NFL Handicapping – Texans vs Jaguars Betting Spread / Matchup
While the Jags lost their season-opener 2nd year QB Blaine Gabbert looked good and he now gives Jags’ fans hope for the future. However, they will be facing a Texans’ team that won last week and not only has a great offense, but a great defense as well.
Venue/ Stadium: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
Time/Date: 1 PM EST Sunday, September 16, 2012
NFL Odds From: TopBet
Moneyline: Texans -330 / Jaguars +270
Spread: Panthers -7
Over/Under: 41.5
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Preview
Last season the Jags lost both games against the Texans, but the games were not blowouts. NFL lines have the Panthers as 7-point away favorites with a total of 41.5.
Last week the Texans beat the Miami Dolphins 30-10 while the Jags lost to the Minnesota Vikings 26-23 in OT.
In the season openers the Jags covered the spread with the total going Over and the Texans also covered with the total going Under.
Matt Schaub and Adrian Foster are the big guns for the Texans’ offense and while they both played well against Miami Houston won with their defense. Still, these 2 along with stud WR Andre Johnson may have big games facing a Jags’ defense that did not played well against the run or the pass last week.
Gabbert passed for 260 yards with 2 TD and 0 INT in the game against the Vikings and his receivers played well and top pick Justin Blackmon was not really a factor in this game. Blackmon is a big play WR and he needs to make some plays against a solid Texans’ defense that had 3 picks last week. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Maurice Jones-Drew is now the starter again since Rashad Jennings may miss some time with a knee injury and after his holdout he did not have much time in camp. However, in the loss to the Vikes, who have a legit run defense, he rushed for 77 yards. Last week the Texans played solid run D holing the Dolphins to 79 rushing yards.
One major key in this game is the turnover, as last week Texans scored all of their points off turnovers. It was a good sign that Gabbert was not picked off last week, but he will be facing a much better defense this week.
The Jags’ offensive line must protect Gabbert and really open up holes for the rushing game. It is also key that Gabbert slows down the game and tries to eat up the clock keeping Schaub and company on the sidelines.
In some betting trends for this AFC South match up the Texans are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games, and they have an Under record of 6-1 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
The Jags are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games, 4-12-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record, and they have an Over record of 4-1-1 in their last 6 games.
Jason’s Pick: I think Gabbert will play well again in this game and while the Texans will still win and cover, once again, Jacksonville will not get blown out.
