Battle Red Blog
Week Two of the NFL slate features the reining AFC and NFC South champions on Monday Night Football. The Houston Texan open as 2.5 point favorites against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers are coming off their Week One victory over NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons where QB Baker Mayfield threw for three touchdowns including two to rookie WR Emeka Egbuka. Conversely, the Texans looked middling in their loss to the NFC-West winning Los Angeles Rams
Houston Texans (-2.5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2.5)
Analysis: Based on how the first game of the season went for the Bucs and Texans, I would take FanDuel’s odds on the Bucs at this time. They had a superior offense and can rely on multiple weapons to win games. Baker Mayfield’s revival story in Tampa Bay has been miraculous and fun. The Texans, on the other hand, looked tepid and disjointed. Take advantage of these early odds as the spread is sure to adjust quickly after the Week One games come to a close.
Houston Texans (-126)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+108)
Analysis: Considering the Texans are favored, it’s unsurprising their money line looks appealing heading into the week. The Texans have a full week before the game in Houston, but the line is likely to shift based on the outcomes of yesterday’s games. Right now, a $10 wager on the Texans on FanDuel would net $17.94. The Texans did perform well at home last year (5-3)with losses only to the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and an ugly loss to the Tennessee Titans, which I unfortunately was present for. If the Texans can continue their winning ways at home, this current line is in a good option to look into.
O/U: 44.5 points
FanDuel projects the Texans and Buccaneers to combine for 44.5 points, the same as they did for the Los Angeles Chargers game. Based on a one-game sample size, it would be risky to take the over given the Texans didn’t get in the end zone their first week of the season. However, the Bucs scored 20 or more points in all but one game last year. They had games where they put up 51, 48, 40, and 37 points last season.Plus, the Texans should be more aggressive in their second game as they look to reach the end zone for the first time. The Bucs are capable of breezing past this O/U by themselves, but it is yet to be determined if the Texans can keep up their end of the bargain.
