2010 Houston Texans Future Wager

Free NFL Pick: Take Houston Over 8.5

Stop us when you’ve heard this one before. The Houston Texans will make the playoffs this year. This occurrence of course has never actually happened since the franchise came into existence in 2002, but one has to wonder if not this year, then when? The Texans have gone 8-8 or better each of the last three seasons, including their first ever winning campaign last year, but that means little in this era of “win now.”

This team reminds us a lot of the Packers last year. Only one of their seven losses in 2009 came by more than eight points and that came in Week One against the Jets. A particular sore spot amongst Texans fans has to be a four-week stretch from late October through early November, all against division opponents, when they went 0-4 SU (1-3 ATS), essentially costing themselves that elusive first playoff berth.

There are more similarities to Green Bay, namely a strong quarterback, a prerequisite for playoff participation. Matt Schaub threw for an incredible 4770 yards last year, which was 270 yards more than Peyton Manning, the #2 man. Schaub has the best receiver in football, Andre Johnson, to throw to and Johnson too was a league leader with 1569 yards.

The bad news comes in the rushing game and on defense. Rookie RB Ben Tate (Auburn) was expected to nab the starting job in the backfield, but was lost for the season due to injury. On the other side of the ball, you have the suspension of defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing for the first four games.

The Texans have been very average at the betting window the last four seasons, going 31-32-1 ATS during the Gary Kubiak era, including a 7-8-1 ATS year in 2009. They just can’t seem to get over the hump as they own a 4-12 SU and 2-13-1 ATS in games where they come in with exactly a .500 record.

Division play has been the albatross holding down this franchise for years. They are only 4-14 SU vs. the Colts, Titans and Jags the three previous seasons while going 9-9 ATS. Perhaps the most important game in franchise history comes in Week One this year when they host Indianapolis. It seems as if every time Houston plays the Colts, it’s the “most important game in franchise history,” but the meaning of this one cannot be understated.

It’s a tough non-division schedule in 2010 with the NFC East, but the AFC West should bring somewhat of a reprieve. We’ll call for an eleven win season and the franchise’s first playoff berth. This team is a dark horse to make the AFC Championship Game.

Free NFL Pick: Take Houston Over 8.5 Wins

Vegas Experts sports handicappers will be offering free NFL betting information, NFL Futures and free NFL football picks when the preseason kicks off with the NFL Hall of Fame Game in August. Be sure to check back on a regular basis for the latest free NFL football betting odds and betting information.