Texans vs. Patriots Odds: Point Spread, Total & Prediction

Thursday Night Football heads to Foxboro this week, where the 2-0 New England Patriots host the 2-0 Houston Texans.

Here’s a complete look at all the betting info you need to know, as well as a prediction for the outcome of the Week 3 opener:


Texans vs. Patriots Week 3 Betting Info

Note: All odds and numbers courtesy of OddsShark.com and are updated as of September 22

Spread: New England (-1)

Betting Percentages: 53 percent on HOU (+1)

Over/Under: 39.5

Betting Percentages: 51 percent on over 39.5

Season Results: Texans: 2-0 overall, 2-0 ATS, 2 Under; Patriots: 2-0 overall, 2-0 ATS, 1 over and 1 push


Prediction

The status of Jimmy Garoppolo, who has played very well in his two starts, was up in the air for a while, but it looks like he won’t play. He was “still struggling to lift his right arm” as of Tuesday, and after being listed as doubtful, he isn’t expected to dress.

Enter Jacoby Brissett.

The Pats offense mostly stalled with Brissett under center last week, going punt, touchdown, punt, punt and missed field goal in his five full drives. The rookie wasn’t bad by any means–6 of 9 for 92 yards and zero turnovers–but the offense, unsurprisingly, became highly conservative with him running the show:

That wasn’t so much a problem against the Dolphins, as LaGarrette Blount was able to carve out big chunks of yardage on the ground, and the Pats receivers were able to rack up yards after the catch, but that might be tougher against the Texans.

Bill O’Brien’s defense looks like one of the best in the NFL early in the season, ranking eighth in yards per play allowed (4.8) and sixth in Football Outsiders’ defensive efficiency rankings.

On the other side of the ball, Houston’s explosive passing game with DeAndre Hopkins and speed threat Will Fuller, as well as an improved running game with Lamar Miller, should find success against a Patriots defense that has been very shaky to start the year (31st in yards per play allowed, 29th in Football Outsiders’ defensive efficiency rankings).

It never feels good to bet against Bill Belichick at home on a short week, but the Texans should get this done, assuming the Pats are indeed down to their third QB.

Prediction: Texans 24, Patriots 20 (Texans straight-up, Texans ATS, Over)