Houston Texans vs. Raiders: Point Spread and Over/Under
By Bob Dove
The Raiders have an explosive passing game. The Texans don’t. Not much more need be said.
This week there are many words written in Houston media about Derek Carr, the Texan that wasn’t, rising star receiver Amari Cooper, established pro Michael Crabtree and the remainder of the Raider offensive contingent. The same is true for the Khalil Mack, Jadeveon Clowney comparisons. My comments would only add redundancy to the oft-discussed “what ifs”, so let’s skip them.
Statistically the Texans defense is good and the offense stinks (“stinks” is a technical term used when a team passes 27 times and only gains 99 yards). The Raiders have a good offense and a statistically poor defense. If statistics told the whole story this would be an interesting game of match-ups where each teams strength pairs against the other’s weakness.
Alas, statistics sometimes lie. The Raiders have a very talented defense that inexplicably floundered early in the season. However, the defense has come together in the last several games, while the Texans offense has not. That’s the match-up that decides the game. The Raiders offense is so good that it will score points against the Texans strong defense. The Texans offense won’t reciprocate.
Give the points and take the under. Raiders win 31-13.