Texans vs. Patriots Point Spread Picks for NFL Week 3 TNF
by Scott —September 20, 2016 in All Sports, NFL
When: Thursday, September 22nd 2016 at 8:25 PM ET
Where: Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
Watch: NBC
There’s still no Tom Brady, but this is set-up to be an intriguing AFC match-up on Thursday night. Both the New England Patriots (2-0) and Houston Texans (2-0) are undefeated, but that’ll change this week.
Brady is back from suspension in week 5, but the Patriots are in a tough situation the next two weeks, as Jimmy Garoppolo was injured this week and will likely miss the next two weeks. New England is expected to sign a veteran QB this week, but if not, Jacoby Brissett could be in line to start at QB.
Texans at Patriots betting lines for week 3
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- Money Line: Houston Texans (-133) vs. New England Patriots (+113)
- Point Spread: Houston Texans –1 (-110) vs. New England Patriots +1 (-110)
- Game Total: Over 41 Points (-110) vs. Under 41 Points (-110)
With the uncertainty at QB for the Patriots, it’s not a surprise that the Texans are getting bet hard to start the week. About 70% of the early bets have come in on Houston. The total is low and sharps are betting on the under. I’ll wait to see if the total creeps lower, but the over is definitely on my radar.
OFF and DEF stats pack
- Points Scored: Texans 21.0 PPG (17th) vs. Patriots 27.0 PPG (12th)
- Passing Yards (OFF): Texans 234.5 PYPG (24th) vs. Patriots 280.5 PYPG (9th)
- Rushing Yards (OFF): Texans 113.0 RYPG (11th) vs. Patriots 133.5 RYPG (7th)
- Points Allowed: Texans 13.0 PPG (3rd) vs. Patriots 22.5 PPG (15th)
- Passing Yards (DEF): Texans 178.5 PYPG (5th) vs. Patriots 320.5 PYPG (28th)
- Rushing Yards (DEF): Texans 96.0 RYPG (11th) vs. Patriots 81.0 RYPG (9th)
- Turnover Margin: Texans +0.5 (8th) vs. Patriots +0.5 (8th)
It’s still only week 3, so we can’t glean too much information from the numbers yet, especially since the Patriots will be starting a new QB this week. Houston are who I expected them to be. The defense is legit and Brock Osweiler only has to manage the game to give the Texans a chance at winning every week.
Texans vs. Patriots money line predictions
If you’re betting on the Texans the point spread is the best bet, but if you’re going to bet on the Patriots to upset the Texans your best bet is on the money line at plus money. This game isn’t likely to be decided by one point, so there’s more value betting on the ML if you like the underdog in situations like this.
I’m still waiting for this Texans offense to break out. Osweiler has thrown for 499 yards and 3 TDs in two games, but he has also thrown 3 INTs. Lamar Miller has 189 rushing yards (3.6 YPC), but Houston still don’t have a rushing TD. They’ll need to start scoring more points if they want to continue winning.
Garoppolo has been nothing short of amazing through two weeks and it’s a shame he’s injured. He has thrown for 498 yards, 4 TDs and 0 INTs. Three Patriots have 100+ receiving yards with Julian Edelman leading the way with 14 receptions for 142 yards. However, this week yards will be at a premium.
Without Garoppolo, I expect Bill Belichick to game plan around LeGarrette Blount. Blount has 51 carries for 193 yards and 2 TDs. While Blount could win NE a game or two on the ground, I don’t expect that to happen against the Texans who have J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on the defensive line.
Texans vs. Patriots over/under predictions
This total is too low. Sure, the Patriots have QB problems, but Belichick isn’t going to be shutout. With the amount of passing yards the Patriots are allowing, DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller will both have monster games. I expect Houston to jump out early and force the Patriots to air it out.