Houston Texans betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Houston Texans (3-3) square off against the Carolina Panthers (0-6) on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texans vs. Panthers odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Texans are coming off of their bye week having defeated the New Orleans Saints 20-13 in Week 6 to cover as 2-point home underdogs, and the Under (42) cleared. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud has been tremendous thus far, and Houston is hoping he can continue to thrive after the bye.

The Panthers are also exiting their bye week following a 42-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 6 in which they failed to cover as 14-point road underdogs, and the Over (47) easily connected. Carolina has named offensive coordinator Thomas Brown the new play-caller as rookie QB Bryce Young and the offense have struggled thus far.

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Texans at Panthers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:36 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texans -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Panthers +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
Against the spread (ATS): Texans -3.5 (-105) | Panthers +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texans at Panthers key injuries

Texans

WR Tank Dell (concussion) probable
OT Tytus Howard (knee/hand) questionable
DT Sheldon Rankins (knee) probable
OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) questionable
WR Robert Woods (foot) doubtful

Panthers

S Vonn Bell (quad) questionable
OLB Brian Burns (elbow) questionable
G Austin Corbett (knee) questionable
LB Frankie Luvu (hip) questionable
OT Taylor Moton (knee/rest) questionable
RB Miles Sanders (shoulder) probable

Texans at Panthers picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 27, Panthers 20

Moneyline

The Texans should earn their 4th win of the season on Sunday, but I’ll PASS on taking their moneyline against the Panthers. While I’m fine using Houston’s moneyline in a parlay, backing the Texans at the current odds (-185) isn’t advised.

Against the spread

TEXANS -3.5 (-105) is the play even though both teams had an extra week to prepare for the game. In a battle between the 1st 2 picks in the 2023 NFL draft, Stroud and Houston’s offense have looked much more comfortable entering Week 8.

The Texans are 4-2 ATS (2-1 ATS on the road) and the Panthers are 0-5-1 ATS so far this season.

Over/Under

OVER 43.5 (-110) is the lean here as the Texans’ offense has looked formidable thus far, and the Panthers should receive a boost from having a new play-caller. While Carolina is averaging only 18.7 points per game, Houston is putting up 22.5.

The Panthers have hit the Over in back-to-back games, and Stroud should move the ball with ease against a shorthanded secondary.

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New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The New Orleans Saints (3-2) face the Houston Texans (2-3) Sunday in Week 6 NFL action. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is at 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Saints vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

Both the Saints and Texans played on the road last week and had very different games.

The Saints dominated the New England Patriots so thoroughly (34-0) that Patriot fans are questioning whether any player (or coach) is worth keeping next year. The Saints’ defense controlled the game thanks to 3 forced turnovers. The offensive side struggled as QB Derek Carr failed to throw for 200 yards and no running back reached 100 yards.

In Houston’s 21-19 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Texans led with less than 2 minutes. But Falcons QB Desmond Ridder threw for over 300 yards and marched down the field for a game winning field goal. Texans TE Dalton Schultz led Houston with 65 yards off 7 receptions and QB C.J. Stroud has yet to throw a pick.

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Saints at Texans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:42 P.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Saints -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Texans +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
Against the spread (ATS): Saints -1.5 (-110) | Texans +1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Saints at Texans key injuries

Saints

S J.T. Gray (hamstring) out
TE Juwan Johnson (calf) out
S Lonnie Johnson (hamstring) out
FB Adam Prentice (knee) out
OT Landon Young (hip) out

Texans

WR Tank Dell (concussion) questionable
LB Christian Harris (concussion) questionable
WR Robert Woods (ribs) questionable

Saints at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

Saints 21, Texans 17

Moneyline

The Saints match up well against the Texans. With RB Alvin Kamara getting back into the swing of things after his suspension, look to New Orleans to increase its run game — especially against a Houston defense that allows the 3rd-most rushing touchdowns per game.

On the flip side, the Saints’ run defense limits opponents to less than 100 yards on the ground. With Houston only getting 3 yards per rush (31st in the NFL), they will be one-dimensional on Sunday.

