NFL picks vs. the spread, AFC wild card playoffs: Home underdogs — Texans … – NOLA.com

I find it interesting that three of the four home teams in the NFL wild-card playoff games this weekend are underdogs. Since 1980, home underdogs are 21-14 straight up and 21-12-2 against the spread.

Keep that in mind as you check out the games. Here’s how I see the AFC wild card playoffs on Saturday:

Chiefs (-3.5) at Texans: Something has to give in this meeting between two of the hottest teams in the NFL that opened the season against each other in Houston. The Chiefs have won a league-best and franchise-record 10 straight games. The Texans have won seven of nine and are allowing 10 points in a game during that stretch. This figures to be a low-scoring, physical defensive battle wit the team making the least mistakes coming out on top. I like the Texans to continue the banner sports season in H-town. Texans 19, Chiefs 17.

Steelers (-3) at Bengals: The Steelers have to be the Bengals’ worst nightmare. They’ve beaten Cincinnati four of the past five games and will enter Paul Brown Stadium with a decided edge at quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger vs. A.J. McCarron. Don’t underestimate Cincinnati in this one. If the Bengals can shut down the Steelers’ rushing attack, I like their chances of pulling this one out. The Bengals have not missed a beat offensively with McCarron under center and played the Broncos to the wire in Denver. They will be motivated as home underdogs. Bengals 24, Steelers 23.

Check back later for my NFC picks…

Week 17 overall record: 12-4

Week 17 record vs. spread: 12-4

Overall record: 136-105

Overall record vs. spread: 110-121-10

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