At the onset of every pro football season is what is now a traditional ESPN doubleheader. Each Monday in week one the self-proclaimed “World Wide Leader” televises two Monday Night Football games. This year the opener of that NFL bets twin bill is an intriguing matchup from New Orleans. To illuminate the New Orleans Saints will host the Houston Texas. Both teams made the playoffs last year. Each is expected to make the postseason again for 2019. However, Houston is not considered much more than a mere playoff team. Furthermore, New Orleans is seen as a potential champion.
Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints
| Date and Time: | Monday, September 9, 2019, 7:10 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Mercedes Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Texans vs. Saints TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | +7 (-119) | 53 (-110) | – |  |
| Saints | -7 (-101) | 53 (-110) | – | |
| ||||
Texans vs. Saints TV Coverage: ESPN
Texans vs. Saints Overview
Houston enjoyed one of the top NFL bets recoveries in recent memory. To show the Texans improved from 4-12 in 2017 to 11-5 in 2018. However, a 21-7 home loss to Indianapolis in the wild card round served as a buzz kill. Houston covered only seven games with seven overs. NFL metrics ranked them 11th for scoring offense and fourth for points allowed. New Orleans finished 13-3 straight up, 10-6 against the spread, and 7-9 under the total. Naturally, everyone recalls the Saints controversial 26-23 home loss to the Rams in the NFC championship game in detail.
Offseason Tumult in Texas
As a consequence of the firing of general manager Brian Gaine, it was a tough offseason in Houston. Indeed, Gaine’s firing was a big surprise after the Texans sportsbook improvement of 2018. Some see it as a power grab by head coach Bill O’Brien. Two general managers have been fired with O’Brien as Houston coach. As a consequence, he is out of scapegoats to blame.
Will Saints Defense Deliver Again?
Accordingly, the Saints NFL bets improvement was based in large part to a defense that was dramatically improved. Of course, New Orleans ranked third in the NFL for scoring offense. But a defense that was usually non-existent grew to rank a respectable 14th for points allowed. Was it a one-hit-wonder or a portent of things to come?
Players to Watch
Extending Houston’s improvement was quarterback Deshaun Watson (4165 YP, 26 TD, 9 INT, 103.1 RTG). RB Lamar Miller (973 YDS, 4.8 YPC, 5 TD) is another weapon. WR DeAndre Hopkins (115 REC, 1572 YDS, 11 TD) was Watson’s top target. By contrast Saints quarterback Drew Brees (3992 YDS, 32 TD, 5 INT, 115.7 RTG) remains in his prime at 40. WR Michael Thomas (125 REC, 1405 YDS, 9 TD) is Brees’ number one man.
Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints Against the Spread
The Texans are:
- 2-4-1 against the spread as road dogs
- 2-6-1 under the total getting points on the road
- 2-1 against the line in their last three games against New Orleans
- 1-2 under the total in their last three matchups with the Saints
The Saints are:
- 3-7 against the spread as a home chalk
- 2-4 against under the total laying points at home
- 2-0 straight up and against the spread at home against the Texans
- 2-0 over the total in home games with Houston
Texans vs. Saints NFL Bet Picks: New Orleans Saints
Texans vs. Saints NFL Bets Score Prediction: Saints 31, Texans 21
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