Monday Night Massacre! Texans -3.5

[Headsterx]

I think Aaron Rodgers was in the NFL during the Monday Night Wars in late 90s. Don’t know who’s younger McMahon or Rodgers but only one of them has retired. And the other one should join the other. Don’t let Rivers inspire you, Rodgers!

Texans -3.5
OVER 38

[Headsterx]

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

The Steelers escaped the finale with the Ravens, 26-24, to win the AFC North in one of the wildest games of the entire season. They’ve won four of their last five games, including a sweep of the Ravens and a victory in Detroit. That’s a great way to rebound from a 2-5 stretch that seemed to be enough to doom the Steelers’ experiment with the 42-year-old.

The two voters who picked the Steelers believed Rodgers and the defensive veterans would rally for one last stand.

“(Rodgers) in the playoffs is always scary, and it started (against Baltimore) — just the look in his eyes,” an executive said.

But the Texans are surging with a league-best nine-game winning streak, and they finished second to the Seahawks (by three points) in points allowed. Their 47 sacks were tied with the Seahawks and Rams for the seventh most, and their 29 takeaways ranked third.

Coach DeMeco Ryans’ imprint on the defense has been phenomenal, and the Texans will need that group to serve as the backbone to advance.

“That defense was as good of a defense as I’ve seen all year,” a second executive said. “They’re fast in all three levels.”

A third executive added, “Houston’s defense is awesome. I love the pass rush, their speed, the athleticism on that side of the ball. The ball will come out quick for Pittsburgh, but Houston is the better team.”

The Steelers were 1-5 against playoff teams, which is the worst mark in the field. The Texans were 4-4, but they’re 4-1 against playoff teams since Week 8. Not only did they get hot, but they were beating quality opponents while doing so.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud had a better season for the Texans, who have restocked his skill players around wideout Nico Collins. And the remade offensive line has slightly improved along the way. Stroud is attempting to win a playoff game in his third consecutive season.

“The Texans defense is nasty,” a fourth executive said, “and their offense is coming along.”