Texans vs Steelers Wild Card Picks and Discussion

[SBR Andy]

The final game of wild card weekend features the Texans and Steelers on Monday night.

Houston was as hot as anyone down the stretch, winning 9 straight after a rocky start to the season. Pittsburgh won 4 of their last 5 including a wild win over the Ravens in Week 18 to clinch the AFC North.

This line has ticked down and can now get the Texans -3 at near even money.

I lean Houston and under 38.5 here.

Does Rodgers have any magic left?

[SBR Andy]

Some early Texans backing on the NFL Picks page:

Houston -3 (-120)
"The Texans' average margin of victory during their nine-game winning streak is 6.9 points, giving enough of a buffer. Yes, DK Metcalf will be back from his suspension, but a vicious Texans pass rush that finished tied for seventh leaguewide with 47 sacks will make pushing the ball downfield a steep challenge." - Sean Tomlinson

Houston 1st Half -1.5 (-110)
"The Steelers have been notoriously slow starters amid a six-game playoff losing streak, being outscored 73-0 in the first quarter in that span. And on a much bigger scale, Pittsburgh has not scored more than seven points in the first quarter in 69 straight games." - Mike Spector

[SBR Andy]

A couple player props also posted for Monday night:

Kenneth Gainwell Over 30.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
"Kenneth Gainwell is one of Aaron Rodgers' preferred targets, and he has at least 31 receiving yards in three of four games to end the season, including a 64-yard performance in the AFC North decider against Baltimore." - Gary Pearson

Nico Collins Score a Touchdown (Yes: +150)
"Nico Collins has averaged 91.8 receiving yards per game in four playoff games (101.5 in last year’s two postseason games) and scored a touchdown in half of those, making these anytime touchdown odds a great value play." - Mike Spector