Today's NFL divisional playoff games feature a pair of big underdogs in the Texans and Packers that are begging to be bet against No. 1 seeds.
With the Ravens and 49ers enjoying off weeks prior to starting their postseason journey, the Texans and Packers produced the biggest surprises on wild card weekend.
Let's get to NFL divisional playoff Saturday betting picks and predictions for Texans vs. Ravens and Packers vs. 49ers.
Betting picks & predictions for Saturday's NFL divisional playoff games
Check out the latest NFL betting odds and our picks for Saturday's divisional playoff games.
Check & Bet: Super Bowl Futures Odds | Best NFL Betting Promos & Bonuses
Texans (11-7 SU, 10-8 ATS) vs. Ravens (13-4 SU, 11-6 ATS)
C.J. Stroud made his NFL debut against Baltimore back in Week 1. The Ravens defeated the Texans, 25-9.
Houston has come a long way since that opening week loss in Baltimore. Stroud, the odds-on favorite to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, continues to set records in his first season.
Stroud tied the rookie record for passing TDs (three) in Houston's 45-14 win over Cleveland. He also replaced Mike Vick as the youngest QB to win a playoff game.
Statistically speaking, Stroud outperformed Lamar Jackson back in Week 1. He threw for 242 yards while Jackson had just 169 and an interception. Neither threw a touchdown in a game that saw three rushing TDs and four field goals.
The Texans allowed five sacks in that game, and will need to shore up protection on Saturday. Houston was among the NFL's top-10 teams in sacks allowed (38) during the regular season.
The Ravens gave up the fewest TDs this season at 26. Baltimore is also stingy against the pass, allowing only 191 years per game.
Can Stroud and top target Nico Collins replicate the success they had against Cleveland's top-rated defense? Collins amassed 96 yards and a TD against the Browns.
At times, the Ravens have looked like the NFL's most complete team, but they were far from infallible at home. The Browns, Colts, and Steelers all came away with wins at M&T Bank Stadium this season.
While not expecting an outright win by Houston, we're expecting the Texans to keep this one close throughout.
Pick: Houston
Read more: Full Texans vs. Ravens betting preview
Packers (10-8 SU, 10-8 ATS) vs. 49ers (12-5 SU, 9-8 ATS)
The Packers can become the NFL's winningest playoff team with a victory over the 49ers. Green Bay and New England have the most all-time postseason wins at 37. San Francisco comes next at 36.
Nobody is playing better at the QB position than Green Bay's Jordan Love. He's helped wash away memories of Aaron Rodgers with his inspired play during the second half of the season. Love finished the regular season second in passing touchdowns with 32.
Love shredded the Dallas defense for 272 yards and three TDs in the 48-32 win over the Cowboys. Green Bay is the first No. 7 seed to win a playoff game after its offensive explosion in Dallas.
Green Bay RB Aaron Jones has rushed for 100+ yards in four straight games and cashed in for three TDs against Dallas, but the 49ers are stout against the run. San Francisco, which yields just 89.7 yards per game, only allowed 10 rushing TDs this season.
Green Bay's pathway to success on Saturday is likely through the air with San Francisco giving up 214 yards per game and 20 TDs on the season. It helps Green Bay's cause that Pro Bowl safety Talanoa Hufanga won't play for the 49ers after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 11.
San Francisco counters with Brock Purdy, who is among the betting favorites to win the NFL MVP award. Purdy is a top-five quarterback in passing yards (4,280) and TDs (31).
The 49ers have so many weapons on offense, but everything starts with RB Christian McCaffrey. CMC led the NFL with 21 total TDs (tied with Raheem Mostert) and he's a true dual threat with 14 on the ground and seven through the air.
The Packers also need to contain Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle in the passing game. Can they serve up an encore performance after returning two picks for touchdowns against Dallas?
That might be too much to ask, but we're backing another underdog here getting too many points on the spread.The 49ers are just 3-5 ATS as a home favorite this season.
Pick: Packers
Read more: Full Packers vs. 49ers betting preview | Packers vs. 49ers TD scorer prop picks
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Sporting News has editorial oversight for this content. Learn more >