2024 NFL Wild Card odds indicate a significant spread, with the Ravens favored by -7.5.
This line reflects the expectations surrounding the matchup between the Ravens and the Steelers.
Perhaps this spread is just right as the teams face off for the third time this season.
According to John Murray, vice president of race and sports at Westgate SuperBook, “I think it’s the right number.” He added, “The Ravens have a very high power rating. We would make them the favorite at Arrowhead in the AFC Championship against the Chiefs. Plus, Russell Wilson looks terrible.”
Murray also noted, “There’s also the element of teasers. You want to keep that line high and make people pay the tax to get the game under three [points].”
While Pittsburgh may not mirror Kansas City, the dynamics of this rivalry remain intense.
Although there’s no financial stake on the side or total, some may find value in betting on Lamar Jackson at 47-1 to lead the wild card round in rushing yards.
A $10 wager could yield a return of $470.
In the NFC, a thrilling matchup awaits as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday afternoon on FOX. The health of quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love remains uncertain.
Hurts missed the final two weeks of the regular season due to a concussion, while Love exited Week 18 with an elbow injury against the Bears. He was seen tossing footballs on the sideline late in the game, but the Packers opted to let Malik Willis finish.
The point spread has fluctuated between Philly -4 and -5 in recent days, with the total remaining steady at an opener of [O/U] 45.5.
Murray stated, “We’re proceeding as if both quarterbacks will go.” He added, “We did take sharp money on the Packers at +5.5, which brought us down to 5, where we’re holding right now. This is for sure the best game of the opening round, and we’re writing it that way.”
Love impressed in his first two playoff starts last year, throwing three touchdowns to lead Green Bay to a 48-32 victory over Dallas. The following week, Green Bay held a narrow lead against San Francisco, but Christian McCaffrey scored the game-winner with just over a minute remaining.
The Eagles’ offense boasts a wealth of talent when fully healthy. Key players like Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, supported by a formidable offensive line, make them a force to reckon with. However, their defensive capabilities may be even stronger.
Murray acknowledged, “The defense is legit. Their defense and running game make them a team that has every opportunity to make a deep playoff run.”
He emphasized, “It’s all about that coach. If Nick Sirianni sticks to the ground game and trusts the defense, the Eagles should end up back in the NFC Championship with all that talent.”
