NFL Betting - Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans Prop Pick

Monday, November 23rd – 8:35 PM ET
Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX

: Texans -4.5, O/U: 48  

Before the season, some NFL observers felt that this game would involve fairly high stakes for both sides, but after Tennessee tumbled out of the gate with six consecutive losses, coach Jeff Fisher’s club lost all reasonable hope of returning to the playoffs. It’s Houston which has a legitimate shot at the AFC postseason field; coach Gary Kubiak is trying to get his boys to find the late-game poise that will carry this franchise to its first playoff appearance. A loss to Tennessee might not deal Houston a death blow, but it would force the Texans to be virtually perfect over the remainder of the season.  

NFL Handicapping: What The Titans Have To Do To Win 

Display ball security, and wait for the other team to crack. Last weekend against a woeful Buffalo club (yes, there are many miserable teams in this year’s NFL), Tennessee scored 24 fourth-quarter points en route to a 41-17 win over the Bills. But before you think that backup quarterback Vince Young is lighting up the scoreboard in relief of Kerry Collins, think again. Two of Tennessee’s three touchdowns in that explosive period were pick-sixes produced by the Titans’ defense. Tennessee’s field goal in that quarter was a 51-yard boot. Tennessee is cashing turnovers into points. By sticking to that formula, the visitors can win in Houston. 

NFL Handicapping: What The Texans Have To Do To Win 

Throw to set up the run. Teams have fattened up this year by attacking an oft-injured Tennessee secondary, but Buffalo – with its dysfunctional quarterback situation – was not in position to take advantage of the Titans’ back line of defense. Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, however, can definitely take aim down the field, and he has the playmaking stud in receiver Andre Johnson who can make the most of an aggressive game plan.

If Houston can establish the pass, the Texans will then be able to run the ball with numerical advantages in the tackle box, and that’s how an offense can control an opposing defense. 

NFL Handicapping: Outlook & Pick 

Tennessee might be riding a three-game winning streak, but none of the teams the Titans have beaten – Jacksonville, San Francisco, Buffalo – inspire much confidence. Houston nearly won in Indianapolis two weeks ago, and although the Texans came up short, they’ve had a chance to rest during a bye week. Houston should be fresh, and that will make a difference against Vince Young, who has yet to prove that he can be a world-class starting signal caller in the NFL. 

NFL Point Spread Pick: Texans -4.5 & Under 48

NFL Prop Betting: Team To Score First And Score In First Seven Minutes 

The Texans should get the jump on the Titans, but how long will it take for Houston to establish an early advantage? Tennessee is playing with confidence on defense, so that fact will make it hard to bet on a quick score in this tilt. 

NFL Prop Betting Pick: Texans Will Score First, Not Score In First Seven Minutes