It’s so good to have football back, and this Sunday we have a fascinating matchup between the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
My Texans vs Rams predictions and NFL picks expect a tight and low-scoring game. Tune in with the kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 7.
Texans vs Rams predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Texans vs Rams spread pick: Texans +3 (-115)
The Houston Texans are favorites to win the AFC South, but their season begins with a very tough road trip against a new-look Los Angeles Rams team.
Houston has been on an upward trajectory in recent years and is a back-to-back division winner; however, last year did feel like a slight backward step.
The team was devastated by injuries — particularly on offense — and had an offensive line that couldn’t keep CJ Stroud upright, which led to him regressing from a stellar rookie season.
Trading away Laremy Tunsil and releasing guard Shaq Mason led the Texans to be able to rebuild the offensive line with several changes, but this is Week 1, and it’s still unknown just how they’ve developed in camp.
That said, if they hit the ground running and the defense remains formidable, they should be able to cover the spread.
There are serious question marks over the health of Matthew Stafford, who missed most of training camp, and left tackle Alaric Jackson, who is questionable. Those reasons alone are enough to pause when thinking of backing the Rams.
Early Texans vs Rams total pick: Under 44.5 (-115)
A revitalized Stroud and a healthy Stafford could push this total Over 44.5, but at this stage, we don’t know if either of those two outcomes is likely.
The one thing we do know is the Texans have a Top 5 defense in the NFL, and they might take a step to solidify themselves as the No. 1 stop unit.
Given the doubts over Stafford’s health, it should be a concern to the Rams that they’re about to face Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
These are two Top-10 edge rushers making this an elite pairing on the Texans’ edge and one that could cause chaos. The secondary also looks talented and will make this a very tough afternoon for the L.A. QB.
So, on one team, we have a QB who’ll be under near-constant pressure, and on the other, we have a new-look Texans’ offensive line, which will need to make an instant improvement over last season’s unit.
Factor in the lack of Joe Mixon and the run game’s reliance on what is left of Nick Chubb, and this will be a low-scoring affair.
Texans vs Rams odds
- Texans vs. Rams spread: Rams -2.5
- Texans vs. Rams moneyline: Texans +120, Rams -142
- Texans vs. Rams Over/Under: 44.5
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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