Texans vs. Steelers Odds, Predictions, Picks for Tonight’s AFC Wildcard Playoff Game

The Houston Texans face the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight in a special playoff edition of Monday Night Football. ABC/ESPN has live coverage of the AFC Wildcard Game from Acrisure Stadium starting at 8:15 p.m. ET.

The Texans (12-5 SU, 9-8 ATS) are riding a nine-game winning streak. The Steelers (10-7 SU, 9-8 ATS) qualified for the playoffs by winning the AFC North after defeating the Ravens in the season finale.

DraftKings is dealing Houston as a 3-point road favorite with a total of 38.5. As of publication, 64% of spread handle and 61% of tickets are on the Texans. Let’s check out Texans vs. Steelers predictions and picks.

Best Bet Texans vs. Steelers: Against the Spread

Houston brings the NFL’s top-ranked total defense to Pittsburgh tonight. The Texans allow just 277.2 yards per game to opponents. Houston allows just 17.4 points per game, second only to Seattle (17.2).

QB CJ Stroud has come back from a concussion to lead the offense. He’s thrown for more than 3,000 yards despite being sidelined for three games. In his third season, Stroud is 2-0 in Wildcard games.

The Steelers, led by 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, have won 23 consecutive Monday Night Football games at home, dating back to 1991.

That streak is in serious jeopardy tonight in what’s expected to be a low-scoring affair. Rodgers will be pressured by Houston DEs Danielle Hunter (15 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (12 sacks), which ranked as the NFL’s most dynamic sack duo this season.

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled against the pass this season, ranking 29th of 32 teams. The Steelers allow 243.9 passing yards per game. Notably, they’ve given up 30 TD passes. Expect Houston WR Nico Collins to have a big game tonight in a tilt that the Texans control from the outset.

Pick: Texans -3

Best Player Prop for Texans

WR Nico Collins OVER 71.5 Receiving Yards (-110 at DraftKings)

Collins did not play in the season finale against the Colts after head coach DeMeco Ryans opted to rest his top wide receiver. Pittsburgh’s defense was eviscerated by Baltimore’s aerial attack in the season finale. Top wideout Zay Flowers had himself a day with 138 yards and two TDs.

Collins is far and away Stroud’s top target with 120 on the season. Expect him to see the ball early and often tonight, eclipsing this number along the way.

Best Player Prop for Steelers

TE Pat Freiermuth OVER 31.5 Receiving Yards (-112 at FanDuel)

Pat Freiermuth has crushed this number in three of his last four games. He’s coming off a 51-yard effort against the Ravens. Additionally, fellow TE Darnell Washington is out tonight with a broken forearm.

Freiermuth should have an expanded role in Pittsburgh’s passing attack. He’s had at least five targets in three of the last four games, and could increase that volume tonight with Washington on the sidelines.