SGP Picks: Beat the Huddle Trader

The intensity of NFL Playoffs is rising as we enter another thrilling week of the SGP Challenge!

Jake Moszkowski and Huddle Trader Domagoj face off in this week's SGP Picks, showcasing their strategic prowess and deep sports expertise.

This week’s SGP Challenge takes us to Baltimore as we’ll be betting on the matchup between the Ravens and the Texans. As a lifelong Ravens fan (for those of you who have read my columns all season, I’m sure the bias peeks through), I’m going with my team (of course). 

The Ravens were the AFC’s best team through the regular season, and star QB Lamar Jackson is about to reward the Ravens’ brass faith in him. Jackson signed a 5-year, $260M contract in the offseason, and is widely expected to be named the NFL MVP for the second time in his career. He picked apart defenses with a 102.7 passer rating, a 24/7 TD/INT ratio and a career high 3,678 passing yards in 16 games. He also continued his unparalleled ground domination with 821 rushing yards (5.5 yards per carry). 

Jake's Picks

For my SGP, I’ve got a fun nickname. Welcome to the Lamar-lay. We’re going Action Jackson all the way! I think Lamar Jackson will experience a breakout playoff performance against Houston. With a versatile offense and more offensive weapons than ever before, I’m banking on Jackson throwing for two plus touchdowns (O1.5) and over 200 passing yards (O219.5). His offensive support includes electric rookie WR Zay Flowers, steady contributors in Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, and an exciting young tight end in Isaiah Likely. Plus, Mark Andrews might make a rapid return from an ankle injury (he still leads the Ravens in receiving touchdowns this season). 

Lest we forget, Jackson is also an elite runner at the QB spot. The Texans don’t have the deepest defense, but HC DeMeco Ryans is a great defensive-minded coach and the team has two talented linebackers in Blake Cashman and Christian Harris. That said, Jackson is different. I’m taking him O51.5 rushing yards in this matchup as well. I think this will be his breakout postseason performance that has the NFL on notice that he has arrived. 

Domagoj's Picks

After last week freezing game we are predicting another cold game this week. It will not be so cold in Baltimore as it was in Kansas but the outcome and the reasoning for my bets will be the same as last week. Houston is a dome team not used to playing on natural grass and outdoor conditions which will be hard for them- around minus 3 Celsius and possibility of snow. Also, John Harbaugh knows how to win this kind of games.

My first pick is over total points. Baltimore is averaging 28,5 points per game, Lamar can throw and run so they should put some points on the board. As for Houston, C.J Stroud made quite an impression in his rookie season but playoff game is something completely different. Specially when you are playing Baltimore on their home field. I think Baltimore defence will make some picks on him although their best CB Marlon Humphrey is not playing. There should be a lot of turnovers in this game in my opinion.

Houston defense put a lot of pressure a week before on Joe Flacco and it will try to do the same to Lamar. This is why I think he will not have so much time to think and throw so he will run much more. Lamar also feels more comfortable outside the pocket so I think he will not use his receiver too much.

As I mentioned the weather before and its influence on the game and specially Houston, my pick on Devin Singletary to have a really good game. He is playing excellent this season and has adopted well in Houston. My reasoning for this pick: First, Stroud will not feel comfortable throwing against Baltimore and they will run it more. Second, Singletary spent 4 season in Buffalo so he is used to this kind of conditions.

For my last pick I took Dalton Schultz more yards. With the latest news about Humphreys injury I think he will be total mismatch for Baltimore defense, specially when Houston is close to end zone. He is having a great season and Stroud will turn to him when he will be in trouble. 

Huddle’s market-leading SGP product lets bettors combine numerous prop markets and provides prices for every player on the field, making the SGP combinations limitless. Read more about the Huddle SGP product here.