One of the most intriguing parts about the NFL season is how quickly the overall outlook can change in any given situation. The Houston Texans have never made the postseason in their brief franchise history, but seemed destined to finally reach that goal after the Indianapolis Colts lost Peyton Manning for the entire year. But in a cruel twist of fate, the Texans now face the tough task of finishing the year without their own franchise quarterback, as they look to hold on to first in the AFC South with an injured Matt Schaub watching from the sportsbook reviews sidelines.
Houston Texans (-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, 1:00 PM ET
Texans’ fans are hoping that Matt Leinart can be successful down the stretch in his second chance to start for an NFL team, and he should be successful with a ton of help from his teammates. Houston’s rushing attack ranks third in the NFL betting with the running back tandem of Arian Foster and Ben Tate leading the way, and they should run the ball a ton this week against the Jaguars’ defense. Jacksonville has managed to keep games close with despite a passing attack that ranks 32nd in the NFL with rookie Blaine Gabbert under center, and unless they can slow down the Texans’ running attack they could be destined for their seventh loss of the season.
BSN Sports Free Pick: Houston Texans - 3
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers (-6.5)
Sunday, 4:15 PM ET
Even the most knowledgeable of pay head experts can’t seem to figure out how the Denver Broncos have been able to turn their season around with a quarterback that many have argued isn’t good enough to be a starter at this level, but while the constant analysis has continued, Tim Tebow simply continues to win. A fourth-quarter game-winning drive against the New York Jets this past Thursday was the exclamation mark in what has been an incredible season for the sophomore Tebow, who has guided Denver to a 4-1 record as the starter, including two wins against division opponents. The Chargers on the other hand have drastically underachieved with five straight losses since their bye week, and regardless of whether or not they are able to get back on track this weekend this game should be close.
NFL Betting Pick: Denver Broncos + 6.5
Pittsburgh Steelers (-10.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, 8:30 PM ET
After a somewhat sluggish start by their standards, the defending AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers have rebounded strong to climb back to the top of the AFC North division, and will look to continue their run against the struggling Chiefs. Things went from bad to worse last week for a Kansas City team that has lost three straight, with the news that Matt Cassel could be done for he remainder of the regular season. The sports betting spread for this game reflects what the oddsmakers think about Tyler Palko’s chances against the Steelers’ defense, as Pittsburgh continues to jockey for position with the Baltimore Ravens at the top of their division.
NFL Betting Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers – 10.5
