It became clear early in Saturday’s game, though, that the Raiders would have a hard time competing with the Texans with Cook under center.

Raiders vs Texans is set to begin at 4.35pm ET (9.35pm GMT, 3.05am IST).

Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) gets a hug from quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) after intercepting a pass by Oakland Raiders quarterback Connor Cook (8) during the fourth quarter of an National Football League playoff game at NRG Stadium, January 7, 2017. McGloin started last week, but he went down with a shoulder injury to force Cook into action after not playing all season.

But the Raiders (12-4) aren’t feeling sorry for themselves. Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio said. I think, to me, it’s a great opportunity.

“So, how do you respond?” Things rarely go well when a team is forced to use a backup QB, particularly in the playoffs.

Here are my predictions and picks against the spread for both Saturday games. Osweiler was bad enough to be benched leading up to the postseason, but is back in the starting role by default because of Tom Savage suffering a concussion. They are rested. They are going to be hungry.

Osweiler joined the Texans in the offseason on that huge contract after spending his first four seasons in Denver. With the clock winding down, Cook tried to make something happen but was intercepted again, ending the game and the Raiders magical season.

“My coaches and Brock trusted me to give me the ball”, Hopkins said.

The problem with Cook is, we don’t really know what to expect. If the Steelers win, the Patriots will face the victor of the Texans-Raiders game.

At 12-4, their best record since 2003, Oakland’s offense needs to figure out a way to help the defense, which has been solid, despite the injuries at the quarterback position. The pass never got there as Clowney read the play and tipped the ball up in the air before coming down with the interception.

Cook and the Raiders were able to close the gap to 10-7 in the quarter on Latavius Murray’s 2-yard TD run, but then Houston scored the next 17 points en route to a 27-7 lead in the fourth quarter. Most notably, Oakland failed to sack Osweiler (14-of-25, 168 yards, one touchdown) on the day, allowing the $72 million man to lead his team to victory.

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. The Raiders needed the running game to get in the end zone. After being banged up for much of the season, he feels fresh after getting a couple of weeks off.

“Those guys picked me No. 1; they (saw) something in me”, Clowney said. “That’s how you’ll be sitting at home next week”.