Texans defensive end J. J. Watt (back surgery) will not be chasing down Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (broken leg), and Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (broken leg) will not be blitzing Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, an injured star who will play, albeit with a 1-3 record since dislocating his right middle finger.

Here is a look at this weekend’s wild-card playoff games and who we think will win them. All times Eastern.

Raiders (12-4) at Texans (9-7)

4:35 p.m. Saturday. Line: Texans by 3 ½

The Texans have the No. 1-ranked defense in the N.F.L. The Raiders counter with the clubhouse leader for the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Khalil Mack.

Given the available quarterbacks, this game has all the makings of an offensive slog.

In Carr’s absence, the Raiders rookie Connor Cook is set to become the first N.F.L. quarterback to make the first start of his career in the postseason. With Houston’s late-season starter, Tom Savage, in the concussion protocol, its $72 million quarterback, Brock Osweiler, will come back from the bench — where he was sent in Week 15 along with his 16 interceptions against 14 touchdowns.