- The underdog is 4-1 in the last five meetings between these teams, with the Giants winning the last four straight up
- The under is 7-0 in the last seven Giants games in November
- The Texans are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven games in Week 10
NFC East Divisional Hunt
The New York Giants look to stay in the NFC East divisional hunt as they are one of three teams with a 6-2 record or better. They will entertain the Houston Texans, who are 1-6-1 under first-year coach Lovie Smith.
The NFL matchups between these two teams are few and far between, as the Giants have won the last four out of five total matchups.
NFL Schedule Cycles
The tough part is the NFL schedule cycles through seven divisions meaning the matchups, particularly seeing non-divisional opponents at home, happen every four years on average.
Here are a few things to know about each team before we make our Texans vs Giants prediction.
Houston Texans vs. New York Giants Odds
Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Houston Texans | +6.5 (-115) | 230 | O 40.5 (-110) |
New York Giants | -6.5 (-105) | 275 | U 40.5 (-110) |
Giants Odds Breakdown
Oddsmakers have seemingly doubted New York when creating Giants betting odds this year. It appears that way again, as getting the hook is valuable for those looking to bet on the Giants.
While the Giants are 6-2 straight up, that is also their record against the spread. They are 3-1 straight up at home.
Texans Odds Breakdown
Meanwhile, the Texans are 4-3-1 against the spread despite a poor showing this season. But over the last six games, they are only 2-3-1 against the spread after winning the first two, so oddsmakers haven’t found that sweet spot yet, either.
In fact, their last three losses (straight up) have all been by a touchdown or greater after four of their first five games were settled by a touchdown or less (1-3-1 straight up in that span).
It seems like a favorable Texans vs Giants prediction but let’s dive into the matchup more.
Houston Texans vs. New York Giants
Texans Search for Something to Build On
The Houston Texans schedule hasn’t done them any favors by matching them up with the AFC West and NFC East, the division expected to be the best in football and that division that is the best in football.
As a result, they have two of the worst units in football.
NFL Team Stats
NFL team stats show the Texans are 28th in scoring at 16.6 points per game and 29th in total offense, amassing 290.5 yards per game.
Defensively they are allowing 22.9 points per game, which ranks 19th, and 398.1 yards per game, which is third worst in the league.
Teams have run right over the Texans, who are last at allowing 180.6 rushing yards per game.
Davis Mills Performance
Perhaps the strategy was to tank with the decision in a buyer’s market for QBs to stick with second-year quarterback Davis Mills.
He’s completed 62.8% of passes with ten touchdowns and eight interceptions, according to NFL player stats.
Eight different receivers have caught a touchdown, but the top two are potentially out Sunday. Running back Dameon Pierce has been a pleasant surprise, averaging 4.6 yards per carry with 678 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Mills and Pierce will start alongside receivers Chris Moore and Phillip Dorsett. Expect Jordan Akins to be the tight end.
The secondary has been surprisingly strong, as Derrick Stingley Jr., Desmond King II, and Jalen Pitre are all expected to start, as is leading tackler Jonathan Owens and Christian Kirksey (second).
NFL Injury Report
As expected for this point in the season, the NFL injury report is lengthy for the Texans. Here is who is questionable:
- DL Maliek Collins (chest)
- OL Justin McCray (head)
- WR Brandin Cooks (wrist)
- LB Neville Hewitt (hamstring)
Here is who is out
- DB Grayland Arnold (quad)
- OL Austin Deculus (ankle)
- WR Nico Collins (groin)
- OL Justin Britt (personal)
- DL Jonathan Greenard (ankle)
- DL Michael Dwumfour (undisclosed)
- LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (groin)
- WR John Metchie III (leukemia)
Giants Hope To Stay The Course
It’s remarkable how the Giants have been able to stay afloat in the NFL standings, given all the injuries they’ve endured.
They weren’t expected to take this giant of a leap, yet they have. It’s a favorable setup to go 7-2, too, and maybe hide the deficiencies of the team for another day.
Giants’ Offense
The offense is fifth in rushing at 161.5 yards per game, and that’s the best part of their game on either side of the ball.
They rank 22nd in scoring (20.4 ppg), 24th in total offense (320.6 ypg), and 17th in total defense (345.6 ypg), yet are ninth in defensive scoring, allowing 19.6 points per game.
It’s a great matchup for tailback Saquan Barkley, who is averaging 4.8 yards per carry with 779 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Beware of quarterback Daniel Jones, too, who has rushed for 363 yards and three TDs.
Jones and Barkley will man the backfield while a depleted receiving core is led by Darius Slayton and will include Wan’Dale Robinson and David Sills V.
Defensively, leading tackler Adoree Jackson is in along with DB Julian Love, DL Dexter Lawrence, and Leonard Williams, among others.
NFL Injury Report
The NFL injury report has not been kind to the Giants. WR Kenny Golladay is probable with a knee injury. Here is who is questionable:
- CB Rodarius Williams (knee)
- LB Oshane Ximines (knee)
- DL Nick Williams (bicep)
Here is who is out:
- CB Aaron Robinson (IR, knee)
- S Xavier McKinney (hand)
- DB Cor’Dale Flott (calf)
- G Ben Bredeson (knee)
- TE Daniel Bellinger (face)
- T Evan Neal (knee)
- LB Azeez Ojulari (calf)
- S Tony Jefferson (foot)
- G Shane Lemieux (toe)
- T Matt Peart (knee)
Houston Texans vs. New York Giants Pick and Prediction
Given the numbers, it makes more sense as to why the Giants are only 6.5-point favorites. Still, making the Texans vs Giants prediction.
We like the Giants -6.5 though this game will be closer than expected. Getting that hook will be key; if it swings the other way, the Texans are in play.
NFL Pick: Giants -5 (-110)
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