NFL AI Predictions for Wild Card Round | ATS Picks & Score Projections for Every Playoff Game
Last Updated: January 7, 2026 6:00 AM EST • 7 minute read X Social Google News Link
With the NFL playoffs kicking off this weekend, our NFL AI predictions make their postseason debut with score predictions and projected stats for all six games in the Wild Card Round from our advanced AI model. We trained the latest ChatGPT model to make its NFL playoff predictions with projected scores for every wild-card game this weekend based on real-time search and advanced metrics.
🤖 NFL AI predictions: Wild Card Round
AI pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale; see the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for Wild Card Weekend.
| Prediction | ATS pick | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Rams 34, Panthers 17 | Rams -10.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bears 24, Packers 21 | Bears +1.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jaguars 30, Bills 27 | Jaguars +1.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Eagles 27, 49ers 20 | Eagles -4.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Chargers 24, Patriots 23 | Chargers +3.5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Texans 20, Steelers 19 | Steelers +3 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🐏 Rams (-10.5) at Panthers
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rams | 10 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 34 |
| Panthers | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
🔢 Rams projected stats
- Passing leader: Matthew Stafford — 24/36, 286 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Kyren Williams — 19 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Puka Nacua — 8 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
🔢 Panthers projected stats
- Passing leader: Bryce Young — 20/34, 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Rico Dowdle — 15 carries, 67 yards
- Receiving leader: Tetairoa McMillan — 6 receptions, 81 yards
🔮 Rams vs. Panthers prediction
This matchup tilts toward Los Angeles because of offensive structure and playoff experience. When Matthew Stafford is protected, the Rams are comfortable pushing the ball downfield and forcing defenses to defend the entire width of the field, and Carolina has struggled all season to consistently get off the field against efficient passing games. With Kyren Williams keeping the Rams ahead of schedule, Los Angeles is positioned to control tempo early.
Carolina can move the ball in stretches, but sustaining drives and finishing possessions remains an issue — especially once they fall behind. As the game wears on, the Rams’ ability to convert in the red zone and avoid negative plays creates separation. By the fourth quarter, Los Angeles is able to lean on balance and close this one out without letting it turn into a late-possession game.
Score prediction: Rams 34, Panthers 17
🐻 Bears (+1.5) vs. Packers
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
| Bears | 3 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
🔢 Bears projected stats
- Passing leader: Caleb Williams — 24/37, 275 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: D’Andre Swift — 18 carries, 81 yards
- Receiving leader: D.J. Moore — 7 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD
🔢 Packers projected stats
- Passing leader: Jordan Love — 23/35, 261 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Josh Jacobs — 17 carries, 72 yards
- Receiving leader: Jayden Reed — 6 receptions, 84 yards, 1 TD
🔮 Packers vs. Bears prediction
This matchup projects as one of the tighter games of the Wild Card Round, with both teams capable of controlling stretches. Green Bay’s offense is most effective when Jordan Love stays on schedule and Josh Jacobs keeps them balanced, but Chicago’s defensive front has shown the ability to disrupt timing and force mistakes when games tighten late.
Chicago’s edge comes from finishing drives and controlling the fourth quarter. Caleb Williams has been more decisive down the stretch of the season, and when paired with D’Andre Swift’s ability to keep the Bears ahead of the chains, Chicago can dictate tempo late. In a game likely decided by a handful of third-down plays, the Bears’ late-game execution gives them the advantage.
Score prediction: Bears 24, Packers 21
🐆 Jaguars (+1.5) vs. Bills
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | 7 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
| Jaguars | 7 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 30 |
🔢 Jaguars projected stats
- Passing leader: Trevor Lawrence — 26/38, 301 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Travis Etienne Jr. — 18 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Parker Washington — 7 receptions, 102 yards, 1 TD
🔢 Bills projected stats
- Passing leader: Josh Allen — 25/37, 287 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: James Cook — 17 carries, 81 yards
- Receiving leader: Khalil Shakir — 6 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
🔮 Bills vs. Jaguars prediction
Jacksonville’s edge in this matchup comes from offensive balance and home-field control. Trevor Lawrence has been at his best when the Jaguars can stay ahead of the sticks and mix Travis Etienne into the game plan, and Buffalo’s defense has been more vulnerable to sustained drives than explosive shots. That allows Jacksonville to dictate tempo and avoid the kind of turnover-heavy game scripts that favor the Bills.
