Published on: January 12, 2026, 03:22h. 

Updated on: January 12, 2026, 03:30h.

• Josh Allen Dominates, Leading Bills Past Jaguars
• Excitement Abounds as Bears Rally to Defeat Packers
• Texans Prepare to Battle Steelers in Crucial Wild Card Clash

This year’s NFL Wild Card Weekend brought thrilling moments, with four of the five completed matchups decided by a single possession. The Houston Texans are three-point favorites tonight as they face off against the Steelers in the sixth Wild Card game in Pittsburgh.

In the NFC, the L.A. Rams edged past the Carolina Panthers 34-31 on Saturday night, driven by three touchdown passes from quarterback and MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford. The Rams, favored by 10 points, found themselves down 31-27 with just 2:39 left, but a 19-yard reception by Colby Parkinson from Stafford sealed the game with only 38 seconds remaining.

The Chicago Bears overcame their rival Green Bay Packers in another nail-biter, claiming a 31-27 victory also on Saturday. Tight end Colston Loveland shined with eight receptions for 137 yards, helping the Bears overcome an 18-point deficit.

In a thrilling matchup yesterday, QB Josh Allen showcased his skills in “beast mode” for the Buffalo Bills, leading them to a 27-24 victory against the Jaguars in Jacksonville. Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns, marking Buffalo’s first playoff win on the road in 33 years. Despite visiting the medical tent twice during the first half, he didn’t miss any plays.

Kittle Suffers Achilles Injury

“We observed strong betting action, especially in such a closely contested matchup,” noted Joey Feazel, Head of Football at Caesars Sportsbook. “The Jaguars gaining traction among sharp bettors was somewhat unexpected but not out of the question.”

In yesterday’s later games, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Eagles 23-19 in Philadelphia, although they lost tight end George Kittle to a torn Achilles. In the evening segment, the New England Patriots cruised past the L.A. Chargers, securing a 16-3 victory.

Bettors celebrated Chicago’s electrifying win, which offered long odds of +1500,” remarked Fanatics Sportsbook Sports Trader Ethan Useloff. “With seven touchdowns scored, both quarterbacks surpassing 300 passing yards, and nearly 900 yards of total offense, many same-game parlays were successful.”

Feazel added: “The fluctuations in the 49ers’ health updates throughout the week combined with a weather forecast favoring the Eagles contributed to the betting line movement. As the betting continued heavily in favor of Philadelphia, the line eventually rose to -6, only to see some buyback bringing it back down to -5.5.”

Josh Allen’s Stellar Performance Leads Bills

Bettors found opportunities for high payouts at Fanatics, with odds like San Francisco at +400 and Buffalo at +230. The most lucrative matchups at Caesars included Packers vs. Bears, Bills vs. Jaguars, and 49ers vs. Eagles, while the Rams vs. Panthers yielded the best returns for the sportsbook.

As experts analyze tonight’s game, expectations lean towards a low-scoring battle. The Steelers tend to perform better at home, and the Texans often struggle defensively on the road. It’s up to 42-year-old Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to deliver, similar to his last game where he led his team past the Baltimore Ravens, securing the AFC North title.

“For tonight’s matchup, the Texans are three-point favorites, down slightly from their previous 3.5,” stated Useloff. “The total has shifted from 39.5 to 38, as bettors predict a lower scoreline. A majority of wagers have been on Houston, both to win and cover, with numerous weekend parlays dependent on this result.

“Many same-game parlays focus on anytime touchdowns from Nico Collins, DK Metcalf, and Kenneth Gainwell, with bettors also hoping for both quarterbacks to exceed the 200-yard mark.”

Updated Betting Odds

According to DraftKings for tonight: Houston is -155 on the moneyline, while the Steelers sit at +130; the spread is Houston -3 (-105), Steelers +3 (-115); and the Over/Under stands at 38.5 (-105 and -115). Over at FanDuel: Houston is -164 on the moneyline, Steelers +138; the spread mirrors DraftKings at Houston -3 (-105), Steelers +3 (-115); and the Over/Under remains at 38.5 (-105 and -115).

Odds for next weekend’s Divisional Round matchups are now available: San Francisco travels to Seattle to face the Seahawks on Saturday (DraftKings moneyline shows 49ers +275, Seahawks -345), the Rams head to Chicago to play the Bears on Sunday (DraftKings moneyline reveals Rams -192, Bears +160), and the Bills will meet the Broncos in Denver on Saturday (Bills -122, Broncos +102). The winner of tonight’s game will take on the Patriots in New England.