Texans vs. Raiders – The Houston team needs this game, in the vernacular of the President-elect, “bigly”. It is Huuuge.
Yes, Houston will lead the AFC South regardless of the game’s outcome. Yes, by beating their division foes the rest of the way they pretty much control their own division destiny (unless either the Titans or Colts get really hot). But this game is important in defining who the Texans are.
Usually a 6-3 division leader is widely respected, but the Texans are not. Being a three point dog to a 2-6 division bottom feeder told you that. Being a six point underdog on a neutral field to the 7-2 AFC West division leading Raiders confirms it. Houston is not considered an elite or dominant team. They fall into “the best of the rest” category.
True what the pundits and odds-makers think doesn’t determine the outcome of games. However, to some extent it may reflect what a team thinks of itself, and that does effect the game. Even if a team tries to ignore the noise and truly believe in itself (as they all claim), there are certain undeniable facts that influence the opinion leaders and the team psyche. The following facts face the Houston team: