Philadelphia Eagles vs. Houston Texans Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick – Bleacher Report
In their 12-plus seasons of existence, the Houston Texans have beaten every team in the NFL except for the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles. Houston is 0-3 straight up and 1-2 against the spread all-time against the Eagles. The 4-4 Texans will try to cross one team off that list when they host 5-2 Philly on Sunday afternoon.
Point spread: The Eagles opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 48 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).
NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 32.7-22.6 Eagles
Why the Eagles can cover the spread
The Eagles just had a two-game winning streak snapped in a 24-20 loss at Arizona. The Eagles outgained the Cardinals 521-400, outrushed them 110-71 and won time of possession by a 31-29 margin.
Usually, winning those stat lines is conducive to winning games and covering spreads in the NFL, but Philly lost the turnover battle 2-0 and gave up two long scoring plays. A 75-yard Carson Palmer bomb to John Brown with a minute-and-a-half to go cost the Eagles the game.
Nonetheless, the Eagles are 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS this season, and the only game in which they really played poorly was the loss at San Francisco.
Why the Texans can cover the spread
The Texans just snapped a three-game losing streak with a 30-16 divisional road victory at Tennessee. Houston outrushed the Titans 212-36, held the ball for over 35 minutes and did not commit a turnover.
The Texans are 4-4 SU, outscoring opponents by 19 points. They rank fifth in the league in rushing and 12th against the run, producing a plus-31 yards-per-game advantage.
If the Texans can get their running game going against Philly’s 21st-ranked run defense and limit the turnovers, they should be in good shape Sunday.
Smart pick
Like most NFL games, this one should come down to running the ball and holding on to it. At the moment, Houston owns the advantage in those categories. As long as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t get stupid with the ball, the smart choice here is with the home-standing Texans.
Betting trends
- Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last nine games on the road.
- Houston is 6-3 ATS in its last nine games.
Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark. Follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line-move updates.
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