Yates looks set to feature in rookie QB battle

HOUSTON expect to have quarterback TJ Yates on the field for Saturday’s NFL wild-card play-off against Cincinnati.

Yates was forced off with a shoulder injury in the Texans’ Week 17 defeat by Tennessee but was able to practise fully on Tuesday and is set to feature opposite Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton in the first play-off battle between two rookie QBs.

The Texans are three-point favourites while the major market move on Saturday’s other game has seen the points line in the expected shootout between Detroit and New Orleans rise even higher to quotes of up to 59.

Pittsburgh will face Denver on Sunday without first-choice
running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) and safety Ryan Clark, who has a sickle-cell condition and became seriously ill the last time he played away to the Broncos at altitude.

“It’s a big game for us but it is only a game,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Ladbrokes make Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers 9-4 to  win the Super Bowl MVP award. 

Read Saturdayand Sunday's Racing Post for Simon Milham's NFL wild-card play-off betting previews and latest prices, stats and team news package