The 2020 NFL Playoffs are just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see the best teams in action. The AFC Wild Card Round brings a couple of super interesting matchups on Saturday, as the Buffalo Bills visit the Houston Texans, while the Tennessee Titans head to Gillette Stadium to meet the reigning champions, New England Patriots. Get ready for the best of the NFL and make sure you take the best prop bets for Saturday night.
AFC Wild Card Round Game Info – Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
Time: Saturday, January 4th @ 4:35 PM ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Weather: 68 F Sunny
TV: ESPN
Spread: Texans -2.5
Money Line: +125 | -145
Total: 44.0
Bills at Texans Prop Bets
- Alternative Point Spread – Buffalo Bills +4.5 (-163)
The Texans’ biggest issue is their defense, especially against rushing. They surrender 121.1 rushing yards per game, enough for the 25th-best in the NFL. The Texans activated J.J. Watt, but it’s a big question how much he can help after tearing a pectoral muscle in October. He’s just started to practice with a team. Last week, the Texans allowed 211 rushing yards to Derrick Henry, and we all remember that 41-7 loss in Baltimore in Week 11 when the Ravens racked up 256 rushing yards against the Texans’ D. I think the Bills have a clear plan how to cope with the Texans. Buffalo relies on its ground game, while the Bills’ defense is one of the best in football. The visitors will keep it close here, so I would buy a couple of points and go with the Bills.
- Alternative Total – Under 48.0 points (-188)
So, the Bills will tote the pigskin as much as they can, trying to control the clock and keep Deshaun Watson on the sidelines. Also, the Bills’ defense should torture the Texans’ offense that is scoring 23.6 points per game (14th in the league). Buffalo surrenders only 16.2 points per contest (2nd) on 298.2 total yards (3rd). Since Week 8, the Bills haven’t allowed more than 24 points to their opponents. The stake is huge in this one, and we should see an ugly, defensive battle. Therefore, buy a few points and take the under.
- Player Passing Touchdowns – Josh Allen over 1.5 (+130)
The Texans have allowed 33 receiving touchdowns in the regular season which are the fourth-most in the NFL. Their defense is the worst in the league in the red zone, surrendering 35 touchdowns on 49 attempts, and that’s a whopping 71.4%. I know Josh Allen will play his first-ever playoff game with huge pressure on his young shoulders, but I believe the second-year QB is ready for a big test. The Bills’ stout defense should provide Allen enough chances to throw the ball. At +130 odds, I think it’s worth a shot.
AFC Wild Card Round Game Info – Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
Time: Saturday, January 4th @ 8:15 PM ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Weather: 42 F Showers
TV: CBS
Spread: Patriots -5
Money Line: +195 | -225
Total: 44.5
Titans at Patriots Prop Bets
- Alternative Total – Under 48.5 points (-188)
Since Ryan Tannehill took over in Week 7, the Titans have become a brutal offensive force. Over the previous 11 weeks, Tannehill has tossed for 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions while averaging 259.8 passing yards per game. The Titans have dropped 35 points on Kansas City and Houston and 42 points on Jacksonville and Oakland. However, the Patriots’ defense is a different story. The reigning champs allow only 14.1 points on 275.9 total yards per game which are the best in the league. After a terrible display in Week 17 and a shocking defeat to the Dolphins, I expect a bounce-back performance by the Pats’ D. Still, Tom Brady and New England’s offense continue to struggle. This one is going in the under.
- Player Receiving Yards – Julian Edelman over 65.5 (-120)
Last week, Julian Edelman had only three catches for 26 yards. If the Pats want to beat the Titans, Tom Brady will need more from his favorite target. Edelman is a guy to watch in big games, and he will be the biggest threat for the Titans’ D that surrenders 255.0 passing yards per contest (24th in the league). Since Week 4, Julian has surpassed a 65.5-yard line on eight occasions. I don’t see why he won’t do it again against the Titans who obviously have some problems in their secondary.
- Player Passing Touchdowns – Tom Brady over 1.5 (-140)
Touchdown Tom has tossed for two or more scores in three of his last five outings including that surprising loss to the Dolphins in Week 17. Brady is arguably far away from his top form, but he should be on point when it matters the most. Tennessee allowed 25 touchdowns through the air this past regular season, and I’ve already mentioned how fragile their secondary is. Brady is 5-2 in seven meetings with the Titans, tossing for 12 touchdowns and a pick in that span. Two years ago, the Pats beat the Titans 35-14 at home in the AFC Divisional Round, and Tom Brady threw for 337 yards and three touchdowns.