NFL Props: Houston Texans vs New England Patriots Predictions 1/13
Last Updated: January 12th, 2013 byThe New England Patriots and Houston Texans are set to continue the 2013 NFL playoffs, and as a part of our analysis of the Divisional betting lines, we are taking a look at some of the best NFL props on the board for this crucial clash.
Stephen Gostkowski Over/Under 9.5 Points: It seems like a given that Gostkowski should ultimately be staying under double digits worth of points. Two field goals and three extra points still leaves him one short. That being said, we can’t help but wonder if Gostkowski is going to kick at least four extra points in this game (he did that 10 times out of 16 games) or at least three field goals (he did that six times out of 16 games). The Texans do a lot of bending without breaking, and the team has a remarkable red zone defense in terms of intensity. Who could forget the goal line stand that Houston came up with against the Baltimore Ravens last year in the playoffs that kept them in the game? There has to be at least a 50/50 chance that Gostkowski ends up with at least 10 points in this one. Stephen Gostkowski Over 9.5 Points (+115)
Aaron Hernandez Over/Under 5.5 Receptions: Hernandez had eight catches the first time that these two teams played, and it’s going to be really tough to duplicate that. Not only is TE Rob Gronkowski back in the lineup for this one when he wasn’t five weeks ago, but now, the Texans now have had a good look at what the Brady Brunch brings to the table. Hernandez has been the man that Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips has been talking about all week, and it seems as though he thinks that the key is going to be slowing down the former Florida Gator to slow down this offense. Asking for six catches in a game from one man in an offense that has so many weapons is going to be tough. Aaron Hernandez Under 5.5 Receptions (-135)
Rob Gronkowski Over/Under 5.5 Receptions: Same concept. Except with Gronkowski, we’re not 100% sold that he is really ready to be back and playing again in a full-time capacity after breaking his arm two months ago. The Texans know that they have to slow down these tight ends if they want to have any chance of winning on Sunday. Rob Gronkowski Under 5.5 Receptions (-115)
Owen Daniels Over/Under 4.5 Receptions: Daniels has been huge at times for the Texans this year. It seems wrong that he has an over/under of 4.5 receptions in this game, knowing that he didn’t have more than four receptions in any of his last six games. He also only had four games in the regular season with more than four catches. However, last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Daniels had 11 targets and nine receptions, and that now gives him at least seven targets in three of his last four games. QB Matt Schaub has been terrible of late, but he really has to be better if he is going to have any chance of getting the job done