Bears Texans Odds

The Chicago Bears take to the road as they open the season in an inter-conference matchup with the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon. The game kicks off at 1:00 pm ET from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Television coverage is provided for the contest on FOX. Houston is currently a 5 point favorite with the over/under set at 43.5 points according to the current odds.

Chicago finished the 2015 season with a 6-10 record and missed the postseason for the fifth straight year. Houston finished 9-7 and won the AFC South last season. The Texans lost in the wild card round, losing 30-14 to the Chiefs. This is the fourth all-time meeting between the teams. Houston has won all three previous meetings, including a 13-6 win at Soldier Field on November 11, 2012 in the last meeting.

Early Lean on Houston -5

The Bears were 23rd in the league in passing offense (240.2 yards per game), 12th in rushing offense (115.9 yards per contest) and 23rd in scoring offense with an average of 20.9 points per game this season. Chicago struggled defensively as they are 20th in the league in scoring defense as they allow 24.8 points per game. Jay Cutler was 311 of 483 for 3,414 yards with 21 touchdowns and 11 picks last season. The run game is overhauled with the departure of Matt Forte to the Jets via free agency. The Bears turn the run game to Jeremy Langford, who ran for 537 yards and six scores last season. Ka’Deem Carey (159 yards, two scores) is going to factor in the mix.

The Bears need Alshon Jeffrey (54 receptions, 807 yards, 4 TD) to stay healthy after missing seven games last season. Tight end Zach Miller (34 catches, 439 yards, five TD) is going to be a major impact player with Martellus Bennett leaving and joining New England. Eddie Royal (37 receptions, 238 yards, TD) and Marquess Wilson (28 grabs, 464 yards, TD) are going to be counted on for bigger roles in the passing game. With Robbie Gould gone, the Bears turn to Connor Barth to handle the kicking duties.

Houston won the AFC South last season despite a revolving door at quarterback. The Texans were 18th in the league in passing offense at 254.9 yards per contest but they are just 16th in rushing as they average 108.2 yards per game. Houston is 21st in scoring offense by putting up 21.2 points per contest and they stand currently 7th in scoring defense as they allow 19.6 points a game. It’s a major change in the skill positions this season.

Brock Osweiler, who won a Super Bowl ring with Denver last season, takes over the QB role. He was signed as a free agent. He completed 61.8 percent of his throws for 1,967 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in eight games last year. Arian Foster went to Miami as a free agent so the Texans brought in Lamar Miller for their running back. He ran 194 times for 872 yards and eight scores while catching 47 passes out of the backfield. DeAndre Hopkins made the Pro Bowl last year after catching 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns. It’s a young, unproven group surrounding Hopkins at receiver. Jaelen Strong, Keith Mumphrey, Braxton Miller and Will Fuller are all battling for playing time.

The Bears are a team in rebuilding mode as they look for answers. Houston won the AFC South with less talent last season. With the infusion of talent they have in the mix offensively this year, the Texans are a favorite to return to the postseason. Chicago struggles to do much on either side of the ball as the Texans open the season with a win. J.J. Watt in particular terrorizes Cutler all afternoon long. For a look at other free NFL picks, click here!

Houston is 5-2 ATS in their last seven on grass and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 overall. Chicago is 1-4 ATS in their last five overall and 0-4 ATS in their last four in September.

 

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