Texans vs. Saints Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 3 Odds, Prediction
It’s a final audition for second-overall pick C.J. Stroud as he battles with Davis Mills for the starting quarterback position come Week 1. Rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans has yet to declare a Week 1 starter, but has named Stroud the starter Sunday in New Orleans.
The Saints rested quarterback Derek Carr in last weekend’s win at L.A., but do have the luxury of a more than capable backup in Jameis Winston. These teams had planned to participate in joint practices, but injury concerns (at least from Houston) resulted in a mutual cancellation.
Kickoff at Caesars Superdome Sunday goes at 8 p.m. EDT with New Orleans a 3.5-point favourite on home field and the total at 38 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Saints have managed to put up at least 22 points in a pair of pre-season wins (and covers) while Houston’s played a pair of drastically different games, winning 20-9 and losing 28-3. The over has hit in both of New Orleans’ outings and it’s been the opposite for Houston.
Head-to-head the Texans have covered in five of their last six meetings with the Saints, but have dropped five of their last six visits to New Orleans. Five of these teams’ last six meetings have finished under the total.
Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud saw a lot more reps last weekend and had a more comfortable performance in his second career NFL game. Although he went just seven of 12 for 60 yards there were a couple of encouraging plays according to head coach DeMeco Ryans. And what’s better for Stroud’s case as QB1 is his competition, Davis Mills, again didn’t show much going 10 of 22 for 94 yards.
This year’s third overall pick Will Anderson also showed his potential last weekend when he picked up a sack and forced fumble all in one play. Receiver Tank Dell, another Texans rookie, did not play due to an injury and may not go Sunday.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints field goal kickers were busy, and perfect, in Week 2 after quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Jake Haener moved the ball but not all the way into the end zone. Rookie Blake Grupe started the night by hitting two field goals, followed by Will Lutz knocking three down. Running back Kendre Miller scored New Orleans’ only major.
Most starters sat out for the Saints, and are expected to again this weekend. That means Winston and the second-team will again see a ton of reps for the Saints, which again has been a winning formula. Winston completed 13 of 21 passes for 169 yards last weekend.
HOU
NO