NFL Wild Card Weekend Picks & Playoffs Vegas Point Spreads

New York Jets (34.5) at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)

Saturday, January 9, 4:30 PM EST 

The Jets dominated the Bengals last week to qualify for the playoffs with a 37-0 shutout at home. New York will see a far different Cincinnati squad this weekend. The Bengals had already clinched the AFC North prior to last week’s matchup in frigid New York. Cincinnati is in the postseason for just the second time in the last 19 years. The players and fans will be especially fired up for a rare postseason game. Both clubs are in the top 5 in the NFL in total defense. On offense, each squad is in the top 10 in rushing offense. The difference could be in the quarterback matchup. In a battle of USC signal-callers, the veteran Carson Palmer has the edge over Jets rookie Mark Sanchez.

Jets vs. Bengals Wild Card Game Prediction: Bengals 17 – Jets 13

Philadelphia Eagles (45) at Dallas Cowboys (-4)

Saturday, January 9, 8 PM EST

The Eagles will get a second chance on Saturday after getting blanked 24-0 in Dallas last Sunday in a battle for the NFC East crown. Philly will need to get the football to Pro Bowl wideout DeSean Jackson to attack a Dallas defense that held the Eagles to a total of just 16 points in two regular season meetings. The Cowboys defense is riding high after a pair of shutouts while quarterback Tony Romo is playing at a high level on offense. Still, there will be some tremendous pressure on Dallas. The Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game in 13 years. Head coach Wade Phillips has never won a playoff game. On the other sideline, Philadelphia’s Andy Reid is a perfect 7-0 in opening playoff games. It will be a lot closer this week but Dallas is set to end its postseason drought.

Eagles vs. Cowboys Wild Card Game Prediction: Cowboys 27 – Eagles 24 

Baltimore Ravens (43) at New England Patriots (-3.5)

Sunday, January 10, 1 PM EST

After last year’s run to the AFC Championship game, the Ravens have the right formula to be a dangerous playoff squad again. Baltimore is in the top 5 in the NFL in total defense and rushing offense. New England counters by ranking in the top 5 in total offense and scoring defense. While the Patriots will be without standout receiver Wes Welker, New England is still playing a home playoff game with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Patriots QB/coach duo is 8-0 in the postseason at home and New England went a perfect 8-0 in Foxboro during this year’s regular season.

Ravens vs. Patriots Wild Card Game Prediction: Patriots 20 – Ravens 17

Green Bay Packers (48) at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)

Sunday, January 10, 4:40 PM EST

While these squads had nothing at stake in last week’s 33-7 Green Bay victory in Arizona, the Packers appear to be the more credible squad. Green Bay is 3rd in the NFL in scoring offense while the club’s defense is the best in the NFC in total defense. The Cardinals flipped the switch in last year’s postseason but the squad still has some issues with its running game and defense. Kurt Warner will keep things interesting but the younger Aaron Rodgers will win a shootout on Sunday.

Packers vs. Cardinals Wild Card Game Prediction: Packers 31 – Cardinals 24