Key to developing Texans QB Davis Mills may be experience, not confidence

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills has indicated he is plenty confident. What has helped develop his game is experience.

Through the first 10 games of the 2022 campaign, Davis Mills had an even 11-11 touchdown to interception ratio, a 78.1 passer rating, and a 6.5 yards per pass attempt. The Houston Texans compiled a 1-8-1 record and were more on target for the No. 1 overall pick than they were climbing their way out of a rebuild.

For a second-year player, it would seem Mills’ problems were related to confidence. Throw in the fact Mills was benched for Weeks 12-13, and it would be understandable that the former 2021 third-rounder’s confidence would be fragile.

However, Mills didn’t seem rattled against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15 as he went 12-24 for 121 yards, two touchdowns, and ran for a 17-yard score. The Texans took the AFC West champions to overtime where the Chiefs narrowly escaped NRG Stadium 30-24.

According to Mills, his confidence has not wavered at any point this season.

“My confidence has stayed the same,” Mills said. “I’ve always been a confident player. I got more snaps than the previous week, and more snaps means more opportunities to go out there and be successful and move the football.”

Mills returned to the starting lineup in place of Kyle Allen, but with a new wrinkle as the Stanford product splits time with Jeff Driskel in the “two quarterback system.” Houston deployed the new look in Week 14, and the Texans gave the Dallas Cowboys a similar scare on the road as Houston allowed their potential second win to slip away, 27-23. Nevertheless Mills was efficient, going 16-21 for 175 yards and an interception.

For Mills, the objective is clear: “just moving down the field and scoring points.”

Houston takes on the Tennessee Titans Christmas Eve at 1:00 p.m. from Nissan Stadium.

Watch: Detroit Lions Podcast on the Pro Bowl, Panthers game and more

The Detroit Lions Podcast on the Lions and the Pro Bowl, previewing the Panthers game and more

Welcome to the Detroit Lions Podcast for the lead-up into Week 16. This week’s show is a solo effort from Jeff Risdon, with co-host Chris being under the weather. We hope to be back together for the regular live show and stream following the Lions’ Week 16 game against the Panthers.

With it being a solo show, the focus is narrowed a bit. One of the primary topics comes from the Patreon Slack channel, the smartest Lions chat on the internet. The question was asked, “Has the Lions’ margin for error improved lately?”

There is a review of the Lions in the Pro Bowl and why the honor matters, as well as why it’s not always the most deserving players who get those nods. With safety DeShon Elliott ruled out vs. the Panthers, who steps up and gets the starting nod? There is more love given to the emerging Detroit defense, including one big reason why the Lions should be able to stop the Panthers pretty effectively.

 

Wintry weather is causing some of the lowest NFL betting lines we’ve ever seen

Weather has caused the lowest point total in more than a decade, and the smallest passing prop ever.

A lot of NFL games are going to played in some awful conditions in Week 16.

Eight different games are expected to have below-freezing temperatures at kickoff, including a Week 16 low of nine degrees for the Buffalo Bills at Chicago Bears game. The “feels like” temperature dips into the negatives for a few of the games. And there’s always the likelihood of temperature drops over the course of each game.

There’s even a chance of snow for the New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns game.

As a result of the frigid temperatures, bettors are seeing some of the lowest lines they’ve ever seen for point totals and player props.

The Browns-Saints total dipped as low as 31.5 at BetMGM and was 32.5 as of Thursday afternoon at many sportsbooks, including Tipico.

But even as the lowest total in more than a decade, bettors were still hitting the under at Caesars.

Seven other games in Week 16 also have a total of less than 40 points. The next lowest is 35.5 for the Texans at Titans and Falcons at Ravens games. Those teams are also expected to be playing in freezing weather, but quarterback play is another factor in the low totals. The Titans are likely to start rookie Malik Willis and the Falcons are starting rookie Desmond Ridder.

