Raiders at Texans Line

Written by Steve Janus

The Houston Texans are set to host the Oakland Raiders in an AFC showdown between to teams on the rise. The Texans come in off a 17-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Houston is 3-1 on the season and a perfect 2-0 at home. The Raiders will look to bounce back from a 31-19 loss to the New England Patriots. The Raiders are 2-2 on the season, alternating wins and losses over the first four weeks. These two teams have played in each of the past five season. Houston is 4-1 during the stretch, including a 31-24 win at Oakland in 2010.

Taking a look at the week 5 NFL lines, oddsmakers currently have the Texans favored by 5.5-points over the Raiders with the total set at 48.5 points.

Oakland Raiders:

When you look at the box score from the Raiders last game against the Patriots, you would think Oakland was right there with a chance to win. Oakland outgained the Patriots 504 to 409 in total yards and held Tom Brady to just 226 yards on 16 of 30 passing, However, Oakland was unable to put points on the board. They trailed 31-13 before scoring a garbage touchdown with 28 seconds left in the game.

The Raiders No. 1 ranked rushing attack piled on 160 yards on the ground, but it wasn’t the performance everyone expected. Darren McFadden was held to just 75 yards on 14 attempts. The Raiders seem to fall into the trap of throwing the football to try and keep up with the Patriots. Jason Campbell had a season-high 39 attempts. He completed 25 passes for 344 yards with a late touchdown and two interceptions.

This week the Raiders face a vastly improved Houston defense that has allowed just under 16 points a game. Most of that success has came against the pass, as the Texans are holding opponents to just 214.3 ypg through the air. Houston has been suspect to the run, allowing at least 100 yards in each of the last three games.

Houston Texans:

While the Texans have to be happy about beating the defending AFC Champs last week, the win didn’t come without some bad news. Star wide out Andre Johnson suffered a hamstring injury that will cost him 2-3 weeks.

Losing Johnson is a huge blow to the Texans offense. Not only is he their best receiver, but he draws so much attention that it opens up the field for everyone else. Johnson had 25 catches for 352 yards and two scores in the first four games.

Houston’s passing attack has not been what a lot of people expected so far. Matt Schaub is averaging just 231.5 ypg with just seven touchdown passes. With Johnson out, tight end Owen Daniels figures to become the primary target. Daniels has 14 receptions for 182 yards and a team-best three touchdowns. Johnson’s loss should also create more opportunities for James Casey, Jacoby Jones, and Kevin Walter.

Without Johnson the Texans will likely turn to Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster to lead the offense. Foster was bothered by a hamstring injury of his own the first three weeks, but looked very good in the win over the Steelers. Foster carried it 30 times for 155 yards and touchdown, while also catching three passes for 11 yards. Foster is set to take on a Raiders defense that has struggled against the run. Oakland allowed New England to rush for 183 yards last week, and are 29th in the league giving up 136 yards a game.

Betting Trends:

Oakland is 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a ATS loss.

Houston is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.

Be sure to check back and see who Steve Janus has picked to win in week 5 of the NFL.

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