Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Texans Point spread: Houston -6 Over/Under: 48 |
The Oakland Raiders will look to raise their record back over .500 when they tangle with the Houston Texans this Sunday afternoon in a matchup of two up-and-coming teams in the AFC. Kick-off from Reliant Stadium is set for 1 p.m. (ET) and the game will be broadcast regionally on CBS.
Oakland comes into this game with a 2-2 record straight-up (3-1 ATS). It fell to New England 31-19 this past Sunday as a 6.5-point home underdog after posting a come- from-behind 34-24 victory over the New York Jets last week as a 2.5-point home underdog. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of its four games so far.
The Raiders have done a good job at putting the ball in the end zone this season with an average of 27.8 points a game. The problem is their defense has struggled to prevent teams from doing the same as they are giving up an average of 28.2 points.
Houston has jumped out to a 3-1 start both SU and ATS with the total has staying ‘under’ in three of the four games. It battled its way to a 17-10 victory over Pittsburgh as a four-point home favorite this past week after coming up short in a 40-33 shootout with New Orleans last week as a 3.5-point road underdog.
Arian Foster’s return to lineup against the Steelers yielded immediate dividends as he ran for 155 yards on 30 carries including a 42-yard burst for a score to secure the win. Unfortunately the win came at a steep price as All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson injured his hamstring and is listed as doubtful for this game.
Oakland is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five games on the road. The total has gone ‘over’ in six of its last eight games.
Houston is 4-5 ATS in its last nine games overall and 4-1 ATS in its last five games at home. The total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last six games.
Head-to-head, the Texans are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against Oakland and the total has gone3-1-2 in the last six meetings. This game should remain close to the very end, so while Houston gets the outright win at home, take Oakland to cover with the six points.
The Pick: Houston 20 Oakland 17