Ridder’s passing prop opened as the lowest ever for a starting quarterback before being passed by Justin Fields.

Willis’ prop isn’t available yet, but that one may open even lower than Fields and Ridder’s. Willis failed to eclipse 100 yards in two starts long before temperatures started dropping below freezing.

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Lions final Week 16 injury report: 3 players ruled out, 2 more questionable vs. Panthers

The Lions enter Saturday’s game at Carolina pretty healthy

Relatively speaking, the Detroit Lions are pretty healthy right now. But they still won’t be at full depth when they play in Charlotte against the Panthers on Saturday.

Three Lions players were ruled out for Week 16 due to injury. None of the trio is a surprise, based on practice reports and ongoing status updates from the team.

OL Kayode Awosika (ankle)

FB Jason Cabinda (illness)

S DeShon Elliott (shoulder)

Two others, Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and LB Derrick Barnes, are listed as questionable. Ragnow is dealing with an ongoing foot issue, while Barnes is hoping to return from a knee injury that has kept him out of the last two games.

Interestingly, the Panthers do not have a single player carrying any injury designation into Saturday’s game.

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Betting the NFL Line: Week 16

Help pay for some of your holiday spending by making bank on these bets.

It’s been hard to avoid the discussion about a second massive weather system in two weeks that could impact a ton of games this week. As many as eight games could be played at or below freezing with wind and rain/snow potential for many of them.

As a result, nine of this Week’s 16 games have an Over/Under of 40 points or less. The oddsmakers are convinced we’re not going to see a lot of points and if wind is involved, they may well be right.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

NFL Betting Odds and Lines: Week 16

Jacksonville Jaguars (+105) at New York Jets (-125)

The Jets will have a big advantage in playing at home, but the Jaguars are on a roll after posting wins against the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys. This battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks of the 2021 draft should go to Trevor Lawrence. Take the Jaguars on the moneyline (+105).

Detroit Lions (-140) at Carolina Panthers (+120)

The Lions are steamrolling having won six of their last seven games. The Panthers have inconsistent, which helps explain why the Lions are small road favorites (2.5 points at -118 Lions, -102 Panthers). Dan Campbell has this team playing well and the Panthers offense can’t fully exploit Detroit’s defensive weaknesses. Take the Lions and lay 2.5 points (-118).

New York Giants (+170) at Minnesota Vikings (-200)

Minnesota is 11-3 but has had a horseshoe in its pocket that covers the Vikings’ mistakes. The only thing consistent about this team is it scores a lot of points and give up a lot as well. The Over/Under is high (48 points at -113 Over, 107 Under), but I’m willing to take my chances based on past performance that no lead is safe for either team. Take the Over (-113).

Buffalo Bills (-400) at Chicago Bears (+325)

The Bears kept things close with the Eagles last week, but their defense isn’t up for the challenge coming from Buffalo. The Over/Under on this game is low (40 points at -112 Over, -108 Under), but neither team is intimidated or limited by inclement weather, and the Bills should be able to take care of 30 of these points by themselves. Take the Over (-112).

Seattle Seahawks (+400) at Kansas City Chiefs (-500)

I’m leery of double-digit spreads, because I tend to take the team predicted to roll, but with this one I can’t help myself. The Chiefs are double-digit favorites (10 points at -111 Seahawks, -109 Chiefs). The No. 1 seed in the AFC is on the line, and nobody wants to get a scare like the Texans put in the Chiefs last week. They’ll be playing to knock out Seattle early. Take the Chiefs and lay 10 points (-109).

Atlanta Falcons (+280) at Baltimore Ravens (-340)

Lamar Jackson is not expected back, and the Ravens still have been established as a big favorite (7 points at -109 Falcons, -111 Ravens). I’m unconvinced the Falcons can generate enough offense to keep pace and, if they fall behind, a bad situation gets worse. Take the Ravens and lay 7 points (-111).

