favored to progress by three points.

As is the case for more than one of this weekend’s bets, I’ve opted for a less obvious, less sexy bet. But this one that stood out as solid value in what can often be difficult games to predict.

Robert Woods has quietly gone about his work in recent weeks. Despite modest numbers, Woods has accumulated at least two receptions and 12 receiving yards in four-straight games.

This week’s receiving props underplay both of those stats, so you can back either, or both, with relative confidence. If going for one, I’d favor the yards, but the odds match that.

Robert Woods over 8.5 receiving yards 10/11

Robert Woods over 1.5 receptions 8/5

Parlay both of the above 2/1

Steelers @ Ravens

Saturday, 8pm ET. Spread: Ravens -9.5

Traveling to Baltimore in place of the Chargers, are the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers lost four-straight games to finish the regular season, whilst the Ravens won all of their final four games to leapfrog them at the top of the AFC North.

Baltimore will look to make that five-straight, on both counts, when the teams face again this weekend. They’ll have to do that without Zay Flowers though, who recorded 100 receiving yards when the Ravens beat the Steelers 34-17 in week 16.

Flowers sprained his knee in last week’s win over Cleveland and hasn’t practiced all week. Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor could all be in line for more opportunities in Flowers’ absence, but I’ve decided against trying to predict any of that.

Instead, I’ve turned my attention to Derrick Henry. Whilst Henry might seem an obvious direction to go in, it’s his receiving yards prop that interests me this week.

Henry has gone three-straight games with at least two receptions and at least 18 receiving yards, making his receiving yards prop look minuscule this week.

I’ve coupled that with Pat Freiermuth‘s receiving prop. “The Muth” has caught 15 of 19 targets for 145 yards and a touchdown over his last two games. In a game that Pittsburgh might find themselves chasing, I’d be surprised if we didn’t see him heavily involved again.

Derrick Henry over 5.5 receiving yards 10/13

Add: Pat Freiermuth over 38.5 receiving yards 23/10

Broncos @ Bills

Sunday, 1pm ET. Spread: Bills -8.5

These two teams both posted misleading results in week 18, as the Broncos secured a playoff spot against a second-string Chiefs, whilst the Bills rested starters in a loss to the Patriots.

In reality though, that win ended a two-game losing streak for Denver, whilst the Bills had won three on the bounce heading into last week.

And with many of the Bills starters having less involvement last weekend, I’m backing a fresh James Cook for a good day this week.

The Broncos run defense was a unit to be avoided for a period of time this year, but in the three weeks prior to week 18, three players ran for 67+ yards against Denver (Chase Brown, Gus Edwards, Jonathan Taylor).

James Cook has had a great year for Buffalo, and amassed 100+ rushing yards in three of his five games from week 13-17. Cook has also found the end-zone with regularity this year, and has 10 touchdowns in his last eight games.

James Cook over 58.5 rushing yards 10/11

Add: James Cook 1+ touchdown 2/1

Packers @ Eagles

Sunday, 4.30pm ET. Spread: Eagles -5

Green Bay travel to Philadelphia this weekend to face the team that beat them on the opening night of the season in Sao Paolo.

The Packers made the playoffs fairly safely, but will be disappointed with a divisional record of 1-5, failing to beat either the Vikings or Lions, and even losing to the Bears in week 18.

The Eagles, meanwhile, won 12 of their final 13 games to clinch the #2 seed in the NFC.

Unlike last season, the vibes are good with the Eagles, who have Jalen Hurts back for the playoffs, as well as both A.J Brown and Devonte Smith. Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns against the Packers in Brazil, and will be looking to make the difference again.

I’ve avoided both Barkley and Josh Jacobs this weekend though, as both Green Bay and Philadelphia boast impressive run defenses. And with a plethora of players capable of producing big receiving days, I decided against trying to predict the standout receiver.

Instead, I found two props that stood out for being incredibly low.

Luke Musgrave returned to health a few weeks ago for Green Bay and had recorded a reception in both of his last two games, hauling in a 19-yard pass last week against Chicago.

A feature of Green Bay’s impressive playoff display last season, was their ability to spread the ball around. With Christian Watson out, and an Eagles defense keeping them at bay on the ground, I expect more of the same on Sunday.

Musgrave only needs one reception to hit this week’s number and I fully expect him to get it. Likewise, Jayden Reed should only need one carry to hit his rushing yards prop this week. Reed has been boom/bust through the air this season, but has at least one rush attempt in four of his last six games.

If Green Bay are to find success on offense this weekend, it will be down to the creativity of Matt LaFleur. Both of these players should have the opportunity to hit these numbers, it will be up to them to get it done.

Luke Musgrave over 7.5 receiving yards 10/11

Add: Jayden Reed over 1.5 rushing yards 23/10

Commanders @ Buccaneers

Sunday, 8pm ET. Spread: Buccaneers -3

In what could easily turn out to be the most entertaining game of the weekend, the Commanders travel to Tampa Bay to face Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.

Both teams enter wildcard weekend in good form. The Commanders are coming off five-straight wins, whilst the Buccaneers have won six of their last seven.

Jalen McMillan‘s receiving props continue to creep up, so I’ve finally passed on him this week. Bucky Irving‘s rushing yards prop is rather inflated by his recent form, but that includes two huge games against Carolina. I’m not one to bet against such an explosive player, but he’s only hit this week’s rushing yards prop on three occasions this year.

Instead, I’ve turned my attention to Washington.

Olamide Zaccheaus has 51+ receiving yards in three-straight games. The Buccaneers meanwhile, have allowed just 2.9 rushing yards/attempt over their last five games, which ranks first in the NFL. If the Commanders want to advance to next week, their best avenue might be through the air.

Another player that would benefit from that approach, is Terry McLaurin. McLaurin has seven touchdowns in his last six games and it would be a huge surprise if he were to be overlooked when it matters most.

Olamide Zaccheaus over 38.5 receiving yards 10/11

Add: Terry McLaurin 1+ touchdown 7/2

That’s it for this one.

I’ll be back with a betting preview for Monday night’s game, most likely on the day. Until then, enjoy the rest of your weekend and if you are having a bet, make sure to do so responsibly.

I’m aware that I’ve not posted quite so much over the last couple of weeks. The Christmas period, coupled with the end of the fantasy season has naturally led to fewer posts recently.

As of next week though, I plan to get back to writing at least twice every week for the blog, and may even post links to some of my other writing if I think it would be of interest.

If there’s anything you’d like me to write about more often, feel free to let me know in the comments.

In-depth stats from Pro Football Reference.

Odds taken from Bet365 (UK).

All odds accurate at time of writing.