We have two big games in the NFL on Saturday, with three teams battling for playoff spots and a fourth attempting to improve their standing.
The action begins on two of the league’s hottest teams when houston texans to visit los angeles chargers (4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network).
In the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, green Bay Packers host the Baltimore Ravens (8 p.m. ET on Peacock).
We’ll break down both games and look at the betting angles and feature our favorites, while also taking a look at DFS.
Ben Solak, Matt Bowen, Pamela Maldonado, Liz Loza and Eric Moody provide betting and daily fantasy insight.
Note: Provided by Odds draftkings And is subject to change.
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HOU-LAC: choice of , props , dfs tips , trends
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houston texans Have won seven consecutive matches but are one game behind jacksonville jaguarsWho lead the AFC South. texans screamed las vegas raiders Head west to compete last week and now los angeles chargers
The Chargers, heading into the playoffs, have won four consecutive games and are one game behind denver broncos In the AFC West. Justin Herbert and company made a blast dallas cowboys in Week 16 and is a 1.5-point favorite Saturday against the Texans.
sports betting
Chargers Moneyline
Maldonado: The Chargers’ defense is built to frustrate Stroud, especially with Houston’s declining road efficiency. as well as, Justin Herbert There are other ways to escape pressure and steal drives late. In a game probably decided by field goals and execution, I’d take the home team straight up.
Notable Players Props, Bets
Justin Herbert Rushing over 23.5 yards (-112)
Bowen: Herbert has rushed for 42 or more yards in two of his last four games, and the Texans’ pass rush could force him out of the pocket. Look for Herbert to pull the ball down as a runner on second-response plays.
Justin Herbert Over 0.5 interceptions (-109)
Loza: Herbert had a great performance in Week 16. He was also facing the Cowboys’ defense. Prior to that outing, the Chargers signal caller had recorded an INT in four straight contests. In fact, he has set 12 records in the season (tied for fourth most). JJ McCarthyHouston’s defense, meanwhile, has recorded 17 picks so far in 2025 (ironically, tied for third-most with the Bolts,
Omarion Hampton Over 62.5 rushing yards
moody: Since returning from his ankle injury, Hampton has recorded at least 13 carries in three straight games, averaging 67.3 rushing yards over that span. If he can see an extended workload Kimani Vidal Limited to neck injury. Houston’s defensive front is tough, but it’s allowed ashton jeanty Rushing for 128 yards behind a below average Raiders offensive line in Week 16.
Daily Fantasy Tips for DraftKings Captains Showdown
Bowen’s recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): Nico Collins ($15,600)The Texans may plan for zone-heavy coverage vs, Collins vs, the Chargers, There are plenty of in-breakers at the intermediate level here for Collins, who has gained 85 or more yards in three of his last four games,
Also in my lineup: Omarion Hampton ($9,800)You’re playing volume and potential scoring upside with Hampton, Since returning from IR in Week 15, Hampton has had at least 15 touches in each of his last three games, Some low red zone carries are needed here against the Texans as well,
loza’s recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): Nico Collins ($15,600). I’m with Bowen on this. Collins is Texas’ most prolific playmaker. He is coming off a tremendous performance in a soft matchup and in a game with impact in the postseason, he is a good bet to bounce back.
Also in my lineup: Texans D/ST ($3,000). Prior to his Week 16 return, Herbert had struggled greatly since joe altFinished the season averaging 13.9 fantasy points per game (QB22, right behind). CJ StroudFrom Weeks 10 to 16 (14.1 fantasy points per game). The Texans defense let down Vegas last week, but should rebound in Week 17 and shut down the Chargers.
Maldonado’s recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): Justin Herbert ($15,000). Herbert’s raw volume and fast-growing equity still wins even under pressure.
Also in my lineup: Chargers D/ST ($3,800). This aligns with the Chargers moneyline and the under. Herbert Plus Defense is the cleanest way to capture most of the scoring without having to guess which skill a player increases.
Solak’s Recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): Omarion Hampton ($14,700). If Kimani Vidal Can’t go, which is expected, should have a 20-plus touch day in the Hamptons. The Texans’ defense is generally strong against the run, but can struggle against personnel-heavy teams like the Chargers. Hampton’s route share will also double, even if he loses snaps to RB3 hassan haskinsThis will mostly be a pass protection assignment. Hampton’s right-tail results in 100-plus yard and 2-plus touchdown days this week.
Also in my lineup: Trey’ Harris ($3,400). Rookie wide receiver Harris has been getting involved in the offense more and more over the past few weeks. He ranks an easy fifth among Chargers pass catchers in salary, but is coming off consecutive five-goal outings and drawing praise from the coaching staff for his growing understanding of the offense. He may get stuck in the field a lot because he makes work through so many lineups, but it’s hard to say no to the value.
betting trends
Courtesy of ESPN Research
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The Chargers have covered four straight games overall and four straight home games.