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New Orleans Saints (+130) at Cleveland Browns (-150)

This game a microscopic O/U (32.5 points), but dome teams heading into the kind of brutal weather anticipated for Cleveland on Saturday rarely succeed. The Browns are a modest favorite (3 points at -116 Saints, -104 Browns), and the number is begging people to bet on Cleveland’s running game and run defense. Count me in. Take the Browns and lay 3 points (-104).

Cincinnati Bengals (-170) at New England Patriots (+145)

The Bengals have won six straight and 10 of their last 12, and they’re up against a nondescript Patriots team that will struggle to control time of possession. The Pats are getting respect on the line as the Bengals are small road favorites (3 points at -118 Bengals, -102 Patriots). Cincinnati is capable of blowing out the Patriots. New England isn’t capable of doing the same. Take the Bengals and lay 3 points (-118).

Houston Texans (+140) at Tennessee Titans (-160)

The Titans are expected to be without Ryan Tannehill, so they are minimal favorites (3 points at -105 Texans, -115 Titans). Tennessee needs to win every game to assure they repeat as division champions, which means Derrick Henry will be saddled up and ridden as far as he can take them, which should be enough against Houston. Take the Titans and lay 3 points (-115).

Washington Commanders (+270) at San Francisco 49ers (-330)

Despite being on their third QB of the season, the 49ers have won seven straight games and are deservedly big favorites (7 points at -115 Commanders, -105 49ers). Washington has been a feel-good story this season, but the 49ers have a deep playoff run in front of them, and the Commanders won’t slow that down. Take the 49ers and lay 7 points (-105).

Philadelphia Eagles (+190) at Dallas Cowboys (-220)

With Jalen Hurts expected out, the line has jumped in favor of the Cowboys. The number I’m looking at the Over/Under (47 points at -112 Over, -108 Under). Gardner Minshew is among the better backup QBs in the league and shouldn’t prevent the Eagles from putting up points. Take the Over (-112).

Las Vegas Raiders (+120) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-140)

The Steelers are looking to prevent their first losing season under Mike Tomlin. They’re modest home favorites (2.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Pittsburgh fans are going to make life miserable, especially after the 50th anniversary honoring of Franco Harris takes place, and the Steelers will respond. Take the Steelers and lay 2.5 points (-110).

Green Bay Packers (+170) at Miami Dolphins (-200)

With all of the low Over/Under numbers this week, this is tied for the highest (49 points at -110 for both). It’s high for a reason. The Packers defense doesn’t have an answer for the explosive Dolphins receivers, and if you force Aaron Rodgers to pass 40 times, he will produce points. Take the Over (-110).

Denver Broncos (-135) at Los Angeles Rams (+115)

This is one of the lowest O/U numbers (36.5 points at -109 Over, -111 Under) of the week, but both defenses are stout and both offenses are not. When it number gets this low, it dares you to take the Over, but I’m not biting … or watching this train wreck. Take the Under (-111).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-350) at Arizona Cardinals (+280)

The Buccaneers have been a joke much of this season for the talent they have but are still massive road favorites (7.5 points at -110 for both teams). It looks like Arizona will down to its third quarterback (Trace McSorley). Seeing as their top two QBs struggled to put up points, it’s hard to imagine McSorley will be different. Take the Buccaneers and lay 7.5 points (-110).

Los Angeles Chargers (-210) at Indianapolis Colts (+180)

The Chargers are road favorites (4.5 points at -111 Chargers, -109 Colts). That isn’t enough. In their last two games, Indianapolis allowed Dallas to score 33 points in the fourth quarter and blew the biggest lead in NFL history against the Vikings. The Chargers are willing to pass every down, and the Colts are bad enough that it will succeed. Take the Chargers and lay 4.5 points (-111).


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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

The best 5 NFL survivor pool picks to consider for Week 16

Who you should target this week in your pool.

Week 16 of the NFL season is here with the Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets kicking things off on Thursday night.

