This weekend, six NFL teams will fight to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX but only three will advance to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Here’s how the underdogs move on. (odds via ESPN)
L.A. Chargers at Houston Texans (+3)
The Texans open the playoffs as home dogs against a Chargers team riding a three-game winning streak. Too bad L.A.’s last two wins came against a pair of 4-13 teams in the Patriots and Raiders.
The Texans went 1-2 to end the regular season but losses to the Chiefs and Ravens were expected and the team rested its starters in Week 18. Offensively, the Texans have struggled, as only 10 teams averaged fewer yards per game (319.7) this season.
Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud spent most of the year scrambling behind a porous offensive line while taking the second-most sacks (52) in the NFL. In fact, sacks could be the determining factor in Saturday’s game. L.A. finished the season with 46 sacks, tied with Tampa Bay for sixth-most in the NFL while the Texans finished with 49 sacks, tied with the Vikings for fourth-most.
Stroud took five sacks against the Ravens in his last start, something the team must fix against a Chargers team that allowed a league-low 17.7 points per game in the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (-9.5)
As AFC North rivals, these teams know each other well. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 22-16 against Baltimore in his career while Ravens coach John Harbaugh is 16-20 against Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh beat Baltimore 18-16 in Week 11 but lost 34-17 in Week 16. The Steelers have had the Ravens’ number recently with eight wins in their last 10 matchups. Pittsburgh, however, finished the regular season with four straight losses.
Steelers receiver George Pickens missed the team’s last matchup against Baltimore with a hamstring injury. He had eight catches for 89 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens in Week 11. This week, Pickens was openly mocked by Baltimore players who called him “soft” while sampling quarterback Lamar Jackson’s new cologne.