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The Texans are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
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The Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers are 16-8 ATS favorites (9-3 ATS as home favorites with three straight covers).
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The unders are 32-17 in Texans games under Demeco Ryans, tied with the Chiefs for the highest under rate since 2023 (10-5 this season).
Packers are suffering huge losses Chicago BearsBut detroit lions The blow was somewhat softened by losing to minnesota vikings on Thursday, sending the Packers to the playoffs where they are currently the No. 7 seed. Meanwhile, the Ravens are on the outside looking in. They need a win to stay alive in the AFC North and will need some help on Sunday if faced with a winner-takes-all matchup. pittsburgh steelers To come to fruition in week 18.
Green Bay is 4.5-point favorite in Saturday’s matchup, but questions abound at QB jordan love is out for packers now lamar jackson Questionable to play for the Ravens.
sports betting
less than 40.5 (-120)
Maldonado: Both teams are in the top five in points allowed per drive, and neither offensive profile is explosive right now. Baltimore struggles to finish drives, Green Bay limits negative plays, and both teams lean run-heavy while protecting the flow of the game. Add QB uncertainty and spread climbing to the low total, and it sets up for long possessions, some short fields and field goal attempts.
Notable Players Props, Bets
derrick henry Over 72.5 rushing yards
moody: Henry has accumulated at least 90 rushing yards in three consecutive games. The Ravens would be wise to rely on the running game as the Packers’ defensive front ranks 27th in run-stop win rate through Week 12. Henry is sitting at 1,253 rushing yards this season and could put himself in rare company, needing only 64 more yards to crack the top 10 and pass Tony Dorsett.
josh jacobs Under 14.5 rushing attempts (-110)
Loza: Jacobs has gone under this number on two straight attempts. While the Packers focus on the ground game, Emmanuel WilsonWhat is turning out a fantastically efficient effort should be something of a steal in an effort to keep Jacobs healthy after the Packers clinched a playoff berth with a Christmas Day loss to Detroit.
Daily Fantasy Tips for DraftKings Captains Showdown
Bowen’s recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): derrick henry ($16,800) With both teams struggling with injuries, it seems like a safe game. Henry rushed for a season-best 128 yards in the Week 16 loss. new England Patriots And has topped the 100-yard mark twice in a row. It should be a massive night for Henry in Green Bay.
Also in my lineup: Brandon McManus ($5,000)I’m taking the under on this game, so let’s look at special teams, McManus has at least three field goals in back-to-back games, including one from more than 50 yards, And Green Bay really struggled in the red zone last week vs, Chicago, which should point to more opportunities for the kicking game,
Maldonado’s recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): Jai Phool ($14,100) Baltimore has a constant, having nearly a 30% target share regardless of the quarterback’s production. In short total games, his small zone usage and route volume give him upside.
Also in my lineup: derrick henry ($11,200) Is the anchor in Baltimore’s game script, albeit with slightly less stakes as he commands high leverage and has touchdown equity. If QB play is limited or conservative, Henry’s volume stagnates.
Solak’s Recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): malik willis ($13,500). With Love ruled out, Willis is an auto-smash as the starting quarterback, as he has the potential to be a Tier 1 running back for the position. In an effort to get unique and anticipate an extremely run-heavy approach from Green Bay I will have some Willis lineups without any pass catchers included in the flex.
Also in my lineup: keaton mitchell ($3,200). The Ravens are apparently committed to using Mitchell in a timeshare derrick henryPerformed in the fourth quarter against the Patriots. I’m happy to roster Mitchell for an expected 8-10 touches, but even if his role is minimal, his game-breaking speed makes him a desirable flex play for one-play touchdown pops.
loza’s recommendations
Captain (Score 1.5x Fantasy Points): derrick henry ($16,800). Henry has managed at least 20 carries and either found the end zone or posted triple-digit rushing stats in each of his last three outings tyler huntley As Baltimore’s starter. Count on volume in Week 17.
Also in my lineup: keaton mitchell ($3,200). Mitchell moved ahead of Henry during the final 12 minutes of Baltimore’s outing against New England last Sunday night. He has managed at least eight carries in back-to-back efforts. The speedster could surprise against a Packers defense that has struggled with injuries.
betting trends
Courtesy of ESPN Research
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The Ravens are 0-3 ATS as an underdog this season.
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The Packers are 0-4 ATS after a loss this season.
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Lamar Jackson is 34-17-2 ATS in his career on the road, including 10-2 ATS (8-4 outright) as a road underdog. As an underdog, Jackson is 12-2-1 ATS (10-5 overall) in his career.
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The Ravens are 1-6 ATS against teams with a winning record this season and are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
