Texans vs. Steelers prediction, picks: Monday Night Football odds, best bet for NFL playoffs
The NFL Wild Card round comes to an epic close on ‘Monday Night Football’ as the streaking Houston Texans (12-5) take on Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7). DeMeco Ryans’ Texans squad has won nine straight games, featuring a top-tier defense whose hallmark is its takeaways and ability to create havoc. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh was a Tyler Loop field goal away from not winning the AFC North, but miraculously escaped the Ravens in their season finale to clinch a playoff spot.Rodgers is back in the playoff spotlight and will be making his Steelers postseason debut in front of a sea of waving terrible towels at Acrisure Stadium. Oddsmakers see a low-scoring contest, with the Texans favored by 3 points and an over/under of 39.5 points. Pittsburgh’s challenge: Houston had 29 takeaways and 19 interceptions in the regular season, each ranking third-best in the NFL. Their secondary is led by top-rated cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who will likely draw a matchup against Steelers receiver D.K.Metcalf, who is returning following a two-game suspension. Entering this contest, Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre, Kamari Lassiter, and Calen Bullock each have four interceptions to their name.
This, combined with a forceful pass rush headlined by Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, is precisely why the Texans have not lost a game since Week 9. Houston’s defense on paper strikes plenty of comparisons to the Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Boom,” a smash-mouth, physical, and disruptive brand.If there was any signal-caller worthy of taking down this prolific bunch, it would be No.8 in black and yellow. Rodgers’ short passing and screen game with running back Kenneth Gainwell will be vital, as Gainwell led the Steelers in receptions with 75 on the season.
He saw a steady increase in targets with Metcalf sidelined in Weeks 17 and 18.Pittsburgh will need him and Jaylen Warren to churn out first downs with their legs opposite a Texans defense that ranks 2nd in DVOA ag...