Jaguars Texans Betting – Houston Rolls As Jacksonville Runs Out Of Gas
Jacksonville was the online betting surprise of the week as they shut down Baltimore on Monday night for a huge upset, but it likely took a lot out of them as they head to Houston to face the Texans, who had a massive game against Tennessee. The Jaguars have to turn around quickly to prepare for this game and the Texans will take advantage of Jacksonville’s short week.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, October 30th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Pick: Houston Texans (-10)
Why Bet On Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5 SU, 3-4 ATS)
While most NFL betting players were talking about Baltimore’s No.1-ranked defense heading into the Monday night game, Jacksonville’s No.6-ranked defense was the story in a 12-7 upset at home, holding the Ravens to 146 yards. The Jaguars racked up three sacks and forced a pair of fumbles, recovering one, while Daryl Smith had six tackles and a sack, and it was one of those, “no one believes in us” performances that can provide a spark for the season. After Maurice Jones-Drew, who ran for 105 yards, kicker Josh Scobee is probably the Jaguars’ most dangerous offensive weapon as he booted four field goals, including one from 51 yards and a pair of 54-yarders. Scobee is one of five kickers in the league to hit 100% of his attempts so far, and the Jaguars will need him to keep it up.
The Jacksonville defense is horrible, and there is no other word to describe it. Blaine Gabbert was 9-of-20 for 93 yards, although he managed to avoid a pick. Jacksonville had four fumbles, losing only one, but you put that many balls on the ground consistently and you’ll end up with turnovers. The offense was 2-of-16 on third down and 0-of-3 in the red zone, and while you have to consider the opposition, Jacksonville’s offense simply has to improve, from the line (Baltimore had four sacks) to the receivers, and Gabbert, but that’s going to take the rookie some time. There are no major injury worries as of right now, but be sure to check the injury reports later this week.
Why Bet On Houston Texans (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS)
The Texans flexed their muscles in a 41-7 romp over Tennessee on the road, and it was the opposite of Baltimore-Jacksonville as Houston put on an offensive show, posting 518 yards. Matt Schaub was 18-of-23 for 296 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Arian Foster was a dual threat (115 rushing yards and two scores, 119 receiving yards, a score). They held the ball for over 37 minutes, wearing down the Titans, converting seven of their 13 third-down opportunities and Houston was 3-of-5 in the red zone. Defensively, the Texans forced a pair of turnovers and ran one pick back for a touchdown, and they held the Titans to 148 yards, including 53 on the ground. It was an all-around solid performance for the Texans, and they could receive some good news this week as receiver Andre Johnson (hamstring) could get back in the lineup. He’ll have to get through practice this week, but Johnson was running routes at full speed last week, so it looks promising.
Houston gave Tennessee three first downs because of penalties, and even though it was a divisional matchup with some bad blood, the Texans have to show more discipline and they’ll need to keep their heads against another rival. There aren’t many negatives to take away from this game for the Texans, but going into this meeting with Jacksonville, they have to show confidence in their abilities. They’re the best team in the AFC South now that Indianapolis is without Peyton Manning, but they don’t always play to their abilities. Head coach Gary Kubiak has to motivate this team, which should be easier after what Jacksonville pulled off on Monday night. If the Texans overlook Jacksonville, they’ll find themselves at .500.
How It Will Play Out
NFL betting odds should favor the Texans at home, where they are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five against the Jaguars, with three games going over the posted total. Houston has been solid as a favorite this year, going 3-1 ATS so far, and it would be a major surprise if they weren’t favored this week.
Go with Houston to come away with the win as the Jaguars have a short week and they likely expended a lot of energy to pull off their upset of Baltimore. The Texans had the luxury of resting their starters for the fourth quarter against Tennessee, and they’ll be at home as well. Houston’s improved defense is one of the quiet stories of the season and they’ll harass Gabbert into some mistakes, while the offense will be able to put up some points against the Jacksonville defense. Take Houston to cover the sports betting spread this week.
Jaguars Texans Betting Pick: Houston Texans
