Who is ready for some NFL preseason football? The New England Patriots will host the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 10. The game is scheduled for 7 pm ET while airing on NFL Network.
The Texans enter as 3.5-point favorites with the total set at 38. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Texans vs. Patriots predictions below.
Texans vs. Patriots Odds
- Spread: Texans -3.5
- Total: 38
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. New to DraftKings? Check out our DraftKings Sportsbook Review to find out how to Bet $5 and Get $200 in bonus bets.
Game Info
- Date: Thursday, August 10
- Time: 7 pm ET
- Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
- TV: NFL Network
Texans Betting Trends
- This is DeMeco Ryans’ first NFL preseason game as a head coach.
Patriots Betting Trends
- The Patriots went 1-2 in the preseason last year.
- Prior to that, NE went 9-2 in the preseason in the previous three years combined.
Texans vs. Patriots Predictions
First-round pick C.J. Stroud will reportedly start for the Houston Texans. How many series will he play? That remains to be seen. Last year’s starter, Davis Mills, will get plenty of time as well as he makes a push for the starting QB spot as well. Case Keenum, an experienced NFL signal-caller is listed as the QB3 for Houston.
CJ Stroud’s ball placement is something ELSE 😳
Stroud was just officially announced as the Texans’ starting QB for their first preseason game.
Stroud has been the first team QB for three practices straight now.
Stroud’s “command of the huddle” has reportedly stood out the… pic.twitter.com/xTQjkSom8q
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 7, 2023
Mac Jones is unlikely to play on Thursday, which opens the door for Bailey Zappe, Trace McSorley, and rookie Malik Cunningham to lead the show. The two former players have reasonable NFL experience, especially Zappe — who impressed at times while playing four regular-season games last year.
Texans vs. Patriots Picks
It’s easy to understand why the Texans are favored, as they will likely play a higher percentage of their top guys while trying to figure things out under a new coach. However, the Patriots have enough depth to keep this one close (or win) at home.
This should be a low-scoring game that stays close, and we are looking toward the Patriots +3.5 to cover.
The Pick: Patriots +3.5 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook
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Four NFL Preseason Week 1 Predictions: Friday & Saturday Picks