Houston at New England Betting Pick & Prediction

The Houston Texans are off the blocks in stunning fashion under new quarterback Brock Osweiler. The New England Patriots, sans Tom Brady, continue to get that Next Man Up and find that extra play to win games. Which of these 2-0 teams will be maintaining perfection on Thursday Night? Read on as we take you through a preview of this dicey encounter, and don’t forget to check out our free NFL betting picks at the end of this write-up.

Houston at New England Betting Pick, Prediction & TV Info

#Texans. @Patriots. Thursday night. Watch on your or your LIVE on @twitter! #TNF https://t.co/zmwWvvQepf

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 21, 2016

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro When: Thursday, September 22, 8:25 PM ET TV: CBS Radio: Houston / New England Stream: NFL.com NFL Lines: Houston (-1.5), OVER/UNDER 41

Why Bet on the Houston?

The Texans have been ruthless to rookie quarterbacks, going 6-0 in starts by rookie QBs since Bill O’Brien took over as Houston head coach, with the Texans winning those games by an average of 14 points. With rookie Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett set to start Thursday’s game, New England will definitely be in for a rough outing, especially from veterans like J.J. Watt (who’s had 10 sacks in the aforementioned 6 games started by rookie QBs). Not to forget, the new-look Texans (2-0 SU and ATS) are showing formidably on both sides of the football after beating the Bears handily in Week 1 and then getting their playoff revenge against a good Chiefs’ side last week.

Why Bet on the Patriots?

The Patriots always seem to find a way of winning games even in the absence of Tom Brady, a fact that is affirmed by their 13-5 record in the 18 games they’ve played without Brady since he took over starting duties in New England. As if that isn’t enough, the Texans are yet to prove themselves against a team such as New England, especially with Bill Belichick offering his stellar coaching services from the sidelines. Plus, with proven wideouts like Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman (who could be the No. 2 QB this week) to throw to, and a workhorse in running back Legarrette Blount to hand the ball to, Brissett will probably not struggle as much as many expect him to do as New England’s starter. Mind you, ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that the Pats still believe that there’s a chance Jimmy Garappolo could still avail himself for a start against the Texans, something that would definitely change the Pats’ fortunes and see the Patriots back on top in the NFL lines that currently have New England as a slight home underdog.

My Betting Pick and Prediction

It’s a tale of two extremely contrasting statistics that will possibly have the NFL betting public split right in the middle by the time the shops close. But given a choice between the up-and- coming Texans and the always-stellar Pats, who—against all odds–proved themselves in a fierce test against the uber-experienced Cardinals two weeks ago, our experts feel that the value here will be with the Pats. Final Predicted Score: New England 24, Houston 21 Writer’s NFL Pick: New England