Houston Texans vs Washington Redskins Point Spread Picks

Houston has surged into first place behind a talented defense, allowing 16, 13, 7, 23 and 17 points the last five games. The defense is in the top 10 in the NFL in yards allowed, rush defense, and points surrendered. Houston comes off a bye week and the Texans are 10-4 UNDER the total following a bye. The Texans' front seven is finally healthy and does a great job attacking opposing offenses With J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. Watt and Clowney have a combined total of 14.5 sacks this season, tied for second-most by a team duo. The Texans are also 7-1 UNDER on natural grass, plus on a 5-1 run UNDER the total on the road. They play indoors at home but have to head outdoors to cold Washington. The Redskins are also in first place with a defense that is fifth against the run, fourth in points allowed (19.4 per game). Washington is 9-2 UNDER the total on natural grass, plus six of their last eight home games have gone UNDER. The Redskins have allowed 17, 17, 13 and three points in four of their last five contests and this shapes up as another defensive duel. Play the UNDER in this one.

What to make of Washington? Prior to the preseason they were picked as Super Bowl contenders. After a horrible preseason, many people had stuck a fork in them. They lose in week one at home vs. Minnesota and then get blown out by Dallas last week. Ouch. Needless to say they are desparate for a win. Houston is also winless but expectations are much lower. Redskin players and coaches are in panic mode and I think they come to play this week. The return of Clinton Portis is HUGE. Without him this offense has been unable to move the ball. Not only will he be able to eat up yards on the ground, but Houston's offense won't be able to pin their ears back and go after QB Mark Brunnell who has felt way too much pressure without Portis. He was sacked six times by the Cowboys. Houston has shown little improvement under Gary Kubiak. Their offensive line, already doing a poor job at protecting QB David Carr, took a big hit last week when they lost left tackle Charles Spencer with a broken leg. Center Mike Flanagan has a hurt left foot and is listed as questionable for this game. If he isn't 100% it could be a very long day for Carr and an offense that has been no better than Washington's. And no running back has emerged to take the lead as Wali Lundy, Ron Dayne and Samkon Gado have all been mediocre. Look for the Redskins to bounce back in a big way this week.