Cardinals at Texans: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By John Buhler
The Houston Texans will host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon in Week 11. Here is a game preview, the betting odds and a final score prediction.
The 2017 NFL season rolls on into Week 11 this weekend. One game going on Sunday afternoon will be the one between the Arizona Cardinals (4-5) and the Houston Texans (3-6). Kickoff from NRG Stadium in Houston will be at 1:00 p.m. ET. FOX will have the telecast in with Kenny Albert and Ronde Barber on Nov. 19.
Arizona enters play at 4-5 on the year and likely out of the NFC playoff picture. A six-point loss at home to the division rival Seattle Seahawks on Week 10 on Thursday Night Football really knocked the Cardinals back a bit. Arizona is the third-best team in its own division. While the San Francisco 49ers are awful, the Cardinals seem to be on the outside looking in at an NFC playoff spot for the second straight season.
Houston enters play at 3-6 on the year. The Texans are pretty much out of the playoff picture in the AFC. While they had found something special at quarterback in rookie Deshaun Watson, seeing him on the sidelines with a torn ACL has taken the wind out of Houston’s sails.
The Texans will have to play the rest of the way with Tom Savage at quarterback. With both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans playing well, Houston doesn’t seem to have a shot to win the AFC South for a third straight season.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Houston -1
Moneylines: Houston -120, Arizona +115
Over/Under: 38.5
According to OddsShark, the Texans will be laying a point at home to the visiting Cardinals. The associated moneylines for this game are Houston -120 and Arizona +115. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 38.5 points.
With this game featuring two backup quarterbacks thrust into the spotlight in Savage for the Texans and Blaine Gabbert for the Cardinals, let’s just side with the under in this one. We might see a more defensive-minded, low-scoring football game on Sunday afternoon. Do expect this one to be tight and competitive throughout.
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The difference in this game would be the running game for the Cardinals. Look for veteran tailback Adrian Peterson to have a great game. Add in that Gabbert is mobile in and around the pocket, he will make enough plays to give the Cardinals the edge in a slight road upset of the Texans. Take the Cardinals getting a point to win on the road by a field goal.
Pick: Cardinals 20, Texans 17