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2023 NFL Wild Card Weekend Same Game Parlays Odds, Picks & Predictions (Saturday)

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The 2022 NFL Playoffs will kick off Saturday with two Wild Card matchups. First, the 49ers will host the Seahawks in the NFC's two-vs.-seven seed game. Later in the evening, the Jaguars and Chargers will square off in the AFC's four-vs.-five seed game in Jacksonville. 

Both games should be entertaining and have plenty of value offered in Same Game Parlay (SGP) markets. I'll be playing these two SGPs for Saturday's games.

Check out all of our top picks for Saturday’s games:

NFL Wild Card Weekend Betting Guide >>

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

2023 NFL Wild Card Weekend Same Game Parlays Best Bets

49ers vs. Seahawks

Leg 1: Christian McCaffrey Anytime TD (-150)

Christian McCaffrey has been the focal point of the 49ers’ offense in recent weeks, and I don't expect that to change in the playoffs. McCaffrey didn't score last week - a blowout game where he got just 13 touches - but scored in each of the previous five games. He averaged 23 touches per game over that five-game stretch, and I anticipate his usage will be at a similar level against Seattle. The only risk to usage is Elijah Mitchell's return to the lineup, but I still expect CMC to get the bulk of the high-leverage touches out of the 49ers’ backfield.

This is a particularly exciting matchup for McCaffrey, as the Seahawks have been one of the worst defenses against RBs. Seattle allowed 18 TDs to opposing RBs in 2022 - only six teams allowed more. Seattle also ranks sixth-worst in rushing yards and receiving yards allowed to opposing RBs. Given that star rookie CB Tariq Woolen has turned Seattle's pass defense into a strength, I expect Shanahan and the 49ers to attack the Seahawks' rush defense on Saturday.

If McCaffrey gets his usual workload, and Seattle's defense plays their usual game, I like the odds of CMC getting in the end zone.

Leg 2: Under 42.5 Points (-110)

This leg is negatively correlated with our McCaffrey play, giving us some great odds on this two-leg parlay. As I mentioned, I think the 49ers will keep the ball on the ground and rely on a more conservative offensive game plan on Saturday. This will give Brock Purdy an easier offensive framework in his first career playoff game and attack the weakest points of the Seattle defense. While this should be an effective game plan, it should also lead to a faster game where the 49ers go on extended drives rather than striking quickly and running up the score.

On Seattle's side, I wouldn't be surprised if their recent offensive struggles continue against the stacked 49ers’ defense. The Seahawks have averaged 16.3 points per game over their last four games, including a game against the 49ers, where they posted just 13 points. San Francisco, meanwhile, has held eight of their last 10 opponents to 17 points or fewer.

I think the 49ers win this game, but with exceptional defense and conservative offense. This parlay takes advantage of both facets of that prediction.

Parlay Odds: +290

Jaguars vs. Chargers

Leg 1: Jaguars ML (+110)

I've been looking at this line since the matchup was announced on Sunday, and I can't figure out why the Chargers are favored in this game. Los Angeles has had a great season, but this isn't a matchup I'd imagine they're excited about. The Chargers are 2-3 in their last five road games. The two wins include a victory over Indianapolis, who had effectively waved the white flag on their season, and a one-point win in Arizona. The losses include games in Las Vegas and Denver. The loss to the Broncos loss is particularly concerning - the Chargers played their starters late into last week's game and suffered injuries to Mike Williams and Joey Bosa.

Jacksonville, on the other hand, has been playing exceptional football lately. While the offense struggled in last week's 20-16 win over the Titans, the defense picked up the slack and scored a key late TD. Jacksonville's defense has come a long way in recent weeks, allowing a total of 22 points over their last three games (albeit against the Texans, Jets, and Josh Dobbs' Titans). The Jags also smashed the Chargers back in Week 3 in Los Angeles, 38-10. Trevor Lawrence threw for 270 yards and three TDs in that game, and he's been playing even better lately.

I expect the Jaguars to win this game. The Chargers' recent play leaves something to be desired, and Jacksonville matches up well here.

Leg 2: Austin Ekeler 40+ Receiving Yards (+100)

The Jaguars’ defense has been solid all year, but a major weakness of theirs is the tendency for opposing RBs to post productive receiving games. Jacksonville allows 6.1 catches (second-most) for 46.3 yards (third-most) per game to opposing RBs.

This could mean Austin Ekeler is in for a big day in the passing game. Over his last six games, he's caught 27 of 29 targets for an average of 36 receiving yards per game. If Los Angeles finds themselves trailing - which I expect them to - this could mean more blitzes and aggression from the Jaguars’ defense. This should lead to more check-downs to Ekeler, who can get serious yardage after the catch.

I expect Ekeler to post a high mark for targets, which should lead to plenty of receptions. Given that RBs are a weak point for the Jacksonville defense, 40 receiving yards is a feasible benchmark for Ekeler to exceed on Saturday night.

Parlay Odds: +290

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