If the NFL invented “Super Wild Card Weekend” to make things feel bigger, louder, and slightly more ridiculous — then congratulations, it worked. And if you’re watching from London (or anywhere that values sleep), this weekend is about bad decisions, strong opinions, and staying up far too late.
On the latest NFL in London podcast, Ryan and Wade did exactly what they do best: argue, laugh, complain about coaches, and predict every single playoff game with complete confidence — even when they admit they shouldn’t have any.
Here’s their full breakdown of all six games, complete with hot takes, grudges, romance novels about Aaron Rodgers, and predictions that may or may not age terribly.
🏈 Saturday Early Game
Los Angeles Rams (12–5) at Carolina Panthers (8–9)
Spread: Rams -10.5
Carolina backing into the playoffs at 8–9 already feels like a win for Panthers fans — but Ryan and Wade both think the fun ends here.
Ryan believes this is a mismatch in experience, coaching, and firepower. Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Puka Nacua, and a fully-loaded Rams offence feel like too much for Bryce Young in his first-ever playoff start. Without a consistent run game, Ryan thinks Carolina will struggle to keep pace.
Wade agrees, pointing out that the Rams clearly overlooked Carolina in their earlier loss — and won’t make that mistake again. With Davante Adams back and Stafford locked in, he expects Los Angeles to put their foot down early.
Prediction:
- Ryan: Rams win 30–21
- Wade: Rams win 31–21
Consensus: Goodbye Panthers. Nice season, wrong opponent.
🧀 Saturday Night Game
Green Bay Packers (9–7–1) at Chicago Bears (11–6)
Spread: Packers -1
Welcome to chaos.
This historic rivalry meets the playoffs for just the third time ever, and Ryan and Wade could not be further apart.
Ryan is backing Green Bay — reluctantly. He doesn’t love Caleb Williams wearing a cheese-grater hat pre-game (locker-room bulletin board material), and he trusts Jordan Love’s playoff experience over a rookie QB making his first postseason start. Ryan expects a chippy, penalty-heavy game where one late mistake decides everything.
Wade, meanwhile, is fully leaning into Bears fandom. He believes Chicago is healthier, more motivated, and ready to dictate the game early rather than reacting. With Rome Odunze back, multiple tight-end options, and a crowd desperate to end Green Bay’s misery tour, Wade sees a Bears win in a shootout.
Prediction:
- Ryan: Packers win 24–21
- Wade: Bears win 30–28
Consensus: Nobody is confident. Everyone will be angry.
🦬 Sunday Early Game
Buffalo Bills (12–5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (13–4)
Over/Under: 52
Two Josh Allens. One playoff resume on the line.
Ryan points out the uncomfortable truth: Buffalo hasn’t won a road playoff game in 33 years. Sean McDermott’s defence has a history of letting Josh Allen down, and Jacksonville has quietly won eight straight games.
That said, both Ryan and Wade trust Buffalo’s scars. They’ve lost every way possible — and sometimes that experience matters. With Dalton Kincaid back, James Cook carrying the ground game, and Josh Allen fully aware this is his moment, they expect Buffalo to weather an early Jacksonville surge.
Wade thinks Jacksonville will land the first punch — but Buffalo will land the last.
Prediction:
- Ryan: Bills win 26–23
- Wade: Bills win 26–20
Consensus: Nervy. Stressful. Very Bills.
🦅 Sunday Late Game
San Francisco 49ers (12–5) at Philadelphia Eagles (11–6)
Spread: Eagles -4.5
Ryan doesn’t trust warm-weather teams in cold playoff games — especially not against Philadelphia’s defence.
While Christian McCaffrey remains elite, Ryan expects Brock Purdy to struggle once Philly turns up the pressure. He also believes Jalen Hurts becomes an entirely different quarterback when the playoffs arrive.
Wade agrees, calling the Eagles a “slumbering bear” that hasn’t even fully shown its hand yet. With Vic Fangio pulling defensive strings and Philly forcing San Francisco into obvious passing downs, Wade sees mistakes coming.
Prediction:
- Ryan: Eagles win 27–24
- Wade: Eagles win 27–18
Consensus: Philly wakes up at the right time.
⚡ Sunday Night Game
Los Angeles Chargers (11–6) at New England Patriots (14–3)
Spread: Patriots -3.5
This game screams “Justin Herbert legacy moment.”
Ryan backs the Chargers — not because of Herbert, but because of Jim Harbaugh. He believes Harbaugh’s coaching edge, combined with a Chargers defence that’s quietly surged, gives LA the advantage. Ryan thinks Herbert has to win this — another playoff dud would be brutal.
Wade, however, sees classic Chargers heartbreak incoming. He trusts New England’s ability to play mistake-free football at home, lean on Hunter Henry, control the clock, and let Drake May stay efficient.
Prediction:
- Ryan: Chargers win 27–23
- Wade: Patriots win 23–21
Consensus: Coaching chess match. Emotional damage likely.
Monday Night Football
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: Texans -3
Ryan admits it — this pick is pure fan fiction.
He wants Aaron Rodgers to win. Not because it makes sense, but because it would be hilarious. With DK Metcalf back and Rodgers getting the ball out quickly, Ryan sees one last bit of playoff magic in Pittsburgh.
Wade is having none of it. He believes Houston’s defence, pass rush, and general sense of disrespect will overwhelm Rodgers. Sloppy weather, low scoring, and pressure everywhere point to a Texans win.
Prediction:
- Ryan: Steelers win 24–23
- Wade: Texans win 21–13
Consensus: Romance vs reality.
🏁 Final Thoughts
From London to Lambeau, this might be one of the most unpredictable Wild Card weekends in years. There are no Mahomes, no Lamar, no Burrow — and that means chaos.
According to Ryan and Wade:
- Experience matters… until it doesn’t
- Rookie quarterbacks are terrifying… but fun
- And Aaron Rodgers will always find a way into the conversation
Clear your weekend. Cancel your plans. Embrace the madness.
And yes — it’s Super Wild Card Weekend. Whether we like it or not.
