Texans vs Cardinals Odds - Cardinals rested, focused after bye week
The Texans vs Cardinals odds will match up two teams looking for credibility. The Cardinals have been a shell of their NFC Championship selves, losing at home twice already. The good news for them is that they are off a bye week, and online betting handicappers should see a much more focused effort from them this week.
Texans vs Cardinals odds: Cardinals -5.5
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Texans vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
A lot of NFL betting cappers thought that the Texans and their league-worst running game was going to keep the Oakland Raiders in the game last week, but the Texans showed some pride and blew by the Raiders. This week, the Texans have a chance to get over .500 and prove to their fan base that they can win important games. Now that the Titans are 0-4, their lone respectable win of the season is looking less and less credible. Meanwhile in Arizona, the Cardinals have had a week off to think about their clunker against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. The Cardinals have to figure out what’s with their offense. The Cards scored 31 points in their win over Jacksonville but scored a total of 26 points in their other two games (losses) this season. Betting Edge: Even
Texans vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Texans offense has found its feet, so to speak. Running back Steve Slaton got untracked in the previous two weeks and that’s going to be important as they go out on the road. The offense hasn’t been the issue this season, as quarterback Matt Schaub has been healthy and effective and the receiving corps has done a great job. For Arizona, a week off to clear their minds should be the right remedy, and so should the Texans defense. The Texans have been gashed by a number of teams this year, and although the Raiders couldn’t do anything about it last week, the Cards sure can. Look for quarterback Kurt Warner to put on a clinic as the Texans don’t generate much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Betting Edge: Even
Texans vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Defense
Neither defense really inspires much confidence here, but at least the Texans defense showed some heart last week. The Texans came up with a big performance against the Raiders trio of solid running backs and plugged up all the leaks. But as mentioned, that was against the Raiders, and going on the road to perform an encore will be significantly more difficult. The Cardinals defense has been nonexistent so far this season as well. The Cards pillaged the Jaguars, notching four sacks, picking off one pass and forcing four fumbles in their lone win. In their other two contests, the Cardinals have four sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. The way they played in the playoffs isn’t the way they’re playing right now. Betting Edge: Even
Texans vs Cardinals odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Cardinals should be fresh for this game, especially wideout Anquan Boldin, who hasn’t been 100% to this point. Kurt Warner, Steve Breaston and Darnell Dockett are all important contributors that have been limited by nagging injuries, but they should be fresh for this game. Betting Edge: Even
Texans vs Cardinals odds for total: 48
With two explosive offenses and two defenses that underwhelm, the scoreboard should be lit up in this contest. Pick: Over 48
Texans vs Cardinals betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Sportsbook odds makers have the Cardinals as a home favorite, and after a bye week, they should be ready. The Texans may have the better talent but they continually underachieve. On the road, the Texans will once again look sloppy and let the Cardinals get the win they need. STAN’S PICK: Cardinals -5.5
For daily sports betting picks and analysis, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge. There’s also plenty more numbers on the Texans vs Cardinals odds in our stats center. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
