What a Wild-Card weekend — and it’s not over yet.
The themes: Close games and underdogs (at least until Sunday night).
According to OptaSTATS, this is the first time in NFL history there were 4 games decided by 4 points or fewer in a single postseason round. Underdogs started off 4-0 against the spread until the Patriots (-3.5) beat the listless Chargers 16-3.
The NFC divisional pairings are set:
49ers (+6.5) at Seahawks (Saturday)
Rams (-4.5) at Bears (Sunday)
The 49ers, who upset the Eagles as 6-point underdogs 23-19, will be without another star player. George Kittle suffered an Achilles’ injury. The NFL didn’t do the 49ers any favors with a short week.
The injury news Sunday was better for the Rams. X-rays on Matthew Stafford’s finger, injured in the victory over the Panthers, were negative and there was no dislocation.
As for the AFC pairings, the top-seeded Broncos on Saturday will host the Bills, who eliminated the Jaguars 27-24.
VSiN.com managing editor Adam Burke provides early analysis on the three matchups that are set.
The Pats will face the Texans-Steelers winner on Sunday. Which brings us to tonight’s final Wild-Card matchup . . .
Texans-Steelers Best Bets
Matt Youmans nailed the Bills’ victory over the popular Jaguars, so let’s see what he has to say about the Texans (-3) at Steelers game (8:15 ET, ESPN).
Aaron Rodgers will need to be at his best, and he’ll have help with the return of receiver DK Metcalf. Rodgers is smart enough to utilize running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren to deliberately move the offense against a Houston defense with a nasty reputation. The Texans have not been great defensively in recent weeks, though, allowing 21.8 points in the past four games against the Colts, Cardinals, Raiders and Chargers.
Steve Makinen also has a Best Bet left on this one.
Josh Appelbaum will post his NFL Sharp Report this morning.
Other NFL resources
>Fantasy Points WR/CB Matchup Tool
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits
VSiN Pro subscribers have access to the plays from hosts and guests on our NFL picks page.
Quick Hits
NBA: Zach Cohen‘s Best Bets and Steve Makinen‘s Analytics Report will hit around mid-morning on our NBA page. Our Opta AI NBA player props projections are here.
College Basketball: Greg “Hoops” Peterson has his Best Bet for today’s menu. Tyler Shoemaker and Adam Burke will file their plays later today.
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NHL: VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis will post his Best Bets around mid-day.
