The NY Jets rookie QB Mark Sanchez will see his first NFL action, Sunday Sept 13, as they do battle against the Houston Texans, on the road. The Jets lead the Texans 3-0 SU but haven’t met since the 2006 NFL season. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbetting.com have the Texans as -4.5 point home favorites over the Jets with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Be sure to get your NY Jets vs Houston Texans NFL Week 1 Picks in now at Sportsbetting.com
The Jets Mark Sanchez was the right choice at quarterback, but it's tough to ask him to be a winner in his first season. On a good note, Sanchez has been with the club as a signal caller and knows the scheme’s. Despite his lack of starting experience, it's hard not to like Sanchez from what he has shown on film. He is a strong and accurate passer. He also has impressive footwork and a feel for avoiding the pass rush, and he rarely made risky throws. Their offense will rely on their running game led by RB Thomas Jones, who had 290 carries for 1,312 yards with 13 TD’s. RB Leon Washington showed himself to be a great change of pace at back with 448 yards rushing. Washington's contributions to the return game will also continue to help the offense a great deal. Their offensive line will have to be at their best to give Sanchez time, particularly with a weak set of receivers. Their top WR Jerricho Cotchery had 71 catches for 858 yards with five TD’s. Jets brought in former Baltimore Ravens coach Rex Ryan, who is well known for his fierce defenses. He brought with him LB Bart Scott from the Ravens to go along with Safety Kerry Rhodes. They must get better play from the entire secondary to see major improvement in 2009. The Jets are 4-6 SU when playing in September and 5-5 SU when playing outside the AFC East. They went 2-2 SU in the pre-season.
The Texans finished with the fourth best passing game in the NFL led by QB Matt Schaub who had 15 TD’s with 3,043 passing yards. Schaub missed five games to injury which cost his team, and it’s crucial that he stay healthy throughout their season. WR Andre Johnson once again proved himself as a premier wide receiver in the NFL finishing with 115 catches for 1,575 yards and eight TD’s. With a full season of being the starter and another off season of training, RB Steve Slaton should have another great year. He had nine TD’s with 1,282 yards rushing last season. For the Texans to succeed in 2009 they must avoid turnovers, be better in the red-zone and their defense has to step up. Defense was clearly on their minds in the off-season. They spent their first round draft pick on coveted USC LB Brian Cushing. They added power, skill and depth to the defensive line by signing DE Antonio Smith away from the Cardinals and DT Shaun Cody away from the Lions. LB DeMeco Ryans should emerge as a star with his new supporting cast, and Mario Williams should continue to silence his former critics as well. The Texans are 2-8 SU when playing in September and 6-4 SU when playing outside the AFC South. They went 2-2 SU in the pre-season.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Jets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Texans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
- Texans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass.
- Texans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
- Texans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. AFC.
- Over is 6-0 in Texans last 6 games in September.
- Over is 5-1-1 in Jets last 7 vs. AFC.
NY Jets vs Houston Texans NFL Week 1 Picks
When: Sun, Sept 13, 2009 1:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbetting.com
Pick: Texans -4.5
Point-Spreads.com NY Jets vs Houston Texans NFL Week 1 Picks
The Bottom Line: The Texans are going to be a surprise team this year and they’ll hand the Jets their first loss. Be sure to get your NY Jets vs Houston Texans NFL Week 1 Picks in now at Sportsbetting.com and cash in with sign-up bonuses, weekly reload bonuses and free payouts at SPORTSBETTING.com, where betting is safe, secure and easy.
