NFL Odds Busters – Houston Texans Hosting New York Giants

The Houston Texans continue to get tight NFL odds week in and week out despite starting their season with a bang by beating up Peyton Manning and the division rival Colts. They’d love nothing more than to invigorate their fans by notching another victory over the other Manning this weekend as -3.0 home favorites.

Still, the reason that nobody knows what to make of the Texans is that we can’t tell if that Week 1 win over Indy was a blip on the radar. Since then, the Texans ravaged the brutal Redskins in a thrilling come back that went to overtime, then lost to Dallas in a squash while barely surviving a late rally by the Oakland Raiders.

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If you were wondering – like I was – why the NFL odds on Houston are so low to beat the Giants, you now have your answer.

Andre Johnson was deactivated last weekend, and his status is the biggest reason this line hasn’t moved at all. The star wide receiver has been limited with a severe ankle sprain, and his mere presence would boost the NFL odds on Houston to win. But even if he plays, Johnson is going to be limited on the field and his status makes this a game you wait till the last minute to play.

New York Giants (2-2) vs. Houston Texans (3-1)
Sunday, October 10th — Reliant Stadium — 1:00pm EST
NFL Odds: Houston -3.0 (47)

What also hurts Houston’s value is that they’re just 2-4-1 ATS in their past 7 games at home. What should help encourage you to play them in the NFL odds, however, is that the Texans are no longer a one trick pony.

Arian Foster exploded in Week 1 and while many saw a decline in his numbers over the last three weeks of football, he’s been far more productive than you’d imagine. Foster was a big reason that Houston keyed a comeback against McNabb’s Redskins in Week 2 and he also bullied Oakland’s defense for 205 total yards and 2 touchdowns.

Which counts for something considering that the Giants are 22nd overall against the rush, giving up 117.3 yards per game. Is there anything positive to say about New York, which has been blown out by Tennessee and Indianapolis while edging the Cutler-less Chicago Bears?

Not particularly. New York is just 1-5 ATS in their past 6 road games against the NFL odds, giving them an overall record of 4-11 ATS in their past 15 games at any location. Granted, they’re ranked in the top-10 when it comes to pass production and rush offense, and Eli Manning has been especially productive in terms of yards though he’s failed to score in his past two games.

Still, I haven’t mentioned the most important thing about Houston’s NFL odds: Brian Cushing is back. If anyone can help stifle New York’s rushing assault, it’s last year’s defensive rookie of the year.

Before you get all excited about New York’s sackalicious game last weekend, keep in mind that the offensive line for Chicago is downright awful. Houston may still be without starting left tackle Duane Brown, but the line in front of Foster and Schaub has been great. They’ve helped the team lead the league in rushing and have only allowed Schaub to suffer 11 sacks this season.

You can see where this is going. I have no faith in the New York Giants, and these are some very tempting NFL odds to bet on. Houston has a ton to atone for in front of their home town fans and will improve their record against the spread by beating up on the Giants. As I said before, be wary of Andre Johnson’s status before you bet these NFL odds, but as they stand right now, I still like Houston.

Furious NFL Odds Buster – Houston -3.0 (OVER)

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