Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders Betting Preview
Where: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA
When: Monday, November 21, 2016, 8:30 PM ET
Line: Houston Texans (+5.5) at Oakland Raiders (-5.5); total: 46.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
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Betting on the Houston Texans (+5.5)
The Texans just picked up another W, improving to a division-leading 6-3 card (5-3-1 ATS) . There’s still seven weeks left to be played, but with the inconsistency shown by the Colts, Titans, and Jaguars, coach Bill O’Brien and his boys may be looking at a second consecutive AFC South title.
It should be clarified, though, that no one in the offense was actually impressive last Sunday. The team survived quarterback Brock Osweiler only throwing for 99 yards (he did tossed two TDs, though), the run game having no scores, and the entire offense only producing 273 total yards. It was decent at best, but they’ll take it, and “decent”got them the victory.
As they look ahead for Sunday, they should know that decent won’t cut it. The offense must be held to a standard that the defense is held to, especially since the Raiders make opponents play a much faster offense.
The defense, meanwhile, will try to continue being effective. The unit only gives up 198.7 passing yards (second in the league) and 317.4 total yards per game (third in the league).
Betting on the Oakland Raiders (-5.5)
The Raiders will be returning from a well-timed and well-deserved bye. Right before their break, they went face-to-face with the defending Super Bowl champs Denver Broncos and went past them like it was nothing. The win left the Raiders with a 7-2 record (6-3 ATS), and a co-lead with the Chiefs in the AFC West.
Offensively, the Silver and Black has been good at every area. Opponents have struggled containing their all-around O, as they are ranking inside the top four of total passing (2,460) and rushing yards (1,150).
That, of course, continues with their players in their scoring attack. QB Derek Carr is having quite the season, averaging 278.3 yards per game, with 17 touchdowns and only three picks. His primary receivers are also ranking high in wideout stats – Amari Cooper is in the top three of receptions (58), receiving yards (843), and receiving yards per game (93.7), while Michael Crabtree is fourth in total receiving TDs (6).
Against the tough Texans D, Carr will still get his fair share of throws, but don’t be surprised if they let RB Latavius Murray run wild again. The third-year back is fresh off a 114-yard, three-TD performance, and will be facing against a defense that allows 120.6 rushing yards per game (ranked in the bottom five of the league).
They should once again be protected by arguably the best offensive line in the NFL. Osmele’s addition has bolstered the group really well, making the Raiders have the lowest sack rate (three percent) and fewest sacks allowed (11) through 10 weeks.
As for the defense, the Raiders are still one of the worst in giving up yards, placing 29th and 27th in passing (283.2) and rushing yards (114.7) allowed per game, respectively. The good news, though, is that Khalil Mack has come alive. Mack now has back-to-back weeks with at least two sacks, and has at least one in five of his last six games.
The D will have a big challenge facing big play receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, and versatile back Lamar Miller (seventh rushing yards and 10th in yards from scrimmage).
Writer’s Prediction
The Raiders (-5.5) win, 30-24.
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