Houston Texans coach Lovie Smith has a different approach than many of his contemporaries to how to distribute playing time in the NFL preseason.
NFL Performance Recap
The first-year Houston coach isn’t shy about playing some starters so he can get a longer look at which direction the franchise is going in.
While it is clear the Houston Texans will play some of their best guys, it doesn’t make making Rams vs. Texans predictions any easier.
Rams Preseason
In Los Angeles’ preseason opener against the Chargers, the Rams didn’t play anyone of note on the offensive side of the ball.
When it comes to playing time, Los Angeles likely won’t be eager to change its philosophy. The Rams were at the top of the NFL standings last season and won’t want to risk defending their Super Bowl championship.
NFL 2021-22 Scoreboard Record
The Texans beat the Saints 17-13 last Thursday in their first preseason game. Houston is 1-0. The Rams beat the Chargers 29-22 last Saturday. Los Angeles is 1-0.
Rams vs. Texans Betting Analysis
Texans Analysis
When it comes to making NFL picks, the Texans increasing the workload of quarterback Davis Mills may give Houston the edge.
In the Texans’ preseason opener, Mills was 3-for-3 passing for 14 yards. Jeff Driskel played the rest of the game, compiling 16-of-26 passes for two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Houston’s Depth Players
Overall, Houston’s depth players had a mediocre performance overall. The Texans were hit with 11 penalties for 99 yards and finished with 275 total yards.
Dameon Pierce took the majority of the carries in the backfield, rushing for a team-high 49 yards on five carries. Jalen Camp led Houston in receiving, hauling in two passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
The Texans’ first-round pick, No. 3 choice Derek Stingley Jr., hasn’t played in the preseason thus far, but Smith emphasized he would like to take a look at the rookie in live action.
Rams Analysis
Anyone making NFL picks knows seeing Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the preseason will require picking him ou in sweats on the sidelines.
The same likely goes for wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp had one of the best receiving seasons and hopes to replicate the same for his 2022 NFL stats.
Rams’ Opener
During the Rams’ opener against the team they share a stadium with, Bruce Perkins played the entire game at quarterback.
Perkins was 10-of-17 for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Perkins also led the team in rushing by carrying the ball eight times for 39 yards and a score.
Lance McCutcheon led Los Angles with five catches for 87 yards and two scores. The Rams played a surprisingly clean game for the first preseason game of the season.
Los Angles only committed two penalties for 10 yards. The Los Angeles Rams beat the Chargers despite being outgained 312-232 on the ground.
NFL Injury Report
Houston third-year defensive lineman Jonathan Greenard will see more time. Greenard has been battling injuries that forced him out of five games last season.
- Laremy Tunsil
- Brandin Cooks
- Jerry Hughes
- Christian Kirksey
All set out of Houston’s first preseason game and are likely to see much time vs. the Rams.
Los Angeles won’t play Stafford, Kupp or star defensive lineman Aaron Donald for the second straight game. When it comes to the NFL schedule, Rams coach Sean McVay has a defined plan.
Rams vs. Texans Betting Preview
NFL odds have the Texans as 3.5-point favorites on the road. Houston is -167 on the moneyline, while the Rams are +138. The over/under is set at 38.5 points.
Rams vs. Texans Betting Prediction
The Texans have a new coach who is trying to build Houston up from the foundation. With not as much history with his players as Los Angeles has with its coach, Smith is going to play some guys a little longer in games to determine who is worth keeping around.
Who to Bet On?
With the Rams sitting most of their top guys, it makes it hard to determine how they can compete against more established players.
If Mills plays a couple of quarters for Houston, the Texans should be in a good position to grab a win on the road. The Texans will cover as 3.5 point favorites.
NFL Pick: Texans -3 (-110)
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