Oakland Raiders vs Houston Texans NFL Picks, NFL Predictions & NFL Odds: The Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans will meet for the fourth straight year when they get together this afternoon. The Texans are 3-1 lifetime against Oakland, but lost to Al Davis' club 16-27 to close out the 2008 season. Kickoff in this AFC West versus AFC South skirmish is set for 1:00pm ET at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas (CBS). NFL Picks at Sportsbook.com have the Raiders listed as a +8.5 against the spread underdog.
Raiders Breakdown: Oakland dropped to 1-2 last Sunday with a home loss to the Broncos. If the team's performance against
Denver was any indication of how the team will play going forward, than it is going to be a long season in Raider land. Tom Cable's squad did almost nothing right in the 23-3 defeat. The Raiders offense, led by the uninspired, always flappable JaMarcus Russell, produced a grand total of 137 yards and nine first downs. Russell completed just 12-of-21 passes for 61 yards and two interceptions for a passer rating of 22.6.
The Oakland defense gave up 372 yards to Denver, 215 of which came on the ground. The Raiders did little to disrupt Kyle Orton either, recording no sacks and no quarterback hits.
The Raiders might have a chance to get their ground game going today as the Texans are giving up an average of 204.7 rush yards per game. Oakland has averaged just 103.3 rush yards per contest through their first three games.
Texans Breakdown: Houston lost a back and forth affair last weekend to AFC South rival Jacksonville at Reliant Stadium. The Jags struck the final blow early in the fourth quarter, which gave them a 31-24 victory. The Texans offense did its part in the loss, amassing 397 yards and 23 first downs, but they were unable to keep up with Jacksonville. Quarterback Matt Schaub completed 25-of-36 passes for 300 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the loss. Running back Steve Slaton contributed as well with his best showing of the season. Slaton ran the ball 12 times for a total of 76 yards.
Houston's defense did not rise to the occasion, though, yielding 398 yards and 24 first downs to Jack Del Rio's club. Maurice Jones-Drew had his way against the unit, rushing 23 times for 119 yards and three scores.
NFL Picks Betting Trend: Oakland is 0-8 straight up and 2-6 against the spread over the last five years playing as a road dog in the month of October. The Raiders 1-3 against the spread and 0-4 straight up in the same scenario but coming off a home loss.
Sportsbook.com Oakland Raiders vs Houston Texans NFL Picks, Predictions & Odds:
Oakland Raiders +8.5 (-105), Over 42.5 (-110), +320 (Moneyline)
Houston Texans -8.5 (-105), Under 42.5 (-110), -400 (Moneyline)
Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Bet at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!
