NFL Wild Card Weekend

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Developing Stories 📰

Saturday, Jan. 13

Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET

Following Deshaun Watson's season-ending shoulder surgery the Browns appeared to make a desperate move by turning to 38-year-old Joe Flacco. Despite initial skepticism Flacco has proven to be a solid fit for head coach Kevin Stefanski with a 13-8 TD-interception ratio and displaying sound decision-making with the ball.

An early-season injury to star running back Nick Chubb could have been disaster for the Browns but Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt stepped up admirably. Amari Cooper's reliable threat coupled with the prowess of top-tier tight end David Njoku poses a challenge for the Texans' defense.

The Browns boast the NFL's top-ranked defense allowing 270.2 yards per game—19 yards fewer than the second-ranked Chiefs. However, their defense tends to be more formidable at home. Defensive end Myles Garrett, with 14.0 sacks this season, is a strong candidate for the title of the league's best defensive player.

The Texans drafted C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft and the rookie quarterback has exceeded all expectations. With 4,108 passing yards and an impressive 23-8 TD-interception ratio, Stroud has proven himself in high-pressure situations. The Texans' running game, led by Devin Singletary, alleviates some pressure on Stroud while wideout Nico Collins adds a game-changing dimension.

The Texans' defense made significant progress this season ranking 14th in yards allowed. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has potent pass rushers in Jonathan Greenard and rookie Will Anderson. Linebacker Blake Cashman, with 104 tackles, adds dependability to the defensive lineup.

The Texans have a dynamic young quarterback in Stroud, but playoff success remains an uncharted territory. Cleveland's formidable defense poses a challenge, though its vulnerability on the road could be exploited by the Texans.

Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:00 p.m. ET

Heading into the playoffs on the heels of two consecutive losses to the Ravens and Bills, the Dolphins face the challenge of shaking off the disappointment. Head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hold the key to restoring confidence and giving Miami a fighting chance on the road. Tagovailoa, known for his accuracy and streaky passing ability, has the potential to light up the scoreboard, but the harsh cold temperatures present a potential obstacle.

The Dolphins find themselves out of their comfort zone, as the forecast for Kansas City on Saturday evening predicts a frigid 1-degree high. Injuries to key players like running back Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle) and wideout Jaylen Waddle (ankle) add to the challenges. The freezing conditions may impact explosive receiver Tyreek Hill's performance, making it difficult for him to shine.

Miami's playoff preparation is further complicated by a series of brutal injuries, leaving head coach McDaniel without key players such as CB Xavien Howard (foot), LB Bradley Chubb (ACL), LB Cameron Goode (patella), LB Jerome Baker (wrist), and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (foot). The Dolphins will heavily rely on defensive standout Zach Sieler (10.0 sacks) to make a significant impact for a chance at success.

While the Chiefs may not showcase the dazzling offensive prowess of previous seasons, Patrick Mahomes remains a creative force in the NFL. Despite not reaching his peak form in the regular season, Mahomes, with 4,183 passing yards and 27 TDs, is poised to turn things around in the playoffs. Establishing a solid ground attack behind Isiah Pacheco (935 yards) and the offensive line is crucial to alleviating pressure on Mahomes. The reliable Travis Kelce (93-984-5) and emerging wideout Rashee Rice (79-938-7) add depth to the receiving corps.

The Chiefs boast a formidable defense, ranking second in fewest yards and points allowed this season. Defensive ends Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, both with 10.5 sacks, and cornerback Trent McDuffie, with 80 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 interception, contribute to the defensive strength. With multiple advantages on their side, including the unfavorable weather conditions for the visitors, the Chiefs appear. 

Headlines 🚨

On This Day in sport History: Louisville, Kentucky draft board refuses exemption for boxer Muhammad Ali.

1992 highest scoring NCAA basketball game; Troy State Trojans defeated DeVry Hoyas 258-149 in Troy, Alabama.

1995 Murder trial against O.J. Simpson begins in Los Angeles.

The Patriots hire Jerod Mayo as their next head coach.

The Thunder beat the Trail Blazers 139-77 for a 62-point victory, the fifth largest margin in NBA history.

RH pitcher Marcus Stroman and the NY Yankees agree to a two-year deal worth $37 million.

Juan Soto and the NY Yankees agree to a record $31 million salary for 2024.

Bill Belichick announced he will no longer work for the New England Patriots after 24 seasons, Belichick won six Super Bowls while he was there.

Eagle’s star players Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown have injuries that need to be monitored ahead of Mondays Wild-card playoff game.

Nick Saban announced his retirement of a legendary coaching career, Saban looks forward to Alabama’s transition.

QB Casey Thompson committed to Oklahoma for his 7^th college football season.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

🏈 Browns at Texans

• Houston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland

🏈 Dolphins at Chiefs

• Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

• Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami

🏈 Packers at Cowboys

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Green Bay's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Green Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas

• Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

🏈 Rams at Lions

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games at home

🏀 Rockets at Pistons

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road

• Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Houston

• The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games

🏀 Hornets at Spurs

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games

🏀 Clippers at Grizzlies

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games at home

🏀 Warriors at Bulls

• Golden State is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago

🏀 Magic at Heat

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games at home

🏀 Trailblazers at Timberwolves

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games

• Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Portland

🏀 Raptors at Jazz

• The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Toronto

• Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

🏒 Predators at Stars

• Nashville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games at home

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing at home against Nashville

🏒 Flyers at Wild

• Philadelphia is 14-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏈 NFL

56% of bets and 72% of money is on KC -4.5

49% of bets and 65% of money is on UNDER 35 PIT at BUF

61% of bets and 78% of money is on OVER 50.5 GB at DAL

58% of bets and 78% of money is on LAR +3

🏀 NBA

26% of bets and 48% of money is on SAC ML

37% of bets and 55% of money is on ATL -5.5

31% of bets and 70% of money is on UNDER 227 HOU at DET

28% of bets and 48% of money is on UNDER 221.5 POR at MIN

17% of bets and 36% of money is on UNDER 228.5 NO at DEN

🏒 NHL

61% of bets and 80% of money is on DAL -1.5 (+140)

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada

Picks 🔒

NCAAB

Boise State +6 | The Broncos demonstrate strong shooting capabilities and their shooting at the free-throw line is enough to keep the game closely contested. Their rebounding is a significant factor in maintaining a competitive stance. Nevada will secure the victory but not by more than 5 points.

 NFL

Chiefs -4.5/under 43 | Things are just not going well for the Dolphins. They’re facing many  and have hit an offensive slump and will be facing negative degree cold conditions in this game. Miami is not used to that kind of weather and if the Dolphins are unable to rush Patrick Mahomes, he could have a big day, even with the limitations the Chiefs have at receiver.

Steelers +10 | Buffalo has been red hot in recent weeks, but they are always a mystery in you never know what team you are going to get. The Steelers' offense has improved. Buffalo's last three wins were all one-score games and it’s going to be much closer than people think.

Texans +2 | The Browns beat the C.J. Stroud-less Texans in Week 16. Stroud will be in the lineup Saturday and his presence under center is going to make a big difference. This game is going to be a significant test for the young upstart Texans, but like most of the regular season, they’ll be up for the task.