Houston Texans vs Detroit Lions Football Betting Picks, Lines, Odds & Predictions
The first game on the Thanksgiving slate is a matchup between two struggling teams, the Texans (3-7 SU, 3-7 ATS) who are coming of a hard-fought win over the New England, and the Lions (4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS) who suffered a shutout loss to Carolina on Sunday. Detroit last won on Thanksgiving Day back in 2016 and has lost the last four matchups against Houston. The Texans, despite picking up a nice win on Sunday are in the midst of a disappointing season and are nowhere near the team that won the AFC South last year.
Houston Texans vs Detroit Lions Football Betting Line Movement
After a fine showing against the Patriots, the Texans have a rare chance to be road favorites this season and the line is -3 in their favor. In the last 9 games they were favored away from home they covered the spread 6 times. On the other hand, the Lions are on an 8-game losing streak when underdogs at home. The total is set at 51.5 at the moment, a slight rise from the opening 51.
Notes On The Houston Texans
It’s clear that every success the Texans may have this year begins and ends with QB Deshaun Watson. Last week he had his fifth 300-yards game this season, adding two touchdowns and 36 rushing yards. However, he can’t be expected to win the games on his own every week and with each game, it’s becoming painfully obvious how much Houston misses DeAndre Hopkins. The running game is beyond disappointing this year and they rank 31st in that department. RB David Jonhson who was a part of the DeAndre Hopkins trade has so far failed to lift the Houston rushing to a higher level and is now out due to a concussion. The defense has improved a bit in the last two games, allowing the Patriots and the Browns a total of 30 points, but 435 yards of total offense they’ve allowed New England is a cause for worry.
On the Thanksgiving slate that features the likes of Andy Dalton and Alex Smith, Deshaun Watson still stands out as a decent fantasy pick. The Lions allow 7.2 yards per pass attempt and Watson could easily have another great game. Many expected RB Duke Jonhson to shine in David Jonhson’s absence but he had two disappointing games. Still, we expect him to bounce back against below-average Detroit rushing defense and he could be a nice discount option.
Notes On The Detriot Lions
The Lions seem incapable of stringing two good games together and last week’s embarrassment after a solid win against Washington has significantly increased the pressure on the head coach Matt Patricia. Many think that he could be the next coach to get fired. Against Carolina, Detroit only managed to muster a pitiful 185 of offense and only 10 first downs. This is against the same defense that let 46 points past them the week before against the Buccaneers. The passing attack hasn’t actually been that bad this season and ranks right around the middle of the league, but the running has been a non-threat the whole year and ranks third from the bottom.
If there is a time for Detroit’s rushing to shine then it’s against Houston’s defense which allows 5.1 yards per carry, the worst in the league. Presuming he’s active, after missing Week 11 due to a concussion, RB D’Andre Swift could have a decent game.WR Marvin Jones should again carry the most of the receiving load as Kenny Golladay is questionable. His stats from the Carolina game would look a lot better if his 51-yard touchdown reception wasn’t nullified by a penalty.
Thanksgiving Day Football Betting Pick: Houston Texans -3
If Deshaun Watson continues with his excellent form, Houston should be able to deal with the Lions. The Lions seemed lifeless last week and it’s hard to see things changing in just four days.
