Houston at Chicago

Houston is not only playing hard for coach Lovie Smith (2-0 ATS), they're playing good defense, which is his specialty. The Texans are #11 in the NFL allowing 18 points per game, plus tied for eighth in third-down defense (33.3%). Houston is 11-5 ATS after scoring fewer than 15 points in their last game. They're an underdog to a Chicago squad off a 27-10 loss to Green Bay. Chicago is #26 in third-down defense, #25 in yards per carry allowed (5.1), and dead last against the run surrendering 189.5 yards rushing per contest. On offense, young QB Justin Fields (2 TDs, 2 INTs) threw only 11 passes last week, the fourth time he has attempted fewer than 20 passes in a start. And the Bears are 26-44 ATS after allowing 6.5+ yards per play in the last game. Play Houston.