Jets vs Texans Odds - Potent Houston offense will overshadow Sanchez debut

The Jets vs Texans odds are among the Week 1’s toughest NFL betting spreads to pick. The Texans’ offense is the apple of everyone’s eye, but the Jets’ vaunted defense could seriously surprise. Can the Texans score enough to cover at home?

Jets vs Texans Odds: Texans -4.5

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
  
• WHERE: Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX
  
• KEY STAT: Texans quarterback Matt Schaub completed 75.7 per cent of his preseason passes
  
• PICK: Texans -4.5

Jets vs Texans odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Houston Texans have a lot to prove this season, as many sports betting sharps feel they’ll finally break through and make the playoffs. They’d like nothing more than to run up the score on the Jets and send a message to the league. The other big storyline: Mark Sanchez makes his NFL debut as the Jets’ starting quarterback and hopes to do what Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco did last season.

Jets vs Texans odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Jets have some good weapons to support Mark Sanchez – especially super scat-back Leon Washington – but there’s no contest here. The Texans offense has a chance to crack the NFL’s top five this season. Matt Schaub makes up for his fragility with great accuracy and a strong rapport with his receivers. Andre Johnson can catch anything, Steve Slaton is versatile in the backfield, and supporting players like Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels make this offense as deep as it is dynamic.

Betting Edge: Texans

Jets vs Texans odds maker breakdown: Defense
Mario Williams will do everything in his power to pressure rookie Mark Sanchez into mistakes, but the Jets’ strong offensive line should contain him. After poaching Rex Ryan from the Ravens to become their head coach, the Jets should see major improvement defensively this season, especially since Ryan brought a bunch of Raven players with him – most notably Bart Scott. Don’t be surprised if the Jets’ defense is the NFL’s biggest breakout unit this season.

Betting Edge: Jets

Jets vs Texans odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Each team has decent weapons on special teams, but I have two words for you: Leon Washington. He’s a game breaker and, while he’ll see more offensive touches this season, sources indicate for now that he’ll still get return duties. He’s a threat to score every time he returns a kick.

Betting Edge: Jets

Jets vs Texans odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
While they’re not technically injured, Calvin Pace and Shaun Ellis are both suspended and won’t play for the Jets in Week 1; that will limit the effectiveness of Gang Green’s interior defense.

Matt Schaub ended the preseason wearing a protective boot on his left ankle; in other news, the sun rose today. He’ll always be nicked up but isn’t expected to miss Week 1.

Betting Edge: Texans

Jets vs Texans betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Expect a fairly close game, but the Texans will prevail and cover the sportsbook spread. Losing Pace and Ellis takes the Jets “D” back a notch and Mark Sanchez should have at least a few jitters. The Texans will be amped up at home and should show off their flashy offense en route to a win.

STAN’S PICK: Texans -4.5

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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.