NFL Wild Card Playoffs
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) @ Houston Texans (10-7)
On Saturday, January 11th, the Houston Texans will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL Wild Card round at NRG Stadium.
The Texans, AFC South champions with a 10-7 record, are eager to build on their successful Wild Card performance from last year, where they defeated the Cleveland Browns 45-14. However, their offence has struggled this season, ranking in the bottom third of the league in key categories, partly due to injuries. Despite this, second-year quarterback CJ Stroud remains a promising leader. On the other hand, the Chargers, with an 11-6 record, boast one of the NFL's top defences, allowing just 17.7 points per game. QB Justin Herbert, who threw for 23 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions, will be looking to lead his team past the Texans.
While Houston's defence is also strong, ranking in the top ten for sacks, interceptions, and yards allowed the key to their success will be a strong offensive performance and limiting Herbert's impact. This game promises to be a tight, defensive battle! Check our Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans markets here.
Prediction: Texans +3 @ 1.83
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) @ Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
The Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, are entering the Wild Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a strong 12-5 record. Jackson, who has won two MVPs and is eyeing a third, is determined to lead his team past the Steelers after a painful AFC Championship loss last year.
Baltimore defeated Pittsburgh 34-17 in Week 16, and with a 9.5-point spread in their favour, they will look to dominate again. However, the Steelers have had great success against Jackson in the past, even winning 18-16 earlier this season.
Pittsburgh's offense has been struggling, particularly with star receiver George Pickens, who has been largely absent due to injury. The Ravens' defence, which has been on fire in recent weeks, could stifle the Steelers' already weak offence.
For Pittsburgh to win, they will need to force Jackson into mistakes and keep the game low-scoring. Despite the rivalry’s history of close games, the Ravens’ offence and defence are firing on all cylinders! Check our Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens markets here.
Prediction: Steelers +9.5 @ 1.89
Denver Broncos (10-7) @ Buffalo Bills (13-4)
The Buffalo Bills enter as huge jolly’s against the Denver Broncos in the NFL Wild Card round. The Bills, who easily won the AFC East, boast a 13-4 record, with Allen potentially earning his first MVP award after a stellar season. The Broncos, however, are the surprise playoff team, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix and a dominant defence that led the NFL in sacks with 63.
Denver's path to victory lies in pressuring Allen, who has been sacked just 14 times this season. Nix, who has played well but is prone to turnovers, must protect the ball to give the Broncos a chance.
While Buffalo’s offence has been prolific, the Broncos’ defence can keep them competitive. Still, the Bills are expected to advance but may not have it all their own way… Check our Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills markets here.
Prediction: Broncos +8 @ 1.98
Washington Commander (12-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
The Buccaneers are just a few days away from facing off against the Commanders in their Wild Card game. Despite home advantage for Tampa Bay, Washington have still managed to win 2 more games than them in the regular season.
These two teams met in Week 1 in Tampa Bay where the Buccaneers won the game 37-20. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will be returning to Tampa, looking to avenge his first career start with his first playoff game
The Buccaneers beat the Overs line in 6 of their last 9 games, which included 57 points being scored in week 1 by both teams. Since the 2018 season, the Buccaneers have scored 27 or more points in four of the five home playoff games, and I expect no different this time around. Check our Washington Commander @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers markets here.
Prediction: Over 50.5 points @1.97
Minnesota Vikings (14-3) @ Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Wild-Card Weekend concludes on Monday night with a clash between the Rams and the Vikings. These 2 teams met in week 8 where the Rams came out on top 30-20 which turned out to be the Vikings’ last loss before going on a 9-game win streak which was ended by the Lions in Week 18.
Sam Darnold looks to have finally hit some form with the Vikings and impressed in the season finale, which happened to be the biggest game of the season for them. He will need to continue in this form if Minnesota are to progress. For the Rams their player to watch is receiver Puka Nacau who will be looking to match Justin Jefferson's output.
While both sides have been Impressive to make the playoffs it’s fair to say their offenses have been underwhelming this season. The Vikings and Rams rank 12th and 16th in yards per play respectively as well as 13th and 14th in EPA per play. This suggests a low-scoring cagey game, which is why I am tipping the unders. Check our Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams markets here.
Prediction: Under 48.0 @1.89
