This week the Texans look to build on that momentum as they travel to the nation’s capital to battle the Washington Redskins. According to our NFL betting lines, the Texans opened as 2 point road favorites on the week 2 spreads with the line now at either 2 ½ or 3 points. The public is playing Houston at 3:1.
I think this line has some good value for the Redskins and something we have released to members via our week 2 NFL picks. Even though Houston had a big week 1 win over Indy, I feel the line should have started as a pick or Houston -1. With the public all over the Texans, the line has pushed up to 3 points at many sites. Getting a field goal with the home Redskins – who are also coming off a huge week 1 win – is a nice advantage and represents the type of value I look for in betting lines.
The Texans played remarkably well against Indy. They were able to run the ball effectively with Foster, get out to a big lead and hold onto it. But the Colts’ have a history of poor rush defense. Indy has a quick defense, but they aren’t that big. And losing Bob Sanders to injury didn’t make the situation any better. Still, 231 rushing yards for Foster is an impressive performance.
The Texans’ defense was outstanding against the run. But part of the reason was that Indy was forced to play catch-up and had to throw the ball in order to get back into the game. Peyton Manning ended up with 57 pass attempts! He finished with over 400 yards, 3 tds, and 0 ints, so he got his numbers. But the Colts had only 10 rushing attempts, which is absurd. When Houston matches up with Washington they’ll get a team much more balanced.
And don’t forget – this was a home game and an emotional win for the Texans. Chances are this will be a let-down week. Having to travel a long way to play a decent football team takes its toll. Houston only has to look to Dallas to figure that out.
The Redskins showed a lot of heart against Dallas. They ended up winning the game 13-7, thanks to Dallas penalties and mental miscues. Washington failed to score an offensive touchdown and was outgained by the Cowboys, but the bottom line is that they won the game. Mike Shanahan got a good effort from Albert Haynesworth. Donovan McNabb was a little off, but his ankle looked good and this week he doesn’t have to play against as tough of a defense. Clinton Portis needs to be more productive, and I hope Shanahan rotates Larry Johnson in more often. If Washington forces Houston to stop the run, without the services of Brian Cushing, I don’t think they can. Plus, that will open up the play-action for McNabb to Santana Moss down the field or Chris Cooley across the middle.
Washington’s rush defense is tough, and they’re big up front. I don’t foresee Arian Foster having such gaping holes to run through. Matt Schaub should find some success against the secondary, but I don’t think the Texans have enough to win this game. They aren’t going to be as emotionally charged and they’re on the road against a solid football team. While I expect Houston to have a nice season and maybe squeeze into the playoffs, I look for them to drop this game to Washington straight-up. Nevertheless, the ‘Skins with a field goal is better than a moneyline play in this situation. Take the value that the line is offering and ride Washington to a payday.
This is only a free pick, and it is not a guaranteed winner but it is still cleary the right side and something we already personally bet. For the best NFL picks anywhere, join the winning team at Maddux Sports. Their picks are guaranteed and they’ve been killing the spread and have their AFC East GOY going Sunday. Don’t miss out on another week!
