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

[SBR Andy]

Another Texans play posted for Monday:

Houston -3 (-102)
"This Texans defense is just outright incredible. I have no idea how these Steelers are going to move the ball against the top-rated unit. Aaron Rodgers will have to get it out early in almost every pass play, as this pass rush is ranked No. 1 in football." - Dustin Saracini

[SBR Andy]

Updated Texans-Steelers betting data at BetMGM:

Most bet props ️
1. Christian Kirk (HOU) Over 2.5 Receptions made
2. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) Over 0.5 Rushing yards
3. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) Under 32.5 Longest pass completion
4. Nico Collins (HOU) Over 68.5 Receiving yards
5. Jonnu Smith (PIT) Over 1.5 Receptions made

Most bet anytime touchdown scorers ️
1. Nico Collins +145
2. Aaron Rodgers +2800
3. DK Metcalf +200
4. Kenneth Gainwell +220
5. Jaylen Warren +200