Patriots vs Texans: Spread Favors New England by 3 in Week 13 SNF
- The Patriots (10-1) open as 3-point favorites on the road at the Texans (7-4)
- New England defeated Dallas in Week 12, and Houston got a divisional win over Indianapolis
- Read the preview below for a prediction on the betting line movement heading into this week
After big wins in Week 12, New England and Houston will meet in an exciting matchup on Sunday Night Football.
The Patriots have been the stronger team against the spread in 2019, and they open as a 3-point favorite for this important AFC matchup.
New England Patriots vs Houston Texans Odds
| Team | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | -3 (-120) | O 44.5 (-110) |
| Houston Texans | +3 (+100) | U 44.5 (-110) |
*Odds taken November 24th
Houston comes off of a big 20-17 Thursday night win against the division rival Indianapolis Colts. The defense was impressive in that contest, holding Jacoby Brissett to just 16-of-25 for 129 yards with no scores through the air.
Offensively, it was the duo of Texans wideouts that starred in the win. Will Fuller had seven receptions for 140 yards, and DeAndre Hopkins caught six passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
The third-deepest completion by any QB this season. ?@deshaunwatson ➡️ @Will_Fuller7.@awscloud | #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/3laZVKkHbR
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 23, 2019
The Patriots, meanwhile, played in terrible conditions on Sunday afternoon against the Cowboys. They took home the victory by a score of 13-9, and while it wasn’t pretty, it was still a win.
Tom Brady was just 17-of-37 for 190 yards in the win, but in a game where the points were limited, he had a crucial touchdown pass and didn’t turn the ball over all game long.
? Jakobi. @jkbmyrs5 | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/G3h5S3ROGP
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 24, 2019
Both Teams in the Driver’s Seat for the Playoff
This Week 13 matchup on Sunday Night Football is vital for each team as they look to stay in front of their respective playoff race.
For Houston, they are looking to stay in control of the AFC South. With Thursday’s win, the Texans keep their 1-game lead in the division.
"We played team football tonight and that's what we've got to continue to do and build on it."
Hear from QB Deshaun Watson after last night's win. pic.twitter.com/6OzHrtZZfJ
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 22, 2019
They are also three games behind the AFC’s top seed, New England, and two games behind second-seeded Baltimore. For Houston, the goal is not only holding off the rest of the AFC South, but also catching up to the Ravens and earning a playoff bye.
New England, meanwhile, is fully in the driver’s seat. They lead the conference, and their December schedule includes matchups with cellar-dwellers in both the Bengals and Dolphins. The Ravens are a game behind New England, and hold the head-to-head advantage, but they also have a much tougher remaining schedule that includes games against the 49ers and Bills.
What a play by the best corner in the @NFL.@BumpNrunGilm0re | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/rt1Zwr2isP
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 24, 2019
Which Way will this Line Move?
The Patriots continue to win with a dominant defense and special teams, and they continue to build momentum with win after win. They are always a popular team, and as just field goal favorites, it’s likely that bettors will jump on New England.
However, the best bet here would be to wait. While New England has been winning, the offense has struggled mightily in recent weeks. The Texans, behind Deshaun Watson, are an enticing home underdog, and this line has the potential to get even bigger.
With four years as radio host with The Ticket Sports Network and various written contributions to publications such as Fansided, Southbound and Down, and Last Word on Sports, Jake Mitchell comes to SBD with NFL, NBA, NCAAM, NCAAF and MMA know-how you can count on.
