Last Updated on January 3, 2010 7:15 am by Anthony Rome
Pats vs. Texans Preview
The Houston Texans will put their slim playoff hopes on the line in Week 17 when the host the New England Patriots at 1:00PM ET on Sunday.
The Patriots crushed the Jaguars 35-7 as a 9-point favorite in Week 16, while the combined score fell under the posted total of 44.5 points. Tom Brady threw for 267 passing yards and four touchdowns for New England, while Randy Moss caught four passes for 45 yards with three touchdowns.
The Texans beat the Dolphins 27-20 as a 2-point underdog in Week 16, while the combined score pushed the total of 47 points. Matt Schaub threw for 286 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Houston, while Arian Foster rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Texans 8-point favorites over the Patriots in Week 17. The over/under total for this game has been set at 46 points.
Our free pick prediction for this game is the Texans –8. New England is just 1-3-1 against the spread in its last five games and 2-4-1 ATS in its last seven games on the road.
There’s also a very good chance that the Patriots won’t play their starters or even if they do, won’t play them deep into the game. Therefore, Houston could be playing its starters against backups in the second half and build upon a lead.
Our free pick prediction for the total is the under 46. The total has been set too high for a game that New England might rest starters for, so take the under.
Our NFL Week 17 Free Pick for this matchup is: HOUSTON TEXANS -8 and UNDER 46.
Patriots vs. Texans Current Odds
311 New England Patriots +8 Over 46
312 Houston Texans –8 Under 46
New England is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
New England is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Houston is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home
NEW ENGLAND
[LB] 08/26/2009 – Tyrone McKenzie IR ( Knee )
[OL] 09/05/2009 – George Bussey IR ( Knee )
[WR] 11/18/2009 – Brandon Tate IR ( Knee )
[SS] 12/09/2009 – Bret Lockett IR ( Groin )
[OT] 12/27/2009 – Nick Kaczur "?" Sunday vs. Houston ( Head )
[DT] 12/27/2009 – Vince Wilfork "?" Sunday vs. Houston ( Foot )
[DE] 12/27/2009 – Jarvis Green "?" Sunday vs. Houston ( Knee )
HOUSTON
[RB] 08/23/2009 – Jeremiah Johnson IR ( Shoulder )
[OG] 09/21/2009 – Chester Pitts IR ( Knee )
[LB] 10/01/2009 – Chaun Thompson IR ( Knee )
[LB] 10/06/2009 – Khary Campbell IR ( Knee )
[TE] 11/03/2009 – Owen Daniels IR ( Knee )
[S] 11/25/2009 – Eugene Wilson IR ( Toe )
[CB] 11/26/2009 – Antwaun Molden IR ( Quad )
[RB] 12/09/2009 – Steve Slaton IR ( Neck )
[TE] 12/14/2009 – Anthony Hill IR ( Knee )
Posted: 1/3/10 7:15AM ET