Best NFL underdog picks and predictions for Wild Card weekend

Analyzing NFL Wild Card weekend betting odds and lines, with expert predictions and picks of the 3 best underdogs to cash in on.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The NFL regular season closed with 9 underdogs covering the spread in their games and 4 winning their games outright.

Our Week 18 underdogs went 2-1. The Pittsburgh Steelers covered the +2.5 as underdogs, but did not win straight up as we picked. The Jacksonville Jaguars (+5) covered in a 26-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and the LA Rams (+6.5) covered the spread in a 30-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

We enter the Wild Card round of the playoffs 26-27-1. In this round, 4 of the 6 home teams are favored.

Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NFL odds, and tab the best NFL Wild Card Weekend underdog bets to cash in on among SportsbookWire’s NFL expert picks and predictions.

FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+

NFL underdog predictions: Wild Card Weekend

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:29 a.m. ET. All games ET.

STEELERS +10 (-115) at Ravens – Saturday 8 p.m. (Prime Video)

The 2 teams split their regular-season meetings, with both winning on their home field. The Ravens won by 17 points at home on Dec. 21. Baltimore’s last 4 games have been wins by at least 17 points.

The Steelers lost their final 4 games and 3 of those losses are to teams now in the postseason and by at least 14 points.

But in QB Lamar Jackson’s 7 playoff starts, the Ravens have reached 20 points twice. Playing a division rival a third time in a season in the postseason screams close game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

BRONCOS +9 (-110) at Bills – Sunday 1 p.m. (CBS)

The Broncos’ last 8 games have been wins or losses by no more than a touchdown. In the Bills’ last 5 games, the only win by more than a touchdown was over the New York Jets.

The Broncos led the NFL in sacks with 63 and their offense averaged 32.6 points per game over their final 7 contests.

The Bills allowed over 40 points in the last 2 games they played teams currently in the playoffs.

This has the makings of a shootout.

Vikings at RAMS +1 (-115) – Monday 8 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)

Both teams lost their final regular-season game after winning streaks. The Rams had won 5 in a row and allowed 14 or fewer points in 4 of those wins.

The Vikings won 9 straight before a 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on the road in Week 18, forcing the 14-win Wild Card team to have to play on the road.

Vikings QB Sam Darnold has never played in the postseason and the Vikings have a history of postseason disappointments.

With both teams coming in, aside from their Week 18 losses, playing quite well, you look at the quarterbacks, the coaches and the defenses.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford has only 1 INT in his last 7 games. He has won a championship. Darnold threw 2 picks in his final 8 games.

In terms of defense, it is already noted that the Rams allowed 14 or fewer points in 4 of their final 6 games. The Vikings allowed 20 or more in 6 of their final 7 games.

In terms of coaching, Rams coach Sean McVay is 7-4 with 2 trips to the Super Bowl. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connellis 0-1 in the postseason.

Whether the game is played at SoFi Stadium or is moved to Arizona because of the wildfires in Southern California, expect the Rams to end the Vikings’ season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens live stream, how to watch, NFL football predictions, odds, tv channel, start time

The undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the road when they face the Baltimore Ravens from M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the road for the second consecutive week when they face the Baltimore Ravens from M&T Bank Stadium in a rivalry game on Sunday afternoon.

The Steelers are the last unbeaten team in the NFL at 6-0 and will look to make it seven against a stingy Ravens defense. Meanwhile, the Ravens are coming off of a bye week and have a nine-game home winning streak entering this game.

Can the Steelers stop Lamar Jackson and go 7-0 on the year? Tune in today’s game, here is everything you need to know to stream the action!

 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

  • When: Sunday, November 1
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: CBS
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
  • Live Stream: CBS All Access (stream for free)

Prediction: Baltimore hasn’t looked like the powerhouse they did last year and they only beat the Eagles by 2 points before the bye. They will be going against the best defense in the NFL, take the Steelers and the points while you can.

Bet: Pittsburgh Steelers +4

How to watch the NFL this season

fuboTV has complete local NFL coverage (CBS, FOX, ESPN), plus NFL Network and NFL Network Redzone. FuboTV includes every network you need to watch every NFL game in your market.
fuboTV is available on your phone, tablet, desktop, TV, connected TV Devices including Roku. Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV plus many more.
*Regional Restrictions Apply*

NFL Football Odds and Betting Lines

NFL odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds last updated Sunday at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Steelers vs. Ravens (-4)

Over/Under: 46.5 

Want some action on the NFL? Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ, and WV at BetMGM

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Prediction, Game Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens prediction, game preview, and fantasy player to watch.


Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Broadcast

Date: Sunday, November 1
Game Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Network: CBS

[jwplayer UoSPPC6f]

All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) vs Baltimore Ravens (5-1) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM


Why Pittsburgh Will Win

The Steeler pass rush is special, and the pass protection has been amazing.

