Texans Vikings Betting – Texans Look To Complete Perfect Preseason With Trip To Minnesota
Even despite finishing last season third in the division with a 6-10 record, the Houston Texans felt confident heading into this preseason that they have the right stuff to turn that record around and push for their first playoff appearance in franchise history. Whatever happens going forward only time will tell, but at 3-0 this preseason they are off to a good start and will look to close on a high note with a sports betting win over the Minnesota Vikings this Thursday night.
Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings
Thursday September 1, 2011 – 8:00 PM ET
Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
NFL Betting Lines: Minnesota Vikings – 3.5
While the Texans have looked flawless at times this preseason, the Vikings have certainly gone through their share of growing pains as a new head coach tries to develop an average roster to be a formidable contender. Minnesota has made no secret that it wants to wear down opponents with the power running game and then open things up to go over the top, but they still haven’t been able to do it consistently through three exhibition games.
NFL Betting Preview: Houston Texans
Two of the biggest reasons why Texans’ fans believe their team is close is the additions of Jonathan Joseph and Danieal Manning in the offseason, two key veterans that should help shore up holes in their secondary. Houston has been able to generate a formidable pass rush over the past couple of seasons with defensive end Mario Williams leading the way, but the problem has been that they haven’t been able to cover and that has cost them big. The offense has been in midseason form so far with Matt Schaub continuing to spread the ball around, and they will look to keep that sports betting bonus momentum going against a below average Vikings’ secondary.
NFL Betting Preview: Minnesota Vikings
That secondary had fits against the Dallas Cowboys’ first team offense a week ago, and will look to play a little tighter in the final exhibition game. The Vikings have a ton of question marks on both sides of the ball, but the most pressing is whether a once elite defensive line will be able to continue to mask deficiencies in the secondary or whether they will be exposed. On offense, Donovan McNabb hasn’t been able to develop that same pocket presence that Brett Favre did immediately upon his arrival, and he will need more work with the offense to get things right.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
The Vikings are banking on that Adrian Peterson can continue to be a monster and make everyone better, while McNabb does just enough to get by. Houston’s defense will look to make a statement that they can handle the Minnesota run game, and with an offense as good as theirs it is hard to not to go chase after the 3.5 points.
NFL Betting Pick: Houston Texans + 3.5
