WILD-CARD PLAYOFF FANTASY VALUE METER Back the Chargers, Ravens vs. spread

Top wagering picks for the NFL’s wild-card weekend based on lines from Tipico Sportsbook:

Chargers at Jaguars

For the first time since 2017, the Jags won the AFC South, but with the Colts struggling and the Titans proving to be too one-dimensional, the division was up for grabs. The Chargers will pose a more lethal threat. LA is 4-0-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last five games and is a strong 11-5-1 ATS on the season. It ranks seventh in the league in fewest opponents’ passing yards allowed per game. The weakness for Jacksonville is in its pass defense, which will open the door for QB Justin Herbert and his elite receiving corps. Considering the Chargers’ trends and the strength-onweakness matchups, back the Chargers (-1).

Giants at Vikings

If there’s one thing the Giants have been awesome at this season, it is hitting the Under. They are 6-9-2 O/U this season and rank 14th in the league in fewest opponents’ passing yards per game. Opponents also have the eighthworst completion percentage. Minnesota

QB Kirk Cousins has just three touchdown passes in four career playoff games. Mix that track record with a tough Giants defense that ranks eighth in rushing play percentage, according to teamrankings.com, and the clock should be consistently ticking in this game. Back the UNDER (48.5).

Ravens at Bengals

The Bengals pushed as 11-point favorites at home against Baltimore on Jan. 8. They will get the Ravens again, and at this spread, they’re getting too many points. Cincinnati only managed 55 rushing yards on 20 rushing attempts in Week 18. Anthony Brown, the Ravens starting quarterback, went 19-for-44 with two interceptions. Chances are QB Lamar Jackson is back, and he’ll change the dynamic.

While Baltimore has struggled in the pass game, CBs Marcus Peters (if he’s healthy) and Marlon Humphrey can be one of the best duos in the NFL and should pose a challenge for QB Joe Burrow and company. The talent in the secondary mixed with a strong run defense is there. Cincinnati is 12-3-1 ATS this season, so expect the game to be a public fade as well, which for divisional games is an extra bonus for bettors.

Baltimore should be able to keep things close, and I would back the RAVENS (+6.5).

ISAIAH J. DOWNING/USA TODAY SPORTS Justin Herbert leads a Chargers offense that is third in the NFL with 269.6 passing yards per game, according to ESPN.

DARREN YAMASHITA/USA TODAY SPORTS 49ers tight end George Kittle had 11 touchdown receptions in his 15 regular-season games.