FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Top Fantasy Football Predictions & Prop Bets for the Wild Card Round (Ep. 1927)
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Ryan Wormley (“Worm”), Andrew Erickson
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In this Wild Card round episode, Ryan Wormley and Andrew Erickson break down every playoff game with predictions, analysis, and their favorite prop bets for the Super Wild Card Weekend. They deliver sharp insights, trend-based reasoning, and notable prop angles, sharing their picks—sometimes head-to-head—and close with their Hard Rock Best Bets for the week.

Episode Overview

• Detailed game-by-game preview and betting predictions for each Wild Card matchup
• Prop bet recommendations for each game
• Trend and matchup analysis, highlighting how weather, injuries, and coaching impact outcomes
• Debate on underdogs, homefield advantage, and playoff experience
• Discussion on Super Bowl futures, playoff paths, and which teams are "battle-tested"
• Notable stats, memorable lines, and expert banter

Game-By-Game Breakdown

1. Rams at Panthers

Timestamps: 02:04 – 09:40

• Andrew Erickson:

  • Picks Panthers to cover a “massive” +10.5 spread (despite not expecting them to win).
  • Rationale: Panthers are historically strong against-the-spread (ATS) after losses (covered 13 consecutive as underdog post-loss).
  • Observes Panthers’ loose, nothing-to-lose mentality:

    “They can just play really flying, loose ... like 'who cares, we’re not even supposed to be here anyway.’” (07:09)

  • Notes weather (rain favors home team), improved O-line (Robert Hunt returns), fluky first win over Rams, Panthers’ consistent running game.
  • Prop: Jalen Coker over 3.5 receptions; heavily targeted as WR2, 6th in catch rate this season (77%).

• Ryan Wormley:

  • Picks Rams to cover (10.5), expecting a statement game after their earlier "fluky" loss to Carolina.
  • Notes Rams' renewed health, Devante Adams likely back, and Rams’ motivation to reassert dominance.
  • Predicts early Rams lead; “I kind of think they’re going to smash.” (05:11)
  • Prop: Puka Nacua first touchdown scorer (+550).
  • On Panthers’ trends:

    “This is obviously, I mean, and we all knew that they were the worst playoff team in this field. But they are historically bad as far as playoff teams go.” (09:06)

• Debate/Insight:

  • Ryan sees Panthers as “historically bad” by DVOA, Rams as possibly the league's best team; Andrew leans into betting trends and doubting blowouts for home dogs.

2. Packers at Bears

Timestamps: 09:42 – 17:53

• Ryan Wormley:

  • Picks Packers (upset) for an offensive “explosion,” trusting Jordan Love to deliver versus weak Bears defense.
  • Remembers last year’s 7-seed Packers success.
  • Props: Jordan Love over 227.5 passing yards, over 1.5 passing TDs.
  • Concern more about Packers' defense than offense.

• Andrew Erickson:

  • Takes Bears +1.5 as the home team:

    “I could really see a scenario where they lose by one point ... but I technically get the win.” (11:31)

  • Bears “find ways to win,” notes strong home ATS record (10-5-1 since Caleb Williams entered NFL).
  • Prop: Rome Odunze under 3.5 receptions (coming off a long injury absence, others have emerged).
  • Sees weather (wind) impacting total, would lean under 46.5, but primarily trusts Bears to cover.
  • Reminds: In both regular season games Bears never actually led (outside of OT).

• Notable Exchange:

  • “Love and LaFleur have been there before; Caleb Williams' first playoff game, Ben Johnson's first playoff game.” (17:53, Ryan)

3. Bills at Jaguars

Timestamps: 18:52 – 25:29

• Andrew Erickson:

  • Picks Jaguars +1.5 (home dogs), feels they're “slept on.”
  • Trend: Jags 7-1 ATS at home, best in NFL (88%).
  • Matchup edge: Jags’ #1 run defense vs. Bills’ top rushing offense. Jaguars haven’t allowed a 75+ yard rusher all season.
  • Prop: James Cook under 80.5 rushing yards.
  • Cautions that public loves Josh Allen, but Jags are more complete.

