Texans Look to Take Six Shooters to Toothless Lions
The lowly Detroit Lions (0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS, 2-3 O/U), fired former GM Matt Millen, but still just can’t win a game, although they came close in their 12-10 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The Houston Texans (1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS, 5-0 O/U), were struggling in a big way as well, going winless in the BetUS Sportsbook before scratching out a narrow 29-28 victory over the Miami Dolphins at home on Sunday.
Both teams will be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Reliant Stadium.
Backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky completed 12 of 21 passes for 150 yards with a touchdown for Detroit while gifted wideout Calvin Johnson caught four passes for 85 yards with one score. Still, the Lions allowed Minnesota Vikings veteran quarterback Gus Frerotte to complete 18 of 33 passes for 296 yards with one touchdown and running back Adrian Peterson to rush for 11 yards on 25 carries.
Orlovsky was running for his life most of the contest as well as Detroit pitiful offensive line gave up five sacks, including three to defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
The Texans failed to cover as three-point favorites but managed to squeak by an improved Miami team as quarterback Matt Schaub completed 22 of 42 passes for 379 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Schaub also ran for the game-winning touchdown with just three seconds remaining while wide receiver Andre Johnson caught 10 passes for 178 yards with a touchdown in the win.
“I think everybody’s demeanor picks up,” Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans said. “We’re feeling very confident now that we can get used to winning. You have to get that feeling of getting used to winning in the locker room and just let it carry on week to week.”
Texans head coach Gary Kubiak warned his team not to take the Lions lightly because of their winless record.
“We know for a fact, I don’t have to tell our guys, we’ll have to play better than we did yesterday to beat them,” Kubiak said Monday. “We’ve got to continue to clean up our football and clean up what we’re doing to have a chance to continue to be successful.”
Detroit placed quarterback Jon Kitna on injured reserve with a back injury Tuesday, ending his season, and then traded Pro Bowl receiver Roy Williams to Dallas for draft picks.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Picks.
The Texans are 4-6 in their last 10 October Contests
The Lions are 3-7 in their last 10 October Contests
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit’s last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston’s last 5 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games at home
NFL Odds
Detroit Lions +9 -110
Houston Texans -9 -110
Over 46 -110
Under 46 -110
Analysis: The Lions are in big trouble against a Texans team that is looking to win two straight games while keeping their faint playoff hopes alive. While the Viking struggled to score against Detroit’s pitiful defense, I think the Texans and their solid offense will do just fine in leading this team to a win – and cover!
