Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills Odds
Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills odds had Houston as either a -3 or -3 ½ favorite across the board. We should note that many of the recreational betting shops have listed the line at -3 ½, therefore encouraging betting on the dog and an indication they believe Houston will cover. This game opened with a line of -3. Houston was getting 90 percent or greater of the betting action on the spread. BetUS.com was one of the books offering Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills odds at -3, one of the few true recreational shops to do so.
Things to watch for in this game:
From NFL.com:
Ryan Fitzpatrick's command of the team: For the second straight season, career backup Fitzpatrick finds himself thrust into the starting quarterback role. Last year, while in Cincinnati, he started 12 games in place of an injured Carson Palmer. Now he is filling in for Trent Edwards, who is out indefinitely with a concussion.
Owen Daniels' continued emergence: Daniels, a fourth-year tight end for the Texans, has improved every season and he has risen to the ranks of the elite at his position in 2009. He leads all tight ends with 39 catches, 497 yards and five touchdowns and could be a matchup nightmare for a Bills team that has struggled with tight ends all season.
From Scout.com:
Buffalo is very small up front, but the Texans are not a massive mauling line either. Both groups rely more on athletic ability and quickness than brawn. The Bills can certainly be run on, but Houston struggles offensively in this department. Meanwhile, Buffalo does get after opposing quarterbacks well, but needs to get more from Marcus Stroud. One player to watch is LT Duane Brown, who is really developing nicely.
The key to slowing down the Texans' potent passing game is getting plenty of hits on Schaub. While it was a huge problem in 2008, the Bills' pass rush is vastly improved. However, the Texans' offensive line is doing a very good job in protection. Schaub is a timing and rhythm passer who, once he gets hot, is tough to get knocked off his game. Also, keep an eye on FS Jairus Byrd, who has been a ball hawk in his rookie season.
Scout.com incidentally predicts that Houston can win by 17 points in this game despite the line being only -3.
Buffalo is 3-1 in this series with the last game played in 2006.
Some important Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills Odds trends to consider before betting on this game include:
The Texans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss.
They are also 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win, which tends to demonstrate how inconsistent this team can be.
The Texans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs. AFC.
The Texans are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
The Bills are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The Bills are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win, which is a very telling stat.
The Bills are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a home underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Gambling911.com will be on Houston at -3. Bet it at BETUS.com HERE and don't forget to claim your FREE CASH BONUS. USE BONUS CODE: GAMBLING911
Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com