Lamar Jackson continues to be devastating when he gets going outside of the pocket – the Steelers have the guys on the outside to contain him.

Jackson and the passing game have been okay, but he has yet to throw for 300 yards and only hit the 200-yard mark twice. This is a running team that needs to pound away, wait for it … wait for it … wait for it … and then Jackson strikes deep. Pittsburgh’s run defense leads the NFL, allowing 104 rushing yards to Denver and fewer than 100 yards against everyone else.

CFN Experts Picks: NFL

Why Baltimore Will Win

Baltimore’s ground game leads the NFL, and it’s going to hammer away until the Steelers can stop it.

The Ravens dominate the field position battle, it’s outstanding at generating takeaways, and they’ve got the pass rush to bother Ben Roethlisberger more he’s been hit all year.

This is going to be a physical game all the way around, and the Ravens have had a week off to rest up and get ready, while the Steelers had to deal with a killer Tennessee team.

Fantasy Football Player To Watch

RB JK Dobbins, Baltimore
This should be a defensive struggle, but with Mark Ingram likely out or limited for this match-up, Dobbins is going to get a bigger role no matter what. He only managed nine carries for 28 yards against the Eagles, but Dobbins could get to 15 carries in this one with Ingram doubtful.  

What’s Going To Happen

Will the rested Baltimore ground game be able to get going against the red hot Pittsburgh defense that’s stuffing everything? This should be a battle that comes down the slightest error. The Steelers just find a way to get through week after week, but the fresher legs will matter.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens Prediction, Line

Baltimore 24, Pittsburgh 20
Bet on Pittsburgh vs Baltimore with BetMGM
Baltimore -4.5, o/u: 4.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 5

5: Halloween (either Siouxsie and the Banshees or Ministry version)
1: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

[protected-iframe id=”361699434b6d70baf15f631ed2408ac1-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens sports betting odds and lines, with Week 17 NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

[jwplayer RZc2pcTB]

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) will make their final bid for a postseason berth Sunday of Week 17 against the AFC North-rival Baltimore Ravens (13-2) at M&T Bank Stadium. The game will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. We analyze the Steelers-Ravens odds and sports betting lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Steelers at Ravens: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes


Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.


  • The Ravens beat the Steelers 26-23 in overtime in Pittsburgh in Week 5. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson passed for 161 yards and rushed for 70. His 3 interceptions were a single-game season-high.
  • The Steelers enter Week 17 off of back-to-back losses to the Buffalo Bills (17-10) and New York Jets (16-10).
  • The Tennessee Titans (8-7) hold the tie-breaker over the Steelers for the second wild-card spot based on strength of schedule.
  • The Ravens have won 11 straight games with seven of those being decided by at least two scores. They clinched home-field advantage through the AFC playoffs.
  • Steelers third-string QB Devlin Hodges will get the Week 17 start after Mason Rudolph (shoulder) suffered an injury in Week 16.
  • Baltimore will rest Jackson and RB Mark Ingram (calf) in the regular-season finale, along with several veteran defensive starters.
  • QB Robert Griffin III will start for the Ravens. He appeared in six games this season, going 12-for-17 through the air with one touchdown and one pick. He hasn’t started a game since 2016.
  • The Ravens (18.1) and Steelers (18.3) rank third and fourth, respectively, in scoring defense. They’re two of the five teams in the NFL allowing fewer than 310 yards of offense per game.

Steelers at Ravens: Key injuries

Ingram is the main injury concern for Baltimore, but he was likely to rest this week regardless.

Steelers RB James Conner (thigh) may join Rudolph on the shelf for Week 17 after he left the Week 16 contest.

Steelers at Ravens: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Ravens 20, Steelers 13

Moneyline (?)

Take the value with the RAVENS (+110). Even though they’ll be resting stars, they’re still the deeper and more talented group on offense. Baltimore is 6-1 at home this year while Pittsburgh (-133) is just 3-4 on the road. Hodges threw six interceptions against just a single touchdown over the Steelers’ last two losses and they briefly switched back to Rudolph last week.

Against the Spread (?)

The spread is set at 2.5 points with -110 odds on either side. Stick with the hosts on the moneyline rather than taking lower odds for just 2 points of insurance in the event of a loss. PASS on the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Ravens to win outright on the moneyline returns a profit of $11. Backing them to cover +2.5 on the spread and stay within 2 points in a loss, tie or win outright would return $9.09 in profit.

Over/Under (?)

The best play is the UNDER 38.5 (-110). It was going to be a strong defensive battle even if both sides were fielding full rosters. Look for both QBs to struggle and Baltimore’s backup defenders to prove their worth in a defensive slog.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NFL betting record: 45-42

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]