That means it’s time for you to lock in your survivor pool (or knockout pool or whatever you call it) pick for this week and continue on and avoid elimination. So we decided it’s time to give you some help with that by ranking the five best teams to target, while trying to factor in those leagues that require you to only use a squad once per season.

Past picks: Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15

Here’s who you should be considering ahead of Week 16 in descending order:

Derrick Henry is the only thing between the Jaguars and an unlikely division title

Ryan Tannehill’s injury clears the way for Jacksonville to win the AFC South, but Derrick Henry is still a big road block.

There may not be a better feel-good team in the NFL than the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After escaping from the hellish environment created by Urban Meyer a year ago, it’s great to see the Jaguars thriving in a way they haven’t since last making the playoffs in 2017. Especially Trevor Lawrence, who entered the league with insane expectations as a national champion and No. 1 overall pick.

After winning three of their last four games, the Jaguars are 6-8 and just a game out of first place in the AFC South. An injury reportedly likely to end the season of Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill leaves the Jags as betting favorites to come out on top.

However, before putting your money on the Jaguars to complete their pursuit of a division title and playoff berth, I want you to imagine Jacksonville’s chase of Tennessee as a safety taking an angle on a running back. Now, imagine that running back is Derrick Henry. That’s what Jacksonville is literally up against. They might get it done, but they also might catch the most vicious of stiff arms to the mug and end the season on the turf.

With Tannehill out for the season, the Titans will lean on Henry more than ever. That starts Saturday against the Houston Texans, who Henry regularly torments and who the Titans beat in Week 8 without Tannehill. That game was Henry’s fourth straight against Houston with at least 200 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee won despite rookie Malik Willis attempting just 10 passes.

The following week, with Willis completing just five of 16 passes in his second start, Tennessee took Kansas City to overtime behind 115 yards and two touchdowns from Henry. It’s not an ideal way to win, but the Titans have shown they can do it. So even after four straight losses leading up to this week, going back to Willis isn’t a death sentence.

The Titans are favored by 3.5 points over Houston, and the chances of them winning puts even more emphasis on Jacksonville’s need to win Thursday against the Jets, who are favored by 2.5 points. A loss to New York would create a scenario where the Jaguars have to win out, the Titans have to lose out and tiebreakers come into play.

One way or another, if the Jaguars want to win the division, they’ll have to go through the man who has carried Tennessee to the title the last two years and has more rushing yards than all but one player this year. Because winning out also includes a Week 18 meeting with Henry and the Titans.

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NFL Picks: Office pool pick’em – Week 16

Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.

The Huddle staff makes its weekly NFL game picks every Thursday.

NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.

Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

NFL Week 16 picks: moneyline & against the spread


Season-to-date rankings: moneyline


Season-to-date rankings: ATS


NFL all-time picks leaderboard: moneyline

Straight Up DMD SG KP HS CC CJB HCG
2021 Record 167-104-1 159-112-1 179-92-1 176-95-1 175-96-1 176-95-1 174-97-1
2020 Record 161-94-1 161-94-1 165-90-1 164-91-1 174-81-1 166-89-1 172-83-1
2019 Record 162-93-1 156-99-1 161-94-1 161-94-1 164-91-1 157-98-1 163-92-1
2018 Record 167-87-2 158-96-2 179-75-2 153-101-2 165-89-2 157-97-2 n/a
2017 Record 168-88 161-95 171-85 165-91 180-76 160-96 n/a
2016 Record 157-97-2 149-105-2 156-98-2 152-102-2 156-98-2 139-115-2 n/a
2015 Record 154-102 137-119 156-100 155-101 165-91 n/a n/a
2014 Record 166-89-1 158-97-1 164-91-1 163-92-1 177-78-1 n/a n/a
2013 Record 163-92-1 160-95-1 170-85-1 153-102-1 n/a n/a n/a
Accuracy entering 2022 1,465-846-9
(63.1%)
1,399-912-9
(60.3%)
1,501-801-9
(64.7%)
1,442-869-9
(62.2%)
1,356-700-8
(65.7%)
955-590-7
(61.5%)
509-272-3
(64.9%)

