There really was a lot to analyze from wild-card weekend. Chicago Bears Coming back with another comeback in the fourth quarter, back and forth in the final quarter Los Angeles Rams–carolina panthers, buffalo bill–jacksonville jaguars And san francisco 49ers–philadelphia eagles game. And we saw the defense for it new England Patriots And houston texans Stand still while getting some help from your opponents.
with the exception of Seattle Seahawks And denver broncosEvery other playoff team that received a first-round bye has a game in hand. So we asked Matt Bowen, Liz Loza, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody, Ben Solak and Seth Walder who would be their picks to win the Super Bowl based on what they’ve seen, and which team offers the best betting value?
Attention: from obstacles DraftKings Sportsbook And is subject to change.
Best Bet: Bills +650; Best Price: Bill +650
Bowen: I’m sticking with Buffalo for both choices here. We’re getting really good value, plus I see a team with a path to a championship. josh allen Has the ability to make the difference in winning in crucial moments of the game. Elite dual threat traits. And this Bills defense plays with high-end zone discipline. Historic drops. eyes. Break on the ball. Squeezing the throwing window and limiting big play throws down the field. Sean McDermott’s team has what it takes to win a ring.
Best Bets: Rams +320; Best Value: Texans +850
Loza: The Rams are the most complete team in football. Matthew Stafford‘s anticipation, timing and accuracy are fueled by a dynamic receiving corps and a highly productive backfield. While LA’s secondary can be taken advantage of, the team’s defensive line can effectively bring the heat, posting an impressive pass rush win rate of 40.4% during the regular season. Additionally, Sean McVay (and many of his current players) has experience for his team, having hoisted Lombardi just four years ago.
That said, Houston’s defense has proven it can carry the team to Santa Clara, recording the second-best defensive efficiency rating (68.19%) in all of 2025. CJ Stroud is far from being an ideal passer, and the disadvantage of Nico Collins There will be loss in the divisional round, but jayden higgins Is a capable replacement and can manage enough splash plays to keep Stroud’s offense competitive. If the theory is to be believed, the defense wins the championship and the value offered at +850 odds is too good to ignore.
Best Bet: Patriots +600; Best Value: Patriot +600
Maldonado: New England has the most complete profile, a top-tier coverage unit paired with elite tackling that curtails explosive plays and ends drives. That combo makes a deep trip into the playoffs. Offensively, the Patriots are tops in passing efficiency, and they protect the ball, which matters more than raw explosiveness against playoff defenses. They maintain drives, control field position and don’t rely on turnover spikes or broken plays.
Overall, New England plays fair against pressure-heavy teams because its protection schemes and quick play neutralize rush-first defenses. The Patriots also avoid the self-inflicted instability that sinks talented opponents. At +600, the price shows potential without overpaying for flash. It is a futures bet on repeatable traits and the highest floor remaining.
Best Bets: Seahawks +270; Best Value: Broncos +700
moody: The Seahawks remain a betting favorite for a reason. Seattle’s defense finished the regular season ranked first in run stop win rate, seventh in pass rush win rate, and in the top five in both fewest total yards and points allowed. They are also very capable on offense and have now drawn a divisional-round matchup against the 49ers team they defeated in Week 18 to clinch the NFC West and the No. 1 seed.
Meanwhile, the Broncos are well-rested after getting a bye and enter the AFC as the No. 1 seed, which provides value at these odds. Denver has playmakers like Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton under center and head coach Sean Payton one of the most creative offensive minds in the league. The Broncos’ defense led the league with 68 sacks in 2025 and ranked third in pass rush win rate, giving them a real chance to surprise bettors.
Best Bets: Seahawks +270; Best Price: Bear +1600
Solak: Seattle’s defense is the best unit remaining in the playoffs on either side of the bracket, and even when the offense has sagged, it’s been a good enough unit to find explosives and drain the clock. Sam Darnold’s kryptonite – the Rams’ defense – hasn’t been up to par the last seven or eight games. Seattle has the clearest path to its conference championship game as a 7-point favorite over the 49ers.
The Bears are priced at almost double the next-closest team (+Texans at $850) and not much lower than the 49ers (+2000). Chicago gets the Rams at home in a game that should be a shootout, and although their defense is not strong, it has improved over the back half of the season as they have returned players from injury. This is a mispriced team.
Best Bets: Rams +320; Best Value: Broncos +700
Walder: Now that the Rams and Seahawks are tied once again, I think Los Angeles is now a Super Bowl favorite once again – even if it loses to the Panthers. While the last few weeks haven’t been great for Los Angeles, I think it’s important to zoom out a bit and look at the broader picture, in which the Rams and Seahawks were two of the best teams this year. But Sam Darnold‘The cold streak has lasted much longer than the Rams’ (Darnold is 27th in QBR since Week 11!), so I give the edge to the Rams.
I think the Broncos are underrated. And you don’t have to be completely sold out bo nix Or betting on them. In fact, I think it’s one of those things that – once they’re in the Super Bowl – we’ll look back at almost as obvious. Yes, a team with an excellent defense, featuring both an exceptional pass rush and superstar cornerback, as well as arguably the best offensive line and a Hall of Fame play-caller made it to the Super Bowl. Of course he did.
