Losing the first two games of the season doesn’t automatically eliminate a team from playoff contention, but it certainly puts it behind the 8-ball. The New York Giants and Houston Texans find themselves in that situation, making their head-to-head showdown Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium a pivotal one for both teams.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

It might come as a surprise to see the Texans favoured by nearly a touchdown despite having scored just 37 points through two games – but a return home to Houston and a date with a Giants team struggling to do anything on offence could mean a turnaround is imminent. But the Texans have been a dismal cover option at home over the past season and a half, having gone just 3-8 ATS in their previous 11 regular-season games at NRG Stadium.

With both teams scuffling offensively, the game total of 42 isn’t likely to rise ahead of kickoff. The Texans have finished below the number in six of their previous seven September home games, with five of those games producing fewer than 40 combined points. Meanwhile, the Giants have cashed the under in five of their previous six regular-season road games, with four of those encounters finishing below the 40-point mark.

New York Giants

The Giants received more bad news on the injury front this week with word that starting center Jon Halapio will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a broken ankle. It’s the latest blow to an offensive line that has ranked among the worst through the first two weeks of the season – but help is on the way, with the Giants having signed fullback Elijhaa Penny off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. New York is averaging a lowly 3.7 yards per carry.

Houston Texans

The Texans will undoubtedly need more out of their franchise quarterback if they hope to secure their first win of the season. Deshaun Watson has flashed brilliance, but has thrown for just 486 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions; he racked up 19 TD passes in seven games last season. On the plus side, the run game has been terrific through two games, producing 315 yards on just 60 carries – good for a 5.3 yards-per-carry average.

Giants vs. Texans Prediction