Texans vs. Patriots Pick
Will the over cash for bettors when the Patriots host the Texans at 8:15PM ET on Saturday night?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Patriots are 15-point home favorites versus the Texans, while the over/under is currently sitting at 44.5 points. New England opened as a 16-point favorite before the number was bet down to 15, while the total opened at 45 before also dropping to 44.5.
Bet NFL Divisional Round Games
DeAndre Hopkins was limited at Wednesday’s practice due to a knee injury, but he should be fine for Saturday’s Divisional round game. Quarterback Tom Savage was also cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be available to serve as Brock Osweiler’s backup. If Osweiler struggles, however, Savage could replace him during the game as well.
The Patriots are relatively healthy, although LeGarrette Blount was held out of Wednesday’s practice with an illness and receiver Malcolm Mitchell was limited because of a knee injury. Both Blount and Mitchell are both on track to start this Saturday against the Texans, as is tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle), who was removed from the injury report.
NFL Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports|Injuries|Odds Comparison|Scoreboard|Betting Trends
OUR PREDICTION: The over has cashed in six of the last eight meetings between these two teams and is 12-5 in the Patriots’ last 17 games played in January. The over is also 4-1 in the Pats’ last five games versus a team with a winning record, is 6-0-1 in their last seven Divisional round playoff games, and is 4-0 in their last four home postseason contests. The Texans might not score a ton, but Tom Brady and Co. should hang 30-plus points on a Houston defense that will eventually wear down.
NFL DIVISIONAL ROUND PREDICTION: TEXANS/PATRIOTS OVER 44.5