Welcome to “Mac’s Picks for Wildcard Weekend”
Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at Carolina Panthers (8-9)
Saturday 4:30p FOX
The NFL can change quickly. Early in the 2024 season, the Carolina Panthers appeared ready to move on from Bryce Young, and this past winter Matthew Stafford was considering retirement.
Los Angeles Rams 31 Carolina Panthers 17
Mac’s Pick — Rams (-10)
Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) at Chicago Bears (11-6)
Saturday 8:00p PRIME
You’ll need to renew your Amazon Prime subscription if you want to see the 213th meeting between these two, longtime NFC North rivals — who will be meeting for the third time in the last six weeks.
Chicago Bears 27 Green Bay Packers 23
Mac’s Pick — Bears (+2 ½)
Buffalo Bills (12-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
Sunday 1:00p CBS
With Patrick Mahomes recovering from surgery, and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs watching from home, this is seemingly the year for the Buffalo Bills to return to the Super Bowl. But the Jacksonville Jaguars have won eight straight and appear poised to play spoilers.
Jacksonville Jaguars 34 Buffalo Bills 30
Mac’s Pick — Jaguars (-1 ½)
San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
Sunday 4:30p FOX
A year ago, Mac’s Picks rode the Saquon Barkley express throughout the playoffs. That’s unlikely this year, but I see them squeezing past the banged-up San Francisco 49ers.
Philadelphia Eagles 21 San Francisco 49ers 18
Mac’s Pick — 49ers (+6)
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at New England Patriots (14-3)
Sunday 8:00p NBC
This could be the most entertaining game this weekend with Justin Herbert seeking his first playoff victory against Drake Maye and the upstart New England Patriots. We are predicting a narrow win by the Pats in honor of the impending birth of future Patriot — Brady Thomas Farrell.
New England Patriots 38 Los Angeles Chargers 35
Mac’s Pick — Chargers (+3 ½)
Houston Texans (12-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
Monday 8:15p
As a sad, die-hard New York Jets fan, every fiber of my being wants to pick the Houston Texans. But alas, I’m afraid we are going to have to see the smug face of the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback rubbing it in our faces — yet again.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24 Houston Texans 17
Mac’s Pick — Steelers (+3)
MAC’S PICKS FINAL 2025 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
Versus the point spread: 14-20
On the moneyline: 21-13
Bonus picks: 1-1
MAC’S PICKS DISCLAIMER
Mac’s Picks is written for entertainment purposes only. While “Mac” comes from gambling lineage, he knows he can’t actually predict the future. Therefore, use this information at your own risk.