Chicago Bears vs. Houston Texans NFL Betting Odds & Spread

Written December 25, 2008 by Jason Lowry

Bears Texans Football

The Chicago Bears need some help this Sunday if they are going to make the playoffs, but one thing is for sure, they have to win on the road against the Houston Texans. The Bears get in with a win and a Vikings loss, or a win and a Cowboys and Buccaneers loss. Last week the Bears kept their hopes alive with an overtime win over the Packers thanks to a blocked field goal at the end of regulation. The Texans went into last week on a 4 game winning streak and just off a very impressive win over the Titans, but they had no answer for the Raiders, as they fell 27-16 on the road. For those of you looking to do a little NFL betting this Sunday, the oddsmakers have the Texans 2.5 point favorites at home over the Bears at Sportsbook.com.

The Bears have now won 3 straight and two in a row in overtime, as this team just keeps finding ways to stay alive. Robbie Gould continued to be clutch for this team, as he nailed the game winning field goal for the 2nd straight week, this time from 38 yards out. The Bears offense wasn’t real pretty in this one, but came alive late when the team needed it most. Kyle Orton struggled throwing the football, as he managed just 142 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions. Matt Forte continued to come through when needed, as the rookie ran for 73 yards and tied the game up with his 3 yard touchdown run with just 3 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. This week Orton better get his act together, as the Texans are 5-2 at home, and can really put a bunch of points on the board in a hurry.

The Bears defense did a great job against the run last week allowing just 61 yards to Packers running back Ryan Grant, but did allow Aaron Rodgers to throw for 260 yards and 2 scores. Defensive end Alex Brown had added an interception for this unit, but the play that saved the Bears season came when Brown blocked Mason Crosby’s field goal attempt with just seconds remaining. Playing on the road this week takes the cold factor out of play that really makes this defense even better, but the way this team is finding ways to win, its hard to think they won’t do it again this week. Bet Chicago Bears +2.5 at Sportsbook.com.

The Texans win this week and they go 8-8 for the second straight season, but this team has many pieces in place to make a run as soon as next season, and a win over the Bears this Sunday gives them even more reason to think it will happen. Last week they had a little slip up with Raiders, as the offense struggled to get going and what was most shocking was Andre Johnson was held to just 19 yards on 2 catches, by far his lowest total of the season. Rookie running back Steve Slaton also struggled to get going in this one, as Slaton only had 66 yards on 18 carries. Matt Schaub threw for 255 yards but was kept out of the endzone, and had an interception to boot. We expect the Texans to put up one hell of a fight this week, whether it be in a defensive showdown or an offensive shootout.

The Texans defense seems to be hit or miss this season, and last week it was a big miss, as they let the Raiders Take control early and late, as the Raiders put up 13 in the first quarter and another 14 in the third quarter. The big hit came in the 3rd quarter when Johnnie Lee Higgins took a punt 80 yards for a touchdown. The Texans take on a Bears offense that has struggled of late, and if they can keep Forte from having a big day on the ground, we really like their chances of pulling off the win. Bet Houston Texans -2.5 at Sportsbook.com.

Lowry’s Lean on the Game: Texans -2.5
We just don’t think the Bears can keep clawing there way to victory, and this week the streak will end and the Bears playoff hopes will be finished. Minus the game last week against the Raiders the Texans have really been playing good football, and we feel like they are going to jump out early and cruise to a win this week.

Predicted Score: Texans 20 Bears 16

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