NFL Saturday Wild Card betting picks & predictions | January 11

The NFL Playoffs begin this Saturday with two exciting Wildcard Round matchups, Los Angeles Chars @ Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens.

Below are our expert betting tips and previews for both games.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans

Saturday, January 11 – 4:30pm EST – NRG Stadium, Houston

The Houston Texans, winners of the AFC South, host the Los Angeles Chargers in what promises to be an intense clash.

The Chargers ended their season with an impressive 11-6 record, boasting the best defensive stats in the league. Under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers adopted a disciplined offensive strategy, emphasizing the ground game and protecting possession. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw just three interceptions this season, highlighting their careful approach.

In the touchdown market, the Chargers’ key threats are J.K. Dobbins (+120), Ladd McConkey (+130), and Quentin Johnston (+220), who together tallied 24 touchdowns this season. With three consecutive wins to close the season, the Chargers enter the game as slight favorites, priced at -156.25 with leading sportsbooks.

The Texans, on the other hand, stumbled into the playoffs after clinching the AFC South in Week 15. With a 10-7 record, they managed to edge past the Titans in Week 18 but struggled in their final stretch, losing two of their last three games. Injuries to key receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell have added to their challenges, while quarterback C.J. Stroud has faced scrutiny for a lackluster season.

Houston’s defense, however, remains formidable, ranking among the top five in turnovers and total yards allowed. Running back Joe Mixon (-111.11) is their most reliable touchdown scorer with 12 this season, while wide receiver Nico Collins (+150) has stepped up as the primary target.

Despite their home-field advantage, the Texans are underdogs in this matchup. Expect the Chargers to cover the -3 line at +100, showcasing their edge in quality and form.

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Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Saturday, January 11 – 8:00pm EST – M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

The Pittsburgh Steelers face divisional rivals Baltimore Ravens as significant underdogs in the second game of the day.

The Steelers concluded their season with a 10-7 record but enter the playoffs on a four-game losing streak. Scoring has been their Achilles’ heel, averaging just 14 points per game over the last month with Russell Wilson at quarterback. While their defense remains strong, particularly against the run, their inability to score consistently puts them at a disadvantage.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth offers value at +333 in the touchdown market, with George Pickens (+205) and Najee Harris (+190) as other notable options. However, the Steelers are the biggest underdogs of Wildcard Weekend at +390, with the line set at +10 points.

The Ravens, on the other hand, are in top form, finishing the season with a 12-5 record and a four-game winning streak. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is a strong MVP contender, while offseason acquisition Derrick Henry has transformed their rushing attack, which now leads the NFL. Priced at +600 with the online casinos, the Ravens are among the Super Bowl favorites.

Defensively, the Ravens rank in the top 10 for points allowed and boast the best rush defense in the league. Key scoring options include Henry (-175.44), tight end Mark Andrews (+120), and wide receiver Rashod Bateman (+160), while Jackson himself (+175) could find the endzone.

Having convincingly beaten the Steelers 34-17 just three weeks ago, the Ravens are expected to dominate once again. At -105.26, back them to cover the -10 line with confidence.

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