NFL Wild Card weekends have been nothing short of spectacular this year. To date, the games have featured 12 lead changes in the fourth quarter—the highest ever in a single postseason matchup. Additionally, there have been four game-winning touchdowns scored in the final three minutes and four last-minute comeback victories, both records for a single playoff game. With eight playoff contests still ahead, the excitement is far from over.
The Wild Card round wraps up Monday night with a showdown at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh between the NFC North champions, the Steelers, and the Houston Texans. The Steelers clinched their playoff spot after Ravens kicker Tyler Roop missed a 44-yard field goal that could have won the game, securing the division crown for Pittsburgh, who finished 10-7. The Texans, boasting the NFL’s best defense and riding a nine-game winning streak, ended the regular season 12-5. The victor will face the New England Patriots, who finished 15-3, in the divisional round. Houston enters Monday’s matchup as a three-point favorite.
While Texans-Steelers is the centerpiece of Monday’s sports action, fans can also enjoy six NBA games, a full slate of college basketball, and nine NHL matchups. Here are some key viewing and betting picks for Monday, January 12th.
NFL Viewing and Betting Preview: Texans vs. Steelers
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m.
- Location: Pittsburgh
- Broadcast: ABC/ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: Steelers money line at +133; Expert Larry Hartstein favors Steelers +3
Houston’s formidable pass rush from Daniel Hunter (15 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (12 sacks) made history as the first teammates with double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons since 2013-14. The Texans led the league in total defense, allowing just 277.2 yards per game, and ranked second in scoring defense (17.4 points allowed). However, QB CJ Stroud has struggled away from home, posting a completion rate of 60.9% with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions, contrasted with a stellar home passer rating of 107.4. Hartstein anticipates a tense battle, jokingly mentioning his love for kicking “full field goals with my dog.” Simulation models predict the Steelers have a 49% chance of winning and rate betting on Pittsburgh’s money line with a B grade.
NBA Spotlight: Celtics vs. Pacers
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Indianapolis
- Broadcast: Peacock
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: Total points over 225.5; Expert Mike Varner recommends Peyton Pritchard scoring over 22.5 points
Following a narrow 100-95 loss to the Spurs, Celtics star Jaylen Brown stirred controversy by criticizing officials for limiting Boston to four free throws. Brown is listed as questionable against the Pacers due to back spasms—he’s missed only two games this season. Notably, in those absences, Pritchard stepped up, scoring 20 and 33 points in respective games, showing the team’s depth. Varner highlights how Pritchard could dominate offensively against a Pacers defense ranked 20th in the league. Models show there’s nearly a 66% chance the game total points will exceed 225.5.
College Basketball Pick: American vs. Navy
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Broadcast: CBSSN
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: American +2.5; Expert Bruce Marshall favors Navy at -115
The Navy Midshipmen, boasting a 5-0 Patriot League record and a 12-5 overall mark, face the high-scoring American Eagles at Bender Arena. Navy leads the conference defensively, allowing just 63.5 points per game, while American leads in offense with 77.4 points per game. Navy seeks redemption after falling to American in last season’s Patriot League championship game, which denied them an NCAA Tournament berth. Prediction models give American a 60% chance to cover the spread, assigning the underdog a B rating.
NHL Game to Watch: Rangers vs. Kraken
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: New York City
- Broadcast: NHL Network
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
- SportsLine Picks: Under 6 total goals
The New York Rangers aim to end their three-game losing streak against the Seattle Kraken at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with just 46 points and have scored only 120 goals this season—second lowest in their conference. The Kraken hold a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with 48 points and have been strong recently, losing only once in regulation in 11 games. Models predict a 64.4% chance both teams combine for five or fewer goals, making the under 6 goals an excellent bet with an A grade.
Fan Take:
Hockey fans should keep a close eye on the Rangers vs. Kraken game as it reflects shifting dynamics in the NHL playoff race, with Seattle’s momentum threatening New York’s struggling squad. This matchup underscores how even historically strong franchises need to adapt quickly, and the outcome could signal changing power balances that make the league more competitive and exciting.