BET SAINTS (-125).

Against the spread

Road favorites are 17-12 ATS this season, but don’t jump on the Saints for the extra value. New Orleans failed to cover in both of its wins as a favorite and the lines were low (-3 against the Titans and -3 at Panthers). I will AVOID and stick with the moneyline.

Over/Under

In inter-conference matchups, the Under has a 26-14 record. Combine that with the Saints’ 5-0 Under record this season, and it is tough to see how this game goes over 42.

LEAN UNDER 42.5 (-110).

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Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The surprising Houston Texans (2-2) face the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) in a Week 5 matchup Sunday. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is at 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texans vs. Falcons odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Texans have won 2 straight and are coming off a 30-6 beatdown of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4 as 3-point underdogs last Sunday. The Under (41) cashed in. They beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 37-17 the previous week as 7.5-point underdogs Sep. 24.

The Falcons started 2-0 but have lost 2 straight. They lost to the Jaguars 23-7 in London last Sunday, failing to cover the 3-point spread as underdogs. The Under (42) hit in the loss.

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Texans at Falcons odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:36 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tex +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Falcons -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texans +1.5 (-105) | Falcons -1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 41.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texans at Falcons key injuries

Texans

LB Christian Harris (concussion) out
DT Maliek Collins (abdomen) questionable
CB Shaquill Griffin (calf) questionable
LB Jake Hansen (neck) questionable
OL Josh Jones (hand) out
WR Jon Metchie (illness) questionable
OL Laremy Tunsil (knee) questionable

Falcons

None

Texans at Falcons picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 27, Falcons 16

Moneyline

The Texans have scored at least 30 points in 2 straight games. They have allowed a total of 23 points.

The Falcons have scored only 13 total points over their last 2 weeks.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud has 6 TD passes in 4 games and averages over 300 passing yards per game.

BET TEXANS (+105)

Against the spread

PASS

The 1.5-point spread is small enough that if you think the Texans will cover, you should bet the plus odds on the moneyline.

The Falcons have failed to cover the spread in 3 straight. They do have a 1-point victory.

Over/Under

The Texans are humming offensively, hitting the 30-point mark in 2 consecutive weeks, while the Falcons have allowed 20 or more in 3 straight.

Will Atlanta fail to get to double digits? That seems unlikely.

With a projected total of only 41.5, expect the Texans to score a little less than the last 2 weeks and for Atlanta to approach 20 points.

BET OVER 41.5 (-110).

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Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) and Houston Texans (1-2) meet Sunday at NRG Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Steelers vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Steelers covered the spread as 3-point underdogs in a 23-18 win at the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday as the Under (44) hit. QB Kenny Pickett threw 2 TDs, and Pittsburgh won a road game vs. the Raiders for the 1st time since 1995.

The Texans covered as 7.5-point underdogs in a 37-17 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday as the Over (43.5) cashed. QB C.J. Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans got their first wins, and Houston covered for the first time this season.

These teams have not faced each other since QB Ben Roethlisberger and QB Deshaun Watson played for the Steelers and Texans, respectively. The Steelers covered as 3.5-point home favorites with a 28-21 win as the Over (46.5) hit Sept. 27, 2020.

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Steelers at Texans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Steelers -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Texans +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread (ATS): Steelers -3 (-105) | Texans +3 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 42 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Steelers at Texans key injuries

Steelers

OL James Daniels (groin) out
P Pressley Harvin III (hamstring) out

Texans

OL Michael Deiter (chest) questionable
OL Josh Jones (hand) out
LB Denzel Perryman (hand, wrist) out
OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) out

Steelers at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 20, Steelers 17

Moneyline

The TEXANS (+125) have been improving offensively each week and will be much harder for Pittsburgh’s defense to contain than Las Vegas was. Both teams have been upgraded since their underdog wins last week, but I’m not as impressed by Pittsburgh’s victory. If Raiders coach Josh McDaniels was less conservative late in the game, the Steelers potentially don’t even cover as underdogs in overtime.

