Texans Jets Betting – Jets Flex Muscles, Roll Over Slumping Texans
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, November 21st, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
- Pick: New York Jets -7
The Houston Texans’ online betting odds to reach the playoffs for the first time in their history have taken a big hit with a losing skid, and they won’t get any better after a trip to face the New York Jets, who are looking for a statement win to show they’re still capable of winning the Super Bowl. Look for the Jets to dominate both sides of the ball.
What’s On The Line
The Houston Texans (4-5) lost their third straight game, falling 31-24 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on an improbable Hail Mary at the end of the game when overtime was looming, while the Jets (7-2) went to overtime on the road for the second week in a row, this time coming away with a 26-20 win over the Cleveland Browns. The Texans need this game to stay in the playoff hunt, while the Jets haven’t shown anything to prove they’re the Super Bowl favorites that coach Rex Ryan thought they were.
Offensive Matchups: Texans Jets Betting
Houston has the No.6 offense in the league, and they have a great foundation with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster and the improving Kevin Walter. The Texans racked up 395 yards against the Jaguars, and the offensive line finally held up, not allowing Schaub to get sacked. The Texans have given up 21 sacks, which is the sixth-worst in the league, and they’re going to have to deal with a lot of blitzing from the Jets.
The Jets are 11th in the NFL offensively, and they’re fourth in rushing yards, but if they’re going to take the next step, Mark Sanchez has to continue to improve. He was very good against the Browns, passing for 299 yards, a pair of touchdowns and a pick, and he helped the Jets convert 11 of their 21 third-down opportunities. He has a great offensive line in front of him, but the receivers can sometimes get a case of the drops.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchups: Texans Jets Betting
This is where the Texans falter: no team is going to make the playoffs when their defense is 31st in the league. They allowed 491 yards against the Jaguars, who are no offensive powerhouse, giving up 326 yards through the air and another 165 yards on the ground. Losing DeMeco Ryans a few weeks ago was a massive loss, leaving Brian Cushing to handle the load at linebacker, but it’s not even that part of the unit that is bring them down. The Texans are dead last against the pass by a fair margin, and they’re going to have to get a pass rush going against the Jets. The Hail Mary from last week isn’t worth worrying about because they could do that play nine more times and have a different result, but it is kind of fitting, considering the Texans’ season.
The Jets are fourth in the league on defense, but they don’t seem to inspire fear in the competition like last year, and teams like the Detroit Lions and Cleveland have been marching on the Jets as of late. Stopping the Browns on third down was the key as they were successful on eight of 12 third-down opportunities, and they forced a couple of turnovers. New York could be tested tough by the Texans, and the matchup to watch comes on the outside: Darrelle Revis shut down Johnson last year, can he do it again?
Betting Edge: Jets
Notable Injuries: Texans Jets Betting
Johnson (ankle) hasn’t really practiced all season due to a high ankle sprain, but it would take a fracture or worse to keep him off of this game for the Texans. Tight end Owen Daniels (hamstring) missed the Jacksonville game and will also have to be watched.
Receiver Jerricho Cotchery (groin) hurt himself against the Browns, but on the same play made a spectacular catch for a first down that probably knocked him out of this week’s game. Guard Matt Slauson (knee) is a question mark for the Jets.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Texans Jets Betting
The Jets are 7-point NFL betting favorites at home, and they’re a perfect 4-0 both SU and ATS against the Texans in their history, including two at home. The Texans have been horrible against the spread this year, going 2-6-1, and we think it’s going to get worse as the Jets will be happy to get back home after two very tough games on the road. The Texans have a great offense, but they’re going to have a tough time trying to run on the Jets, and if Revis locks down Johnson, we doubt Walter will have much success against Antonio Cromartie on the other side. Combine that with a Houston defense that is absolutely terrible, and you have a big sports betting win for the Jets.
Stan’s Pick: New York Jets
