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NFL Wild Card Early Odds, Picks & Predictions (2023)

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The matchups are set for the NFL Playoffs Wild Card Weekend!

There will be two games on Saturday, three matchups on Sunday and another game on “Monday Night Football.”

Better yet, we can get back to looking at analytics and stats of teams, knowing each of these teams will be playing their starters again!

Here are a couple of early best bets to consider for the first playoff weekend of the NFL season.

Early NFL Wild Card Weekend Best Bets

All wagers are 1 unit | Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans

I love an underdog at home in the playoffs.

The Cleveland Browns have looked unstoppable with Joe Flacco under center, but they’re still dealing with many injuries heading into this game. Myles Garrett has a shoulder/hamstring issue, Amari Cooper is dealing with a heel issue and the list can go on and on. I’m sure everyone will play, but that has to take a toll on those players.

Meanwhile, the Texans allowed just 22 points in their last eight quarters against Tennessee and Indianapolis in conference matchups to make the playoffs.

Before that game, the Browns defeated Houston 36-22. However, things will be different with C.J. Stroud in the picture instead of Davis Mills and Case Keenum. Keenum threw two interceptions and was sacked three times. Meanwhile, Mills averaged under five yards a throw against the Browns.

On the other hand, while Flacco had a career day with Amari Cooper in that game, the Browns averaged just 1.8 yards on the ground. I’ve always believed Houston’s secondary and pass rush was the best part of its defense. They’ll show up on Saturday.

Let’s back the Texans at +2.5.

Bet: Texans +2.5 (-110)

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Philadelphia Eagles collapsed so badly in the second half that they’re playing a road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football.”

Although the Eagles made it into the Super Bowl last season, they are unlikely to do it again this year. Jalen Hurts hasn’t been the same quarterback. Meanwhile, the defense has allowed at least 25 points in four of their last five games. Philadelphia just lost to the New York Giants, 27-10, even after giving their starters the green light to begin the game.

While the Eagles have lost four of their last five, the Buccaneers won four of their previous five. This Tampa Bay defense held the Panthers to no points in a 9-0 win in Week 18. Tampa Bay’s defense hasn’t allowed over 23 points in each of their last four games and still has a quality pass rush that could force Jalen Hurts into a bad decision or two.

I don’t think the Eagles will recover from this second-half slump. I’ll take another home underdog in the Buccaneers at +2.5.

Bet: Buccaneers +2.5 (-110)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:

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