NFL Preseason Betting Preview: Vikings at Texans
Brett Favre is set to make his second preseason start of the season when the Minnesota Vikings travel to Reliant Stadium on Monday night to take on the Houston Texans.
After signing a two-year contract with the Vikings early last week, Favre completed only 1-of-4 passes for 4 yards in Minnesota’s 17-13 win over the Chiefs last Friday. Favre is expected to see a significant amount of playing time against Houston, as he tries to shake off the rust after missing most of training camp.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made the Vikings 3.5-point road underdogs in their matchup against the Texans. The over/under total for this game has been set at 39.
The last time these two teams met was in November of last year when the Vikings edged out the Texans 28-21 at the Metrodome in Minnesota. The Vikings also beat the Texans 34-28 in October of 2004.
The trends favor the Vikings in this matchup, as Minnesota is 5-0 against the spread in non-conference games, while Houston is just 1-5 ATS as a favorite.
We’re going to buck the trends and suggest taking the Texans –3.5 in this game. Favre will probably continue to struggle after missing all OTA sessions and most of the Vikings’ training camp practices. He’ll need time to gel with his receivers, although Houston must stop Adrian Peterson in the first half in order to sneak out a win. Matt Schuab, Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton should do enough offensively to get Houston a cover.
NFL Preseason Week 3: Vikings at Texans Odds & Over/Under Totals:
Minnesota Vikings +3.5 Over 39
Houston Texans –3.5 Under 39
ESPN reporting Favre may have a cracked rib
I read where Favre said he thinks he had one, don't they have x ray machines in Minnesota 😀