Texans vs. Raiders Point Spread: NFL Week 7 Odds, Prediction
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Jeremy Perry
The Houston Texans will enter Sunday’s affair with the Las Vegas Raiders boasting the exact same record. The Texans weren’t expected to make much noise as they are in a rebuilding year. However, the Raiders were touted as one of the better teams in the league following their acquisition of Davante Adams in the offseason. They’ve just not been able to close out tight games all season long. NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Texans are coming into this game with a 1-5-1 straight-up record in their last seven games. During this span, they’ve held onto a -4.57 average score margin. However, they’ve been able to be 4-1-1 against the spread in their past six games, usually keeping matchups close when they’re a big dog.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are 1-5 straight up in their last six games, though their average score margin is just -2. At home, they’ve been their best as the Raiders have won three out of their last four there. Getting listed as the favorites hasn’t been a good omen for them as they’ve dropped 11 out of their last 13 games against the spread when listed as the chalk.
Houston Texans
The Texans are rebuilding but it does look like there are some quality foundational pieces in place. Rookie running back Dameon Pierce has been a bright spot as he’s totaled 412 rushing yards on the season in just five games. That ranks him eighth in the league. He has finished with 80+ rushing yards and a touchdown in three straight weeks and if the Texans want to win on the road, a strong game from him will pave the way.
The challenge is the Raiders run defense ranks sixth in the NFL, so it could be tough sledding this week for Pierce. Young signal-caller Davis Mills make have to carry the load this week but he’s thrown just five touchdowns on the year compared to four interceptions. It just doesn’t feel like their playbook has opened up yet but they’re coming off a bye, so maybe that changes. Look for them to try and open things up in the passing game this week against a Raiders team allowing
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are getting back to work after a devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and a bye week. The good news is that Davante Adams isn’t expected to be suspended for this game or any until he gets his legal issues resolved for pushing a cameraman after their last defeat.
The Raiders just need to find ways to get wins. They blew a huge lead against Kansas City and they’ve fallen short in a number of other close contests. It’s been a bad year but failing at home to the Texans would be devastating. Coming off a bye, expect their best effort of the season.
HOU
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