SPRINKLE on TEXANS (+125).

Against the spread

Taking the points is a safer option for those who can’t stomach the thought of risking money on Houston to win back-to-back games. The Texans should be able to, at the very least, keep it close in a low-scoring affair. Houston’s defense was a liability in the first 2 weeks of the season but should be able to contain this very mediocre Steelers offense.

BET TEXANS +3 (-115).

Over/Under

The Under is 2-1 in Steelers games this season. The lone Over (39.5) hit in a 26-22 win vs. the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 – a game that featured 2 defensive TDs. This Steelers offense hasn’t shown me that it’s capable of putting up a lot of points, and I like Pittsburgh’s defense to continue to look elite.

BET UNDER 42 (-110).

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Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Houston Texans (0-2) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) in an AFC South clash Sunday. Kickoff from EverBank Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texans vs. Jaguars odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

Houston suffered a 31-20 loss in its Week 2 action vs. the Indianapolis Colts, failing to cover as a 1-point favorite. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud continued his solid start to his rookie campaign as he completed 30 of his 47 passes for 384 yards and 2 TDs. What killed Houston was its defense that allowed 227 passing yards, 171 of which to Colts backup QB Gardner Minshew, while coming up with 0 turnovers, 0 sacks and 0 tackles for loss.

Jacksonville failed to stay undefeated to start its season as the Jags lost 17-9 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs at home in Week 2, failing to cover as +3 underdogs. Jacksonville’s offense struggled in that loss as QB Trevor Lawrence only completed 22 of his 41 passes for 216 yards, and the Jags totaled only 74 rushing yards.

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Texans at Jaguars odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texans +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Jaguars -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texans +7.5 (-105) | Jaguars -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 44 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texans at Jaguars key injuries

Texans

LB Denzel Perryman (hand/wrist) out
S Jalen Pitre (chest) out
CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) out
CB Tavierre Thomas (hand) out
OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) questionable

Jaguars

LB Josh Allen (shoulder) questionable
DT Folorunso Fatukasi (shoulder) questionable
S Antonio Johnson (hamstring) questionable
WR Zay Jones (knee) questionable
S Andrew Wingard (shoulder) questionable

Texans at Jaguars picks and predictions

Prediction

Jaguars 24, Texans 14

Moneyline

PASS.

The Jaguars should be able to pick up the win, but as (-375) favorites, the line is not worth the juice. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN JAGUARS -7.5 (-115).

I expect this to be a closer game than some may expect, but in the end I like the Jags to pull away and cover as 8.5-point favorites. Houston has proven to be a very pass-heavy offense, and that will likely keep them in this game vs. this Jags secondary that has shown they can give up a lot of yards. However, I expect the lack of a true rushing attack to make this Houston offense more predictable, which will likely lead to the Jaguars pulling away in the 4th quarter as they should have the Texans’ scheme figured out by then.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 44 (-110).

Jacksonville is a very talented team, but its offense has not been firing on all cylinders through its 1st 2 weeks. I do expect WR Calvin Ridley to give this Texans secondary some fits, but overall I like this game to hit the Under. Houston is 17th in offensive yards per game with 328.5 and Jacksonville is 22nd with 306.5, showing that neither of these offenses has blown the top off of defenses thus far into the season.

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Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) square off against the Houston Texans (0-1) in the battle of rookie quarterbacks Sunday. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Colts vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Colts lost 31-21 and failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs against the Jacksonville Jaguars in rookie QB Anthony Richardson‘s debut. Indianapolis carried a 21-17 lead into the 4th quarter before giving up 14 unanswered points and dropping the game.

Richardson went 24-of-37 passing for 223 yards with a TD and an INT and had 10 carries for 40 yards and a TD. WR Michael Pittman Jr. caught 8 passes for 97 yards and a TD.

The Texas failed to cover as 9.5-point underdogs in a 25-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in QB C.J. Stroud‘s debut. Stroud went 28-of-44 passing for 242 yards through the air with 0 TD or INT and had 4 carries for 20 yards and a fumble.

