Texans Saints Betting – The Saints Keep On Marching
The New Orleans Saints are riding high after coming off a Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Drew Brees (who recently graced the cover of Madden 2011) will be looking to lead his Saints to back-to-back Super Bowls. They lost their first preseason game against New England and are looking to improve on their performance in their match against the Houston Texans. Houston, coming off their first winning season is looking to make a run at their first-ever playoff berth. With Matt Schaub at the helm, he has helped turn the Texans into a fierce competitor in the AFC South.
NFL Betting: Houston Texans @ New Orleans Saints
Online Betting Odds: Texans -1
Why To Bet On The Saints
Backup quarterback Patrick Ramsey has been around the NFL for a number of years as a quarterback for the Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions. He is able to step into any system and learn it quickly. He is an experienced NFL quarterback who understands how to protect the ball and make good decisions. He also looked good in his first start in the preseason going seven-for-11 for 111 yards passing. He will get help from third-string wide receiver Adrian Arrington (if healthy) who had four receptions for 87 yards in his preseason debut. The Saints also put up 24 points against the Patriots and are starting to show signs of being one of the best offensive teams like they were last season. Sophomore wide receiver Larry Beavers looks as if he will give opposing teams much difficulty after returning a kickoff for a touchdown in his first preseason game. He may be the difference-maker in the Saints starting their drives with great field position.
Why To Bet On The Texans
The Saints defense gave up 27 points in their first preseason game and with a number of injuries already plaguing the Saints in safety Darren Sharper, running back Lynell Hamilton and wide receiver Robert Meachem, their second line already looks to be depleted. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson connected for a touchdown last game and will see more action this time around, which means the corners are going to have a hard time covering Johnson in the open field. Backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky has played well after going 12-for-21 with 129 yards and no interceptions in his preseason debut. On the defensive end, Mario Williams is starting off his season right after notching two sacks in his preseason debut. He will make life difficult for backup quarterbacks Patrick Ramsey and Chase Daniel, and force them to make mistakes on the offensive end. The Texans defense looked good after giving up 19 points and less than 300 total offensive yards in their first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. They held the Cards to to just three-of-10 on third downs.
How The Game Will Play Out
Drew Brees and the first-string offense for the Saints looked sloppy last game, punting four of their five possessions in the first half. Coach Sean Payton will leave his team on the field longer allowing Brees, Marques Colston, Reggie Bush and the rest of the offense to work through their woes and put points up on the board. The combination of Schaub and Orlovsky, if they can protect the ball, will be able to score against the Saints defense. However, the Saints will win this game in the first half as their first line offense will prove to be too much for the Texans defense. The Saints defense will hold off the Texans offense who failed to convert in the red zone last game (zero-for-four) to claim their first victory of the preseason.