NFL all-time picks leaderboard: ATS

ATS DMD SG KP HS CC CJB HCG
2021 Record 141-130-1 142-129-1 154-117-1 136-135-1 152-119-1 143-128-1 151-120-1
2020 Record 118-138 122-134 123-133 129-127 130-126 143-113 130-126
2019 Record 121-135 133-123 133-123 139-117 121-135 137-119 139-117
2018 Record 132-124 131-125 145-111 133-123 132-124 130-126 n/a
2017 Record 129-127 136-120 135-121 132-124 136-120 131-125 n/a
2016 Record 110-146 125-131 127-129 124-132 132-124 127-129 n/a
2015 Record 125-131 121-135 126-130 123-133 141-115 n/a n/a
2014 Record 122-134 124-132 143-113 132-124 123-133 n/a n/a
2013 Record 115-136-5 119-132-5 117-134-5 117-134-5 n/a n/a n/a
Accuracy entering 2022 1,113-1,201-6
(48.1%)
1,153-1,161-6
(50.7%)
1,203-1,111-6
(51.9%)
1,165-1,149-6
(50.2%)
1,067-996-1
(51.7%)
811-740-1
(52.3%)
420-363-1
(54.1%)

DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, KP – Ken Pomponio, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green


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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Davis Mills says defense has ‘a lot to prepare for’ with Texans’ two QB system

Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills says that defenses have to spend a lot of prep work getting ready for their two quarterback system.

Who would have thought the answer to the Houston Texans’ woes on offense was to alternate quarterbacks?

The Texans have deployed the “two quarterback system” with Davis Mills starting the game and Jeff Driskel substituting throughout the game, sometimes even during drives. The fluctuation at quarterback has brought the offense out of its dysfunction as Houston has scored 47 points over the last two games, the most points in a two-game stretch this season.

According to Mills, why the system is working is because there is a weariness in too much studying.

“Having to defend two quarterbacks that are able to do two different things,” said Mills. “We have a ton of variations and different personnel and formations in each of our packages, and it gives defense a lot to defend and a lot to prepare for during the week.”

Mills has benefited from having another signal caller help carry his burden as the second-year quarterback has compiled an 89.6 passer rating and thrown two touchdowns to one interception — a desperation heave for the end zone at the end of Week 14 that was picked off.

The former third-rounder from Stanford believes the two quarterback system can continue to confound defenses because of the amount of in-week preparation.

Said Mills: “If we can continue to mix that up, it kind of simplifies what defenses can do because they have to prepare for so many looks during the week that they can’t add in all the complex blitz looks and disguises for certain coverages. It just kind of simplifies the defense for us so we can go out there and see it cleaner than usual. Really just go out and react and let our guys win on the edge.”

The Tennessee Titans will get a look at the Texans’ eccentric offense on Christmas Eve at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from Nissan Stadium.

NFL picks against the spread, Week 16: Who wins NFC East clash between the Eagles and Cowboys?

Our picks for Week 16.

I picked the absolute worst time to match my worst week of the season for my worst two-week stretch of the season. For that, I want to send a special shoutout to the Patriots for the dumbest play I’ve ever witnessed in real time.

Thanks a lot for adding the most unnecessary of my Ls to a 5-11 record for the week (96-120-8 overall). But I digress.

The rest of the crew played things closer to .500 in Week 15 with Blake Schuster leading the way at 8-8 (89-99-8), and Caroline Darney (94-109-6) and Charles Curtis (95-121-8) each going 7-9.

And now, before Week 16 picks, a word:

Charles: Eh, my late-season momentum is stalling. Let’s just get to the playoffs already.

Blake: I can’t believe I’m happy about going 8-8 last week. Send help.