It was a tough day all around for Houston as they failed to find the end zone. WR’s Nico Collins (6 receptions, 80 yards) and Robert Woods (6, 57) appeared to be Stroud’s favorite targets with each seeing double-digit targets.

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Colts at Texans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Colts +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Texans -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Colts +1 (-110) | Texans -1 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Colts at Texans key injuries

Colts

OL Quenton Nelson (toe) questionable

Texans

LB Neville Hewitt (illness) questionable
WR John Metchie III (hamstring) questionable
S Jalen Pitre (chest) questionable
OL Laremy Tunsil (knee) questionable
S Jimmie Ward (hip) questionable

Colts at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 21, Colts 17

Moneyline

BET TEXANS (-120).

It appeared that Richardson had to be a jack of all trades last week as the Colts forged forward with RB Jonathan Taylor on the PUP and mired in a contract dispute. While it seemed to work for a majority of the game, Indianapolis was unable to keep the steam late in the game. Expect the energy to be high in the Texans’ home opener and a bounce-back game from RB Dameon Pierce to carry them to victory.

Against the spread

BET TEXANS -1 (-110).

In this instance, a Texans win means a Texans cover — or at least a push. While Stroud did not particularly impress last week, his only big mistake was a fumble. In this battle of rookie QBs, who have been friends since high school, the home QB with a more grounded offense will lead his team to the win and cover.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 39.5 (-110).

Barring a standout game from one or both of these first-year QBs, the Under is looking likely. The Colts have not identified a lead RB in Taylor’s absence while the Texans will look to get Pierce going early after a slow outing against the Ravens last week. With each QB still settling into their respective offense, do not be surprised with sloppier play and fewer points.

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Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Houston Texans (0-0) are on the road in Week 1 to face the Baltimore Ravens (0-0) on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium is 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texans vs. Ravens odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

Baltimore inked their franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson to a long-term deal and surrounded him with his best collection of wide receivers in his career this offseason. The pressure is now squarely on the shoulders of Jackson to take his Ravens on a deep playoff run. That starts with what should be a dominating performance against a team that won 3 games in 2022.

The Texans begin the DeMeco Ryans era in Houston Sunday in Baltimore. They also debut their prized rookie QB C.J. Stroud on the road in a hostile environment. Houston could be a dangerous team to bet against in this game being that they have no expectations to win. They also bolstered their defense in the draft adding a gamer changer in LB Will Anderson Jr. This team could scare some better teams this season.

The Ravens were 4-7-1 against the spread before losing Jackson to a season-ending injury last year. Houston was 3-13-1 against the spread last year with an average scoring margin of -7.7 points per game. Baltimore covered the -7.5 spread against the Texans in their last head-to-head meeting on September 20, 2020. The game also went under the 49.5 total as well.

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Texans at Ravens odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texans +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Ravens -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texans +9.5 (-110) | Ravens -9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texans at Ravens key injuries

Texans

WR John Metchie III (hamstring) out
RB Dare Ogunbowale (hamstring) questionable
S Jimmie Ward (hip) out
LB Blake Cashman (hamstring) out

Ravens

TE Mark Andrews (quadriceps) questionable
CB Marlon Humphrey (foot) out

Texans at Ravens picks and predictions

Prediction

Ravens 20, Texans 13

Moneyline

PASS.

The Ravens will win this game, but no way am I going to take them at -300. It’s just not smart betting to ever put down 3 units to win 1, especially when it comes to the NFL.

Against the spread

BET TEXANS +9.5 (-110)

I believe this game will be tighter than most believe it will be. The Ravens won 5 of their 8 games at M&T Bank Stadium in 2022, which is solid, but in those 5 wins, their average margin of victory was just 4.8 points.

We all know the Ravens bring a solid defense to the field every season, but I was impressed with what the Texans did this offseason to improve their defense starting with the hire of DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach.

