Texans vs. Patriots Pick
Will the Thursday night matchup between the Texans and Patriots become a defensive struggle when the two teams clash at 8:25PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the game is currently a pick’em after the Patriots opened as a 2.5-point home underdog. The total, meanwhile, currently sits at 40.5 points after opening at that same number. Both teams are 2-0 straight up and 2-0 against the spread this season.
HOUSTON: Following their 23-14 win over the Bears as a 5.5-point home favorite in Week 1, the Texans beat the Chiefs 19-12 as a 1-point underdog in Week 2. Brock Osweiler was shaky at times, throwing two interceptions in the win, but DeAndre Hopkins (seven catches, 113 yards, 1 touchdown) and rookie Will Fuller (4-104-0) had big games. Houston’s defense was also outstanding, as J.J. Watt and John Simon finished with 1.5 sacks apiece.
NEW ENGLAND: The Patriots upset the Cardinals 23-21 as a 9-point underdog in Week 1 and then responded with a 31-24 win over the Dolphins as a 5.5-point favorite in Week 2. The victory against Miami came at a price, however, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo injured his shoulder and is unlikely to play Thursday night versus Houston. Rookie Jacoby Brissett will draw the start against the Texans if Garoppolo can’t play.
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OUR PICK: As soon as Brissett when into the game last Sunday, Josh McDaniels and the Patriots went into conservative mode. Now the Pats are coming off a short week, so Brissett won’t have a chance to learn an expanded playbook by Thursday night either. Look for the Pats to lean on their running game and defense to put Brissett in a good spot to win. That means fewer big plays and fewer scoring opportunities. Thanks to their outstanding defense, the under is a perfect 4-0 in the Texans’ last four games and is 5-1 in their last six games versus AFC opponents.
NFL WEEK 3 PICK: TEXANS/PATRIOTS UNDER 40.5