This weekend, six NFL groups will combat to signify the AFC in Tremendous Bowl LIX however solely three will advance to the divisional spherical of the NFL playoffs. Right here’s how the underdogs transfer on. (odds via ESPN)
L.A. Chargers at Houston Texans (+3)
The Texans open the playoffs as residence canines towards a Chargers group using a three-game successful streak. Too dangerous L.A.’s final two wins got here towards a pair of 4-13 groups within the Patriots and Raiders.
The Texans went 1-2 to finish the common season however losses to the Chiefs and Ravens have been anticipated and the group rested its starters in Week 18. Offensively, the Texans have struggled, as solely 10 groups averaged fewer yards per recreation (319.7) this season.
Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud spent a lot of the yr scrambling behind a porous offensive line whereas taking the second-most sacks (52) within the NFL. In truth, sacks could possibly be the figuring out think about Saturday’s recreation. L.A. completed the season with 46 sacks, tied with Tampa Bay for sixth-most within the NFL whereas the Texans completed with 49 sacks, tied with the Vikings for fourth-most.
Stroud took 5 sacks towards the Ravens in his final begin, one thing the group should repair towards a Chargers group that allowed a league-low 17.7 factors per recreation within the common season.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-9.5)
As AFC North rivals, these groups know one another properly. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 22-16 towards Baltimore in his profession whereas Ravens coach John Harbaugh is 16-20 towards Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh beat Baltimore 18-16 in Week 11 however misplaced 34-17 in Week 16. The Steelers have had the Ravens’ quantity lately with eight wins of their final 10 matchups. Pittsburgh, nevertheless, completed the common season with 4 straight losses.
Steelers receiver George Pickens missed the group’s final matchup towards Baltimore with a hamstring damage. He had eight catches for 89 yards and a landing towards the Ravens in Week 11. This week, Pickens was overtly mocked by Baltimore gamers who referred to as him “delicate” whereas sampling quarterback Lamar Jackson’s new cologne.