There is also a big unknown with this new Ravens offense under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Baltimore parted ways with Greg Roman, who brought that run-first attack, this is supposed to be a more downfield-attacking offense. Jackson did not play at all in the preseason, so we have no clue how well he’ll fit in this new system.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 49.5 (-110)

For basically all the same reasons I listed above is why I like the under in this ballgame. We just don’t know what to expect from this new-look Ravens offense. You’ve also got a rookie quarterback making his debut on the road in a tough environment.

This has all the makings of a low-scoring game.

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Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Houston Texans (1-1) visit the New Orleans Saints (2-0) Sunday as both teams wrap up their preseason play. Kickoff from Caesars Superdome is set for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texans vs. Saints odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

Houston suffered a 28-3 blowout loss vs. the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. Rookie QB C.J. Stroud looked a lot sharper vs. Miami than he did in his preseason debut vs. the New England Patriots, going 7-of-12 passing for 60 yards. Coach DeMeco Ryans has stated that Stroud will start again vs. New Orleans, and despite not being officially named as the starting QB, he has seen the bulk of reps with the 1st team offense.

New Orleans picked up a 22-17 win vs. the Los Angeles Chargers to stay undefeated in the preseason. Backup QB Jameis Winston played well for the Saints in that win, going 13-of-21 passing for 169 yards and leading the Saints to three 2nd-quarter scoring drives. The Saints defense forced 3 turnovers but coach Dennis Allen was upset as the Saints were penalized 14 times for 141 yards. Allen has stated that QB Derek Carr and several other starters will sit again vs. Houston.

Texans at Saints odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 7:51 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texans +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Saints -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texans +2.5 (-110) | Saints -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texans at Saints picks and predictions

Prediction

Saints 20, Texans 14

Moneyline

BET SAINTS (-155).

Even with the Saints playing mostly backups I believe they will have enough to beat the Texans. Stroud and DE Will Anderson Jr. did look better vs. Miami, but I don’t think they looked good enough to beat New Orleans.

I expect Stroud to struggle a bit — even if he shows improvement — and I believe the Saints’ defense will be able to force him into making mistakes.

Against the spread

LEAN SAINTS -2.5 (-110).

I expect the Saints to win and I do expect them to cover, but the moneyline and Over/Under are both safer plays. This play really depends on how much improvement we see from Stroud and if the Saints’ defense will be able to clamp the Texans’ offense the same way Miami did.

This play also depends on how much the Saints’ sloppiness with regard to penalties will hold the team back from putting up 7 even on deep drives, as they did vs. Los Angeles.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 37.5 (-110).

With the Saints playing a lot of backups and taking into consideration how bad Houston looked vs. Miami, the under should be a pretty safe bet here. Winston has played well for New Orleans and I expect that to continue but I expect penalties to hold back the Saints from putting up touchdowns. I also expect the Saints to be able to force turnovers and prevent Houston from scoring enough points for this game to hit the Over.

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Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

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The Houston Texans (1-0) welcome the Miami Dolphins (0-1) to NRG Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Dolphins vs. Texans odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Texans beat the New England Patriots 20-9 on Aug. 10. No. 2 overall pick QB CJ Stroud played 1 series and went 2-of-4 for 13 yards and an INT. QBs Case Keenum (79 passing yards, 1 TD) and Davis Mills (99 yards, 1 TD) will again get most of the workload. Rookie WR Nathaniel Dell had 5 receptions for 65 yards and a TD.

The Dolphins lost to the Falcons 19-3 on Aug. 11 and failed to cover as a 2.5-point underdog. Miami was led by QB Mike White and Skylar Thompson, who combined for 3 INTs. RB Myles Gaskin had 7 carries for 57 yards. Given starting QB Tua Tagovailoa‘s injury history, it is likely White and Thompson again see the vast majority of snaps.

Dolphins at Texans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9 a.m. ET,

Moneyline (ML): Dolphins +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Texans -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Dolphins +2.5 (-110) | Texans -2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 39.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Dolphins at Texans picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 20, Dolphins 17

Moneyline

PASS.

The Texans have more competence at quarterback, and that should aid it at home against the Dolphins, which may only play backups under center. Houston will have Stroud and former 3rd-round pick Mills to choose from. The Texans should win this game, but at (-145), I’d rather play the spread here.

