The NFL playoffs get started this weekend in Charlotte. The 8-9 Panthers barely hung on for an NFC South division title, eking out the second-place Buccaneers. Carolina’s reward will be a date with the 12-5 Rams. Los Angeles, led by MVP candidate Matthew Stafford, has its eyes set on a return to the Super Bowl.
It’s the postseason; anything can happen. That’s especially true during Wild Card Weekend, which always gives us some entertaining games. Before the start of Saturday’s showdown, let’s take a closer look at what picks and player props the public is backing tonight.
The Rams enter this contest as 10.5-point favorites (-110) over the Panthers on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 46.5 points. Los Angeles is favored at -575 on the moneyline.
Betting Splits
The public is all over the Rams, with 82% of bets going their way. It’s a similar story for the handle, as 71% of all cash backing the visitors. On paper, it’s not too surprising. Los Angeles is an over-qualified wild card team, equipped with talent on both sides of the ball. Carolina is a feel-good story, but one of the weakest playoff teams in recent memory. At 8-9, with the unproven Bryce Young at quarterback, the Panthers have +425 odds at securing a win.
Things get a bit more interesting when looking over the spread. Right now, the handle is at a clean 50/50 split. More total bets are in favor of Carolina (62%), which means more big money wagers are lined up with LA. As away favorites, the Rams are 4-2 against the spread this season. In comparison, the Panthers are 5-2 ATS as home underdogs. That includes a 31-28 upset over Los Angeles back in Week 13.
Bettors are anticipating plenty of points in this one. 61% of wagers and 71% of the handle supporting the over. That’s fueled in large part by the Rams, football’s highest scoring offense (30.5 PPG). On the other side, Carolina ranks 27th in the NFL with 18.3 points per game. Still, to keep up with Stafford and company, the usually run-heavy Panthers might need to sling it downfield. Ten of Los Angeles’ 17 contests this season have gone over. Ten of Carolina’s 17 matchups have gone under.
Most Popular Player Props
Here are the top five most-bet player props for tonight’s game:
- Puka Nacua anytime touchdown scorer (-110)
- Davante Adams anytime touchdown scorer (-140)
- Rico Dowdle anytime touchdown scorer (+160)
- Tetairoa McMillan anytime touchdown scorer (+180)
- Puka Nacua 6+ receptions (-344)
Los Angeles’ offense is generating the most action on the player prop market. To be more specific, Puka Nacua is in high demand this weekend. The third-year pro has a real claim as the NFL’s best wide receiver. Through 17 games, he’s enjoying 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and ten touchdowns. The BYU alum has reached the end zone in four of his last five appearances. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Nacua scoring a TD tops this afternoon’s prop list. The wideout has also snagged at least six catches in 14 of his 17 outings this season. His status as Stafford’s favorite target ensures one of the safest floors for production in football.
Don’t forget about Davante Adams, a superstar in his own right. The former All-Pro was held out due to injury for LA’s final two regular season contests. Following his multi-week absence, Adams should have no limitations on Saturday. Over 14 games this season, the veteran has accounted for 60 receptions, 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. With all eyes on Nacua, the former Packers standout won’t be double-teamed very often.
Bettors haven’t forgotten about the Panthers, despite their low-scoring offense. Head coach Dave Canales prefers running the ball, leaning on the running back duo of Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. The former has emerged as Carolina’s RB1, putting together a terrific 2025 campaign. Dowdle leads the team with 1,076 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns. Through the air, Tetairoa McMillan is a name to watch. The first-round pick is the current favorite to win this season’s Rookie of the Year. Over 17 games, he’s delivered 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. That includes a 43-yard score against the Rams in November.
