Why shouldn’t the Texans make the playoffs in 2010? After winning a franchise
high nine games in 2009, they have set a reachable goal of qualifying for a first
ever playoff berth this season. Houston had the top ranked passing attack in the
NFL last fall, the league’s defensive rookie of the year in LB Brian Cushing, and
starts the season on a 4-game carryover winning streak. Indianapolis, take notice.
Our 32 NFL teams in 32 days season preview series continues with a look at the
2010 Houston Texans.
Sportsbook.com Assorted Texans Betting Odds:
Odds to win Super Bowl XLV: +4000
Odds to win the AFC: +2000
Odds to win the AFC South: +350
Over/Under regular season wins: 8.5
SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Scenario: 2009 ~ 3-YR TOTAL
Straight Up: 9-7 ~ 25-23 (52%)
ATS: 7-8 ~ 24-23 (51%)
Preseason ATS: 2-2 ~ 6-5 (55%)
Home ATS: 2-5 ~ 13-10 (57%)
Road ATS: 5-3 ~ 11-13 (46%)
Division ATS: 2-4 ~ 9-9 (50%)
Conference ATS: 6-6 ~ 18-18 (50%)
Favorite ATS: 3-6 ~ 9-13 (41%)
Underdog ATS: 4-2 ~ 15-10 (60%)
Over-Under: 5-10 ~ 24-22 (52%)
2009 Key Team Stats & NFL Ranks
Scoring Differential: +3.4 (#11 of 32)
Yardage Differential: +58.0 (#7 of 32)
Yards Per Play Differential: +0.53 (#11 of 32)
Yards Per Point Differential: -0.20 (#15 of 32)
Turnover Differential: +0 (#18 of 32)
Total Offense (Yards Per Game): 382.8 (#5 of 32)
Total Defense (Yards Per Game): 324.8 (#13 of 32)
2010 SCHEDULE: Strength – 21.5 (6th toughest of 32)
DATE – OPPONENT, TIME
9/12/10 – INDIANAPOLIS, 1:00 PM
9/19/10 – at Washington, 4:15 PM
9/26/10 – DALLAS, 1:00 PM
10/3/10 – at Oakland, 4:05 PM
10/10/10 – NY GIANTS, 1:00 PM
10/17/10 – KANSAS CITY, 1:00 PM
11/1/10 – at Indianapolis, 8:30 PM
11/7/10 – SAN DIEGO, 1:00 PM
11/14/10 – at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
11/21/10 – at NY Jets, 1:00 PM
11/28/10 – TENNESSEE, 1:00 PM
12/2/10 – at Philadelphia, 8:20 PM
12/13/10 – BALTIMORE, 8:30 PM
12/19/10 – at Tennessee, 1:00 PM
12/26/10 – at Denver, 4:05 PM
1/2/11 – JACKSONVILLE, 1:00 PM
Key Betting Trend
HOUSTON is 9-0 UNDER the total (+9 Units) vs. teams with a losing record
since ’07. The Average Score was HOUSTON 23, OPPONENT 14.9
2010 OUTLOOK
Houston has never been to the playoffs, but came close last season with a
9-7 record. While many believe this could finally be the year for a
postseason berth, the team took a big hit when LB Brian Cushing, the 2009
NFL Defensive ROY, was suspended for the first four games of the ’10
campaign. QB Matt Schaub comes off his best season yet (396 completions,
4,770 yards). Both were #1 in the NFL and career highs, as was his number of
touchdowns (29). Most importantly, he played in all 16 games. Much of
Schaub’s success can be attributed to having one of the best wide receivers
in the game at his disposal in Andre Johnson (101 catches, 1,569 yards).
Running back Steve Slaton endured a sophomore slump (seven fumbles) before
suffering a season-ending neck injury in Week 13. Arian Foster showed
flashes of brilliance in his two starts and will get a shot to earn the
starting job. Schaub’s stats are even more impressive when one considers
that he plays behind an average offensive line. The stop unit was an improved
group, having ranked tied for 13th in total yardage and 10th in rushing
yards. Cushing’s outstanding debut had a lot to do with the improvement and
his absence will be tough to overcome early. The line is solid and should be
even better with end Mario Williams healthy after battling through a
shoulder injury last season. Strong safety Bernard Pollard comes off an
outstanding first year with the Texans after signing as a free agent. Houston
is ready to take that next step. The Texans won’t pass Indianapolis in the
race for the AFC South crown, but the talent is certainly there to earn a
wild-card spot in the playoffs. If they can win two of the four games
without Cushing, and improve their division record, they’ll see the
postseason for the first time.
Sportsbook.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 8
StatFox Steve’s Take: Over the last three seasons, Houston has
won nine, nine, and eight games. This is a franchise that certainly appears
to be on the rise, one capable of a first-ever postseason berth. The problem
I see is that there really isn’t a certain win at any point on the schedule.
Look for 8-8 or perhaps 9-7.
