Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here.
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Eight teams remain. Four games to determine the NFL’s Final Four. Plenty of story lines.
Josh Allen and the Bills have a third chance to get their first playoff win over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers hit the road to get respect from C.J. Gardner-Johnson and the Detroit Lions.
Lamar Jackson and the No. 1 seed Ravens aim to change their playoff narrative when they host C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
The No. 1 seed 49ers and the Green Bay Packers renew their playoff rivalry with two new quarterbacks leading the way this time around.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) walks off the field after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in Buffalo, N.Y. Credit: AP/Jeffrey T. Barnes
After a winning regular season, Pro Picks aims to rebound from a losing start in the wild-card round.
HOUSTON at BALTIMORE
Line: Ravens minus 9 1/2
Stroud had a spectacular playoff debut for the Texans (11-7) in a 45-14 rout over Cleveland. First-year coach DeMeco Ryans quickly turned the franchise around with Stroud’s help but now they’re the huge underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass as he scrambles against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Credit: AP/Matt Rourke
Jackson had an All-Pro season leading Baltimore (13-4) to 10 wins over teams that finished with winning records. The Ravens won eight of those games by at least 14 points, including a 25-9 victory against Houston in Week 1.
These aren’t the same Texans four months later. Baltimore hopes it’s not the same playoff failure for Jackson, who is just 1-3 in the postseason.
Stroud had one of the best seasons for a rookie quarterback and handled…
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