• Ryan Wormley:

  • Focuses on the under (total 52, highest of the slate):

    “This is the highest total of the week by a decent amount ... I love the under. It might end up actually being my best bet of the week.” (21:47)

  • Predicts both QBs (Allen, Lawrence) look “a little shaky.”
  • Prop: Josh Allen under 1.5 passing TDs (could run them in near the goal line).
  • Later rethinks making under his "best bet" after Erickson points out both QBs have been elite since Week 5 and Bills' postseason overs (8 of last 10).

• Quote:

  “I just get a little nervous putting too much of the burden on these two guys to carry everything else. And I think the number's too high.” (23:22, Wormley)

4. 49ers at Eagles

Timestamps: 25:55 – 36:16

• Ryan Wormley:

  • Predicts a shootout and takes the Over 44 (“one of the highest scoring Wild Card games.”)
  • Cites Eagles’ gettable run defense, Niners D decimated by injuries (“point of no return”).
  • Props: Hurts over 1.5 passing TDs, McCaffrey over 110.5 combined yards.

• Andrew Erickson:

  • Strongest on Eagles -4.5, calls it his “Hard Rock best bet.”
  • Key: Lane Johnson’s expected return; Niners’ tackle Trent Williams unlikely 100%.

    “This offense doesn’t nearly play as well or excel without Trent Williams healthy.” (28:04)

  • Eagles healthy, battle-tested; 49ers “injury depleted.”
  • “I think that this is the spot where we see a team dominate ... I think the Eagles win by a touchdown.” (28:04)
  • Future Value: At +900 to win Super Bowl, sees Eagles as “really sharp,” given their playoff pedigree and experience.
  • Prop: Hurts under 29.5 passing attempts (under in 7 of last 10 at home, more efficiency with Lane Johnson).

• Insightful Banter:

  • Ryan: “If you put any value in experience, Eagles are a really, really sharp bet.” (33:02)
  • Andrew: “This team is battle-tested, ready to go in the playoffs. They know what to expect.” (32:29)

5. Chargers at Patriots

Timestamps: 37:23 – 43:04

• Andrew Erickson (Patriots fan):

  • Picks Patriots to win (but wary of lying -3.5), expects a “lower-scoring, ugly” game.
  • Patriots have faced one top defense; Chargers are top-10 in DVOA, EPA/play allowed.
  • DC Jesse Minter: Praises Chargers’ DC, sees him as top future HC candidate.
  • Patriots run D much improved with return of Milton Williams, Robert Spillane.
  • Prop: Omarion Hampton under 50 rushing yards (no RB has hit 50 vs NE when Williams healthy).
  • Predicts game script: “20–17 type of setup.”

• Ryan Wormley:

  • Also picks Patriots to win, but expects Chargers to scare NE and keep it close.
  • Notes Patriots’ lack of true tests this year, possible vulnerability for young QB Drake May.
  • Prop: May under 24.5 rushing yards (sees Chargers/Minter focusing defensive efforts).
  • “The Patriots have not been tested this year ... there have been very, very few real litmus tests for this team this season.” (40:36)

6. Texans at Steelers

Timestamps: 43:04 – 48:28

• Ryan Wormley:

  • Texans to “smash”—win and cover -3 easily.
  • Trusts Stroud to deliver, expects strong performance even against “Tomlin Devil Magic.”
  • Texans defense is “the best in football” and Steelers offense is limited and unhealthy;

    “I really don’t think this Steelers team is good at all ... I think the Texans are a much, much better team.” (43:04)

  • Props: Stroud over 1.5 passing TDs, Jaden Higgins anytime TD.

• Andrew Erickson:

  • Agrees, Texans -3 is only road favorite bet he likes.
  • Notes Steelers 23–0 home record on MNF but 0–6 ATS in last 6 playoff games.
  • “There’s one elite unit ... it’s the Texans defense. And that’s the defense I want to put my prediction on.” (45:25)
  • Prop: Jalen Warren over 1.5 receptions (13/16 games over, quick RB checkdowns likely vs pass rush).

