2021 NFL Wildcard Weekend Preview: Our Expert Tips & Staking Plan

I will be covering every single playoff game and picking at least a side in every single one.

I will likely be adding Sunday and Monday games later today 

Season to date

Premium picks:

• Profit/Loss: +2.03 units
• ROI: 1%
• Strike rate: 45%

Free Thursday Night Football Picks:

• Profit/Loss: -13.89 units
• ROI: -26%
• Strike rate: 30%

Las Vegas Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals

Two teams that haven’t had a playoff win in decades but for me the Bengals are a class above the Raiders. Cincy are a genuine contender, even if it is perhaps a year early for them. Derek Carr has so little experience in the expected conditions and when he has played in the cold, he has a terrible record.

• 2 units Bengals -5.5 2.0 with TopSport

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

These two had one of the most bizarre games of the season earlier this year but this one should be more conventional. This feels like the previous game where the Bills are a genuine contender and the Patriots have perhaps reached their limit. Josh Allen looks ready to go on a Super Bowl run and has been playing excellently to end the season.

• 2 units Bills -5 2.0 with TopSport
• 2 units moneyline parlay Bengals and Bills 2.06

UPDATED WITH SUNDAY AND MONDAY GAMES

A perfect day one of the playoffs for us and we head into day two with lots of confidence

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This feels like a bit of a theme for me but I just do not think the Eagles are in the same class as the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay are getting healthier and healthier and getting key pieces back at the right times. For me, the Eagles are the weakest of all 14 playoff teams and are here on the back of a soft schedule. My only worry is that they really slow the game down and shorten things up but if the Bucs can start well they will not be able to do that.

• 1 units Buccaneers -7.5 2.0 with TopSport

San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys

The 49ers have become a bit of a trendy pick this week with plenty picking the upset. But that just makes me like the Cowboys even more. We can bet against the public, while backing the number one team by DVOA in the league, with an incredible offence and a defence full of game changers. The 49ers are a decent but not great team and while they could cause the Cowboys some problems, I have been all over Dallas all year long and will not stop doing so now.

• 3 units Cowboys -3 2.0 with TopSport

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs

I keep trying to work out a way I think the Steelers can win this, but without a crazy game with multiple defensive touchdowns I just can’t find a scenario. Last week felt like one last hurrah for Roethlisberger with the big win over the Ravens. The Chiefs have been getting better and better and they just look way too good for the Steelers here.

• 1 units Chiefs -11.5 2.0 with TopSport

Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams

The Rams loss last week may give people some concerns but for me these are two teams heading in different directions. The Cardinals have not looked convincing at all and before giving up the big lead they had won five straight and looked to be peaking at the right time. If DeAndre Hopkins was back I would perhaps lean the other way but as it is, I can’t look past LA.

• 2 units Rams -4 2.01 with TopSport

Expert Tips

• 2 units Bengals -5.5 2.0 with TopSport
• 2 units Bills -5 2.0 with TopSport
• 2 units moneyline parlay Bengals and Bills 2.06

UPDATED PICKS

• 1 units Buccaneers -7.5 2.0 with TopSport
• 3 units Cowboys -3 2.0 with TopSport
• 1 units Chiefs -11.5 2.0 with TopSport
• 2 units Rams -4 2.01 with TopSport
• 2 units moneyline parlay – Buccaneers, Cowboys, Chiefs, Rams 3.67