At 2-10 on the season, all the 49ers are happy about is to not be in the same position as the Browns, but that’s not saying much given that that record is likely to look worse at the end of Week 14. On the road, the San Francisco 49ers are 1-5 straight up but 4-2 against the spread (a silver lining for some) this season. The Houston Texans are currently 3-3 straight up and against the spread when playing at NRG Stadium. With both out of playoff contention this is just a game for the bettors, so go ahead and do your thing.
The San Francisco 49ers are fresh off their second win of the season. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo won his first start with San Francisco last week. Jimmy Garoppolo was 26 of 37 for 293 yards and one interception. Garoppolo did not score a touchdown, but was able to get a one point win in Chicago. San Francisco had 388 yards of total offense against the Bears. Garoppolo completed passes to eight different San Francisco receivers. Maybe with Garoppolo starting, the San Francisco offense can score points.
The team scored five field goals last week, but this week against a decent Texans team in Houston, the 49ers will have to score touchdowns. Expect San Francisco to give Houston a lot of different looks than they have on film of Garoppolo. Look for the Niners to add Carlos Hyde into the passing attack this week. He is dangerous in the open field.
Defensively, San Francisco is allowing 24.8 points and 366 yards per game this season. Last week, the 49ers defense allowed 318 yards against the Bears. The Niners secondary limited the Chicago passing attack to 102 yards. If the defense can start to make plays, the 49ers should limit the Texans passing game this week. The San Francisco defensive line has played decent against the run this season, allowing 126 yards on the ground per game this year. Look for the 49ers to take away the Texans run game this week.
The Houston Texans have lost two straight and most recently to the Tennessee Titans by 11 points. The Texans offense looked decent in the loss. Houston gained 384 yards of offense last week. Fill in quarterback, Tom Savage was 31 of 49 for 365 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss. Houston’s rushing attack was almost non existent. Houston gained 53 yards on 22 carries. Alfred Blue had four carries for two yards.
This week, look for the Texans to try and establish a rushing attack against the 49ers defense. Houston will be looking for Lamar Miller to be more efficient running the ball. Miller had 15 carries for 56 yards in last week’s loss to the Titans at Tennessee. The Texans are going to need the offense to step up this week. Houston is averaging 371 yards per game this season.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Texans are allowing 25.8 points and 355 yards of total offense per this season. Defense against the run game has been a bright spot for Texans this season. Look for the Texans to design several blitz packages to confuse new starter, Jimmy Garoppolo. If successful, the Texans will come away with the win.
Writer’s Prediction
Both teams are evenly matched coming into this week 14 matchup. Neither team has anything to play for other than pride in this one. New starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will give the 49ers a fighting chance to win this week. Look for Jimmy G to create big plays in this game. The Texans are at home, but will struggle to stop the 49ers offense. Take San Francisco for the close road win. Pick: 49ers (+3)