• Banter:

  • “If we see all these home teams lose to start the Wild Card weekend, it’s not going to be 6-0. So if I am just ice cold, you have to get the mortgage put on the Texans against the Steelers.” (50:06, Erickson)

Best Bets / Locks of the Week

Timestamps: 48:52 – 51:40

• Erickson: Philadelphia Eagles -4.5 over the 49ers is his Hard Rock Best Bet

  “I think that's kind of where I had the most confidence in my pick ... Eagles laying 4.5 points, putting the smackdown on an injury depleted 49ers.” (48:52)

• Wormley: Texans -3 over Steelers

  “I just can’t get away from Texans minus three against this particular Steelers team. It feels like such a smash.” (49:26)

• Trends:

  • Home teams are 19–5 straight up, 17–7 ATS in Wild Card Weekend since playoff expansion.
  • Erickson: Picked every home team to win/cover except Steelers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On tight spreads and home dogs:

  “Double digit home underdogs, that's just something I like to bet blindly, and I think that more often than not it works out.” (09:06, Erickson)

• On playoff experience:

  “If you put any value in experience, then I think Eagles are a really, really sharp bet.” (33:02, Wormley)

• On QB situations:

  “Not that the moment will be too big for them, but it is a different experience playing the playoffs.” (17:53, Wormley)

• On betting against trends:

  “Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't ... The process play is always 'Steelers home underdogs, yeah take them outright.' ... But I've seen Texans -2.5, win by a field goal, I love that bet.” (45:25, Erickson)

• On Super Bowl futures:

  “At +900 to win Super Bowl, sees Eagles as 'really sharp,' given their playoff pedigree and experience.” (Paraphrased, 31:27–34:09)

Summary Table

| Game | Andrew Erickson | Ryan Wormley | Key Props | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Rams @ Panthers | Panthers +10.5, Coker o3.5 rec | Rams -10.5, Puka 1st TD | Coker o3.5 rec, Puka 1st TD | | Packers @ Bears | Bears +1.5, Odunze u3.5 rec | Packers win, Love o227.5yd/1.5TD | Love o227.5yd/1.5TD, Odunze u3.5 rec | | Bills @ Jaguars | Jaguars +1.5, Cook u80.5 rushyd | Under 52, Allen u1.5 pass TD | Cook u80.5, Allen u1.5 pass TD | | 49ers @ Eagles | Eagles -4.5 (Best Bet), Hurts u29.5 att | Over 44, Hurts o1.5 TD, CMC o110.5 tot yds | Hurts u29.5 att, Hurts o1.5 TD, CMC o110.5 | | Chargers @ Patriots | Patriots win, Under 46.5, Hampton u50 rush yd | Patriots win, May u24.5 rush yd | Hampton u50 rushyd, May u24.5 rush | | Texans @ Steelers | Texans -3, Warren o1.5 rec | Texans -3, Higgins anytime TD, Stroud o1.5 TD | Warren o1.5 rec, Higgins TD, Stroud o1.5TD |

Conclusion

Erickson and Wormley bring data, trends, and fresh angles to every Wild Card playoff matchup, showing both conviction and humility where they differ (Rams-Panthers, Bears-Packers). Experienced playoff teams and competent defensive play are special focuses, especially in a surprising endorsement for the Eagles’ Super Bowl odds. Their best bets: lay the points with the Eagles and Texans, two home favorites in strong positions. The episode delivers heightened insight, concrete prop angles, and entertaining analyst banter for any serious fantasy or sports bettor.

For Quick Reference:

• Rams @ Panthers: [02:04–09:40]
• Packers @ Bears: [09:42–17:53]
• Bills @ Jaguars: [18:52–25:29]
• 49ers @ Eagles: [25:55–36:16]
• Chargers @ Patriots: [37:23–43:04]
• Texans @ Steelers: [43:04–48:28]
• Best Bets: [48:52–51:40]

This summary preserves the podcast’s tone and language, focused on content-rich analysis and practical betting insights, skipping advertisements and off-topic banter.