Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Expert Picks
A big game for both teams. The loser falls to the dreaded 0-2 with hopes of making the playoffs very slim. The strength of both teams is their defenses and with both teams struggling to protect their quarterbacks in Week 1, I can see both teams being very conservative. Cincinnati has the better offense but could not overcome red-zone turnovers last week. Houston's offense is just plain awful, the worst in the NFL. GO Under.
These teams scored seven points Sunday -- combined. The aggregate amount of sacks (15) was more than double the score. Even the cumulative turnovers (nine) were greater. The Texans might have trouble finding someone to play tight end. All three on the roster are in concussion protocol and won't play. They're starting rookie Deshaun Watson at QB despite his sore ankle. The midweek game not only abbreviates his recovery time but also preparation period. He suffered four of Houston's 10 sacks and his noted scrambling ability could be compromised. At least Houston crossed the goal line, if once. The Bengals were blanked, and QB Andy Dalton might have happy feet, having succumbed to five sacks and facing a ferocious pass rush with the Texans. The Under has prevailed in the past four meetings. Go Under again.
Andy Dalton threw four interceptions in the season opener, but I like him and the Bengals to bounce back at home Thursday. Houston has an unsettled QB situation, and the Texans' defense isn't as imposing as most thought it would be. In my simulations, Cincinnati is covering 61 percent of the time. Lay the points.