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Saturday, January 10 — 2025 NFL Playoffs
The NFL playoffs finally kick off on Saturday, and we get two games that feel very different but both have betting value if you see them clearly. Wild Card weekend is always tricky — public money, inflated lines, and narratives flying everywhere — but this slate gives us some opportunities.
Rams at Panthers
Saturday, January 10 — Early Game
This is one of those games that most people will glance at and say, “Yeah, sure, whatever,” but I actually think it’s sneaky good.
The Panthers hosting a playoff game is not something many people had on their bingo card this season, but here we are. Carolina has been playing confident football down the stretch, and they’re at home where young teams tend to play faster and looser. That matters in the playoffs.
The Rams are the Rams — experienced, well-coached, and capable of putting points on the board quickly. What I don’t trust is their defense in this spot. Carolina isn’t going to roll over, and they’ll be aggressive early. I don’t think either team is interested in turning this thing into a 17–14 pillow fight.
This game feels like it has points written all over it. Both offenses should find success, and I don’t see either defense dominating for four quarters. The Panthers are young and playing with house money, dangerous combination for any opponent.
Best Bets
Panthers +10.5
Over the total 45
If Carolina plays free and the Rams do what they usually do offensively, this one should sail over. I’ll gladly take the home team and root for points in January,
Packers at Bears
Saturday, January 10 — Night Game
Now this one is different.
Packers vs. Bears in the playoffs, in January, under the lights — this is exactly how the football gods draw it up. Rivalry games like this almost never look pretty, and anyone expecting fireworks might be disappointed.
Chicago has leaned into who they are all season: physical, defensive, and comfortable winning ugly. This is the type of game they want. Short drives, field position, and letting the defense dictate the tempo.
Green Bay can be explosive, but that explosiveness tends to disappear in cold, hostile environments against teams that know them inside and out. I don’t expect either offense to find much rhythm early, and once this turns into a possession-by-possession game, it plays right into Chicago’s hands.
This feels like a rare Bears playoff win — nothing flashy, just solid football and fewer mistakes.
Best Bets
Bears +1.5
Under the total 44.5
I’ll take da Bears at home and am leaning towards making the rarest of bets I personally make, the under (ominous music playing).
As the College Football Playoff narrows down to four, every number matters more than ever. Make sure you’re using the Golden Camel App to compare odds across sportsbooks, track line movement, and lock in the best possible price before kickoff. And if you haven’t already, check out our CFP First Round Breakdown & Best Bets for a full look at how this postseason chaos unfolded and the trends that continue to cash as the playoff rolls on.