Against the spread

BET TEXANS -2.5 (-110).

Preseason often shows glaring flaws in depth. While Houston isn’t supposed to be great this season, it has some of the best rookies in the league, and Dell plus Stroud and top-5 pick DE Will Anderson Jr. should have an impact unlike many of the backups for Miami.

Even if Stroud does not play, Mills started 15 games for Houston last season and 11 the year prior. He might not be the future of the franchise, but he is competent and should lead successful drives, which the Dolphins’ backups proved they couldn’t do in Week 1.

Take TEXANS -2.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 39.5 (-110).

The Texans’ defense looked good against New England, allowing just 9 points. The Dolphins offense may not have much more competence with WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle likely seeing limited snaps.

Miami scored 3 points in its opener and allowed 19, both of which are positives for the Under. It had 4 turnovers and allowed 5 sacks. The backups on the Dolphins line didn’t hold up, and they may not again Saturday.

Expect drives to stall. Take UNDER 39.5 (-110).

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Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Houston Texans at New England Patriots odds and lines, with expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots meet Thursday to open Week 1 of the NFL preseason. Kickoff from Gillette Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Texans vs. Patriots odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Texans finished the 2022 season with a 3-13-1 record. With the 2nd overall pick in the NFL Draft, they selected QB C.J. Stroud out of Ohio State in a move that guarantees they won’t need to stand by 2022 signal-caller QB Davis Mills for long. Houston also made a splash by giving up a truckload of future draft capital for the 3rd overall selection to select LB Will Anderson Jr., out of Alabama.

Other new faces include TE Dalton Schultz (who joined as a free agent from the Dallas Cowboys), OL Shaq Mason (who joined via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and perhaps most importantly, DeMeco Ryans, who joins from the San Francisco 49ers to be the team’s new head coach.

The Patriots wrapped up 2022 with an 8-9 record, winning just 2 of their final 7 games and falling short of the postseason. New England made numerous offseason moves to bolster its offense after finishing the season with one of the least-efficient units in the league, signing TE Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Kansas City Chiefs), and hiring former Houston head coach Bill O’Brien to serve as offensive coordinator.

This will mark just the 2nd time these teams have met in the preseason.

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Texans at Patriots odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Houston -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Patriots +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Against the spread (ATS): Houston -3.5 (-110) | Patriots +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texans at Patriots picks and predictions

Prediction

Texans 21, Patriots 17

Moneyline

While wagering on the preseason can be fun, and we’re all excited football is back, it’s important to not get carried away with large bets because preseason football can be a menace to handicap. Coaches are often tight-lipped about their plans for who will play and how much, often giving lesser-known players additional playing time to showcase their skills while simultaneously keeping starters and key players safe from injury.

Ryans has already stated that Stroud will get the start, and he’s likely to see a few series at least, as the Texans try to sort out which direction they take to start the year. Mills is also likely to see meaningful playing time.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has said his most inexperienced players will see the bulk of work Thursday, but it is hard to know how much faith to put in the notoriously tight-lipped coach. QB Mac Jones may not see the field at all as New England could trot out the trio of Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham under center.

I’m going to give a slight edge to HOUSTON (-165) as it is expected to stick with its starters deeper into the game and come away with the victory. Go with just a partial unit here — it is the preseason, after all — and shy away altogether if the line rises north of -180.

Against the spread

With too many variables concerning which units will be on the field and for how long, as well as questions about how efficient those units will be, it’s best just to shy away from either team doing enough to cover a 3.5-point spread.

PASS.

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Over/Under

There is enough experience on both sides of this game to give hope for it sneaking OVER 36.5 (-110). Stroud’s efficiency has yet to be seen, but when he gives way to Mills and QB Case Keenum, both have plenty of regular-season experience.

Whether Jones sees the field or not for the Patriots, Zappe and McSorley also have regular-season experience, and Zappe in particular has shown that he can get the job done. Cunningham was an electric college quarterback and should get plenty of opportunities to move the ball late in the game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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