The Texans are looking for revenge Sunday when they host a Chiefs team that beat them twice in 2015. That includes the AFC Wild Card matchup, a game which led to the dismissal of Brian Hoyer as Texans quarterback. Now the Texans are favored in an early meeting Sunday, one that could set the tone for either team’s season with a victory and 2-0 start.
Brock Osweiler looked ready for the job last week, tossing two touchdowns in a 23-14 win (and cover) against the Bears. Houston opened at -1.5 for Sunday’s matchup according to OddsShark.com, with Vegas acknowledging the positive changes to Houston’s offense from last season.
Osweiler isn’t the only Texan that shined in the opener. Lamar Miller, who struggled for regular carries last year with the Dolphins, finally received a healthy workload. He finished with 106 yards on 28 carries, a steady attack that wore down the Bears defense.
Kansas City struggled to run the ball in their opener, and bailed on it altogether in the second half. The Chiefs scored 24 unanswered in a comeback win over the Chargers last week, but they needed 48 attempts and 363 yards from Alex Smith in the process. Spencer Ware finished with just 11 carries, and the Chiefs were just 5-14 on third down.
Alex Smith may be scrambling a little more on Sunday, as the Chiefs two starting guards have been ruled out with injuries. With the obvious talent on the Texans defensive front, expect Houston to control the game in the trenches on both sides of the ball. If the Chiefs were healthy they might have the edge, but the Texans have the momentum, health, and home-field advantage.
Heavy’s Pick: Texans 31 Chiefs 16. Houston -1. Over on the point total.