2025 NFL wild-card betting: Odds, picks for Texans-Steelers - ESPN

In the final wild card tilt on Monday night, the Houston Texans and DeMeco Ryans' defense head to Pittsburgh for a matchup with Mike Tomlin's Steelers. We'll take a closer look at this game, using scheme and offensive tendencies to give you the best bets to play.

Matt Bowen breaks it down and offers his take, and Liz Loza, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody and Ben Solak share their best bets, analysis and DFS plays to help you get in on the action.

Note: Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.

Bowen: We should expect a balanced call sheet from Houston, using the run game to set up the deep, in-breaking throws for quarterback C.J. Stroud. That means volume for wide receiver Nico Collins and middle-of-the-field deployment for tight end Dalton Schultz. And when the Texans do move the ball into the red zone, they will need answers for man-coverage.

Edge: Texans

Best bet: Schultz over 41.5 receiving yards (-115): Schultz has topped the 70-yard receiving mark in two of his last four games. Watch the seams here versus a Pittsburgh defense allowing an average of 65.9 yards receiving per game to opposing tight ends (fourth most).

Bowen: We'll see early run-game volume for both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, as the Steelers will work to get the ball on the edges. And the pass game should mirror the run action, setting up Aaron Rodgers on boot and play-action concepts. Yes, the quick-game throws are a major part of Rodgers' game, but the Steelers will also have to create some explosive plays down the field. So, let's keep an eye on DK Metcalf as a vertical target in this one.

Edge: Texans

Best bet: Gainwell over 31.5 receiving yards (-113): Gainwell has hit the 50-yard receiving mark in two of his last four