Sportsbook Handicappers Note Cushing Suspension. The Houston Texans chances of winning early next season vs. the sportsbook odds took a major hit last week when linebacker Brian Cushing was suspended for the first four games of the regular season. Losing Cushing is a huge blow for Houston and although their odds at the online sportsbook probably won’t move, handicappers may not back Houston early in the 2010 NFL season.
Sportsbook odds list Houston as a 25-1 darkhorse candidate to win the Super Bowl next season. How the Texans do in the first four games may determine if they have a chance of having a winning season. Losing Cushing is huge since he was their best defensive player. Cushing made the Pro Bowl and was named NFL defensive rookie of the year. Houston begins the season with tough games against Indianapolis, Washington and Dallas. They also play the Raiders in that stretch of four games. Without Cushing anchoring the defense they could be in trouble in all of those contests.
Cushing was suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Cushing said that he tested positive for a non-steroidal banned substance. He appealed the suspension but the NFL denied his appeal. “I believe we presented compelling evidence during the appeal process to challenge the test results, and I disagree with and am disappointed by the suspension,” Cushing said, “Bound by the decision of the league, I regret the situation it presents to the Texans’ organization, my teammates, and our fans. My dedication to a championship season in 2010 continues undeterred.”
Instead of betting the Texans in their first four games next season, it may be prudent to bet their games over the total at the sportsbook. The Texans can score and without Cushing, they are likely to give up more points. “We were disappointed to learn that Brian has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season,” Houston general manager Rick Smith said, “Brian is a productive member of our team and this is a significant loss, but we have to be prepared to win without him.” Cushing had 133 tackles last season for Houston. He also had five sacks, four interceptions and two forced fumbles. The Texans open up the 2010 NFL regular season at home against the Indianapolis Colts. Houston will likely be a small underdog in NFL odds at the online sportsbook in that game.