Bengals vs. Texans Point Spread: NFL Week 16 Odds, Prediction
The 3-10-1 Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a massive splash on Monday Night Football, playing spoiler and defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers with Ryan Finley under centre. They now visit the 4-10 Houston Texans, who have three consecutive brutal losses whether it be goal-line fumbles or a complete beatdown.
Both clubs are eliminated from playoff contention, but some of the league’s youngest talent will still be on display in Week 16 at NRG Stadium.
NFL Week 16 Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Houston enters this contest as an 8-point favourite — clearly oddsmakers see Cincinnati’s Week 15 victory as an anomaly, and a good spot for Deshaun Watson to put up points.
The Texans as a whole have done just that, beating Cincinnati in eight of their last 10 meetings. The Bengals have also covered in just two of their last 10 at Houston, so keep in mind that huge spread. Cincinnati’s also yet to win a road game this season, going 0-6-1.
Then again, the Bengals found a way to win in Week 15 while the Texans have seemingly been leaving wins on the field. Momentum is a solid reason for taking a shot on the Bengals at +299.
Cincinnati Bengals
Even with Monday’s win it’s unclear whether Finley will remain the Bengals’ starting QB. Finley tossed for 89 yards and rushed for another 47 in Week 15, punching in the Bengals’ first 17 points off of three Pittsburgh turnovers.
Brandon Allen, the backup turned starter after Joe Burrow went down, missed Monday’s game with a bone bruise and could draw back in for Week 16. Allen’s thrown for 506 passing yards in three starts, which is still better than what Finley managed.
On defence, Cincinnati’s averaging 22 points against over their past three showings. They’ve parlayed that number with 307 yards per game against during those three games, which ranks fifth in the NFL. Not bad for a unit, and entire team, with zero Pro Bowlers.
Houston Texans
Last Sunday in Indianapolis was the latest gut-wrenching lost for Watson and the Texans in what’s been a disaster of a year. Houston’s 24th in points per game and 18th in yards per game yet have one of four quarterbacks who’s passed for over 4,000 yards.
Their 4-10 record instead has a lot to do with getting 86 rushing yards per game, the lowest in the NFL. Houston’s also 30th in turnover differential at -8, and 31st in total yards against.
It’s presented the opportunity for linebacker Zach Cunningham to lead the NFL in tackles with 137, another lone bright spot in Houston beside Watson. Interim head coach Romeo Crennell has managed to go 4-6 with this depleted roster, an accomplishment in itself.
CIN
HOU