Buffalo keeps this close behind Josh Allen’s playmaking and James Cook’s efficiency, but finishing drives has been inconsistent against disciplined defenses. In a back-and-forth game, Jacksonville’s ability to convert late possessions — particularly in the red zone — is the difference. The Jaguars make one more key play in the fourth quarter and protect their home field.
Score prediction: Jaguars 30, Bills 27
🦅 Eagles (-4.5) vs. 49ers
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 20 |
| Eagles | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 27 |
🔢 Eagles projected stats
- Passing leader: Jalen Hurts — 24/35, 276 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Saquon Barkley — 17 carries, 82 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: DeVonta Smith — 7 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD
🔢 49ers projected stats
- Passing leader: Brock Purdy — 21/32, 242 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Christian McCaffrey — 18 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving leader: Jauan Jennings — 6 receptions, 78 yards
🔮 49ers vs. Eagles prediction
The Eagles closed the season with playoff seeding in hand and have continuity in both phases, led by Jalen Hurts, who limited turnovers and delivered in key moments in 2025. Saquon Barkley’s ability to force defenders into run conflict helps open intermediate passing windows for star receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and that balance is critical against a San Francisco defense that ranks lower in pass rush productivity and points allowed than many expect.
San Francisco’s best offensive weapon is Christian McCaffrey, who nearly finished with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving for the second time in his career. Brock Purdy tends to thrive when McCaffrey forces defenders into conflict, but Purdy’s shoulder stinger and the 49ers’ overall struggles protecting the quarterback late in the season temper their upside. Meanwhile, Philly’s defense has shown the ability to limit explosive plays and make critical stops when it matters most. In a tight, emotionally charged playoff battle, the Eagles’ balanced attack and home-field comfort allow them to eke out a one-score win.
Score prediction: Eagles 27, 49ers 20
⚡️ Chargers (+3.5) at Patriots
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Patriots | 3 | 7 | 10 | 3 | 23 |
🔢 Chargers projected stats
- Passing leader: Justin Herbert — 24/36, 268 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Omarion Hampton — 14 carries, 62 yards
- Receiving leader: Keenan Allen — 8 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD
🔢 Patriots projected stats
- Passing leader: Drake Maye — 22/34, 241 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: TreVeyon Henderson — 16 carries, 71 yards
- Receiving leader: Stefon Diggs — 6 receptions, 78 yards
🔮 Chargers vs. Patriots prediction
The Chargers earn the edge by leaning into Justin Herbert’s arm talent against a Patriots secondary that’s been vulnerable to layered route concepts and tempo changes. Los Angeles does most of its damage in the first half, converting short fields and finishing drives through Keenan Allen in the red zone. While the run game is modest, Herbert’s efficiency on early downs keeps the offense on schedule and limits negative plays.
New England hangs around because Drake Maye settles in after halftime, attacking intermediate windows and extending drives with his legs when needed. The Patriots control the third quarter and briefly take the lead, but their inability to consistently finish drives forces them to settle for field goals late. Herbert responds with one composed fourth-quarter scoring drive, and the Chargers’ defense closes it out with a final stop.
Score prediction: Chargers 24, Patriots 23
🏗️ Steelers (+3) vs. Texans
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 20 |
| Steelers | 3 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 19 |
🔢 Texans projected stats
- Passing leader: C.J. Stroud — 20/31, 226 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Woody Marks — 16 carries, 72 yards
- Receiving leader: Nico Collins — 6 receptions, 88 yards, 1 TD
🔢 Steelers projected stats
- Passing leader: Aaron Rodgers — 22/35, 231 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing leader: Jaylen Warren — 18 carries, 77 yards
- Receiving leader: D.K. Metcalf — 7 receptions, 94 yards
🔮 Texans vs. Steelers prediction
Houston’s advantage is that it can win this game without being perfect on offense. The Texans’ profile is built on defensive disruption and forcing mistakes, and Pittsburgh’s passing game has shown real drop-off under pressure — which matters in a playoff script where one turnover swings everything.
Pittsburgh keeps it tight because Aaron Rodgers can still run an efficient, controlled game when the run is working, and Jaylen Warren gives them steady chunk gains to stay out of obvious pass situations. But the Steelers’ drive-to-drive margin is thin, and settling for field goals late is what leaves them a point short as Houston closes with a final scoring possession.
Score prediction: Texans 20, Steelers 19
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