Sport: NFLPick Selection: Over 47 Denver Broncos/Houston Texans -110
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans 8:15 PM ET
Over 47 Denver Broncos/Houston Texans -110
Both Denver and Houston remain two games back in the playoff race in the AFC so this game means a lot for both, more so for the Broncos. The Texans do have the same record but they are virtually out based on losing out on almost every tiebreaker. While games like this normally have a defensive feel to them, that will not be the case here as the offenses should thrive. Both coaches know each other very well and will have insight on the others defensive schemes.
Denver has its finest offensive showing this past Sunday against the Chiefs as it put up 453 yards and most importantly, it was a very balanced attack. Quarterback Jay Cutler had his best game of the season and he has had three of his five best passer ratings on the season occur in his last four games. After starting the season with a 4/6 touchdown/interception ratio, he has a 13/6 ratio over his last eight games. Javon Walker is going to be back while Brandon Marshall is turning into a start at receiver.
The Texans' secondary is rather overmatched and opposing wide receivers are having a lot of success, especially against rookie cornerback Fred Bennett. Houston's run defense is not much better as it is amongst the worst in the league and its young players could be wearing down. The Texans are allowing 118.2 ypg which is 23rd in the league but its 4.5 ypc average is tied for 30th. Selvin Young had a huge game against the Chiefs last Sunday, rushing for 156 yards on 17 carries and certainly appeared healthy.
Houston didn?t exactly look good on offense last week against Tampa Bay but it now faces a defense it can have a lot of success against. A huge reason that the Broncos had such success stopping the Chiefs' rushing attack was that they simply did not honor the Chiefs' ability to throw the ball. That would be a mistake in Houston. Sage Rosenfels was efficient last week and can generate points in this offense. He has one of the best receivers at his disposal in Andre Johnson.
Denver has been on an over run as it has surpassed the total in six straight games and 11 of 13 on the season. Houston has gone over in eight of 13. Play the over with road teams where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points after going over the total by 28 or more points total in their last three games, after the first month of the season. This situation is 36-11 (76.6 percent) over the last five seasons. We expect to see another shootout in Houston in primetime. Play Over Denver Broncos/Houston Texans 2 Units
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