The NFL Preseason schedule starts to heat up this weekend as every team in the league is going to be in action. It will be the Houston Texans visiting the New England Patriots on Thursday night, and both teams are anxious to get their preseason slate started. Looking at the past NFL standings, Houston was one of the worst teams in the NFL a season ago, but they are entering 2023-24 with a renewed sense of optimism. Despite a disappointing prior year, New England is nearing a playoff spot, showing significant improvement compared to last season.
Here is a look at some of the Texans vs Patriots odds for this matchup as well as a preview of how each team might look in the preseason opener. By the looks of it, we should be in for one of the better games on this week’s NFL schedule.
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Overall Game Info & Outlook
Houston Texans vs New England Patriots
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
Date & Time: Thursday, August 10, 7:00 PM ET
Where to watch: NFL Network
Houston Texans vs New England Patriots Betting Preview
Houston Texans Preview
The Houston Texans are going to start rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in the preseason opener as they are looking to start with a new era. Houston selected Stroud with the second overall pick during the 2023 NFL Draft, and he is expected to turn into one of the better passers in the league.
The Texans have a ton of young talent, as they have added through the draft the last few years, and they are playing in a very weak AFC South Division. Houston still has some work to do before they are considered contenders, and they are predicted to finish in last place in the AFC South based on the odds.
- Houston finished the 2022-23 by winning two of their final three games.
- The Texans allowed at least 27 points in four of their last five games a season ago.
- The Texans went 8-8-1 against the spread during the 2022 NFL season
- The over went just 7-10 in the 17 Texans games a season ago.
It’s not really worth looking back at the NFL stats for the Houstons from a season ago, as there has been so much turnover on this roster. Stroud will be getting all of the reps at quarterback if he remains healthy, and that should transform this offense.
Houston is expected to play Stroud in the first quarter on Thursday, and that should give them a slight edge. The Texans boast young talents striving to make their mark in the league, adding ample field presence and potential. Houston must reduce mistakes, crucial for young NFL teams susceptible to errors, especially in the early season.
New England Patriots Preview
The New England Patriots have won six Super Bowl titles this century, but all of those came with Tom Brady starting at the quarterback position. New England has struggled since Brady left the franchise, and last year was a major disappointment for the team.
The Patriots are going back to Mac Jones at the quarterback position, and he should provide some stability to an offense that desperately needs to find a way to score points. Bill Belichick consistently assembles strong defenses, and this season, the unit is anticipated to take the lead once again.
- The New England Patriots ended the 2022-23 season by dropping three of their last four games.
- New England ended 2022-23 by going 7-9-1 against the spread.
- The under was the correct total play in nine of the 17 Patriots games a season ago.
Mac Jones threw for 2,997 yards a season ago, but he also tossed 11 interceptions. New England has to do a better job of protecting their young QB as well, as he was sacked 34 times during the 2022-23 season.
The Patriots aim for a comeback this season, though preseason might not fully reflect their turnaround efforts taking place. With his extensive experience, head coach Bill Belichick understands that preseason games are often inconsequential. Consequently, he plans to rest certain veteran players during this match.
Playing at home should give the Patriots a bit of an advantage, but that’s about all to expect in this one. New England will play some clean football, but it will mostly be done by players that are competing for a playoff spot.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
BetOnline: Texans -1.5 (-115)
Bovada: Texans -2.0 (-105)
MyBookie: Texans -2.0 (-110)
BetUS: Texans -2.0 (-110)
BetNow: Texans -1.5 (-110)
Houston Texans vs New England Patriots Odds & Picks
If you are going to bet on the NFL preseason games, looking at the NFL odds from five of the top sportsbooks is a great plan, as you might be able to gain a small advantage if there is any difference in the odds that are posted. Below is a look at the Texans vs Patriots odds.
Odds for this Matchup:
Recommended Pick:
There are many different ways to make NFL picks for this preseason matchup, but it’s best to keep it simple with the first game of the year. There is always so much unknown when it comes to the NFL Preseason, and it’s hard to know which players will suit up in this game.
New England should end up being the better team during the regular season, but that doesn’t matter at all in this matchup. Signing up to BetNow and taking the Houston Texans at -1.5 is the best way to go in this one, as they will start the preseason off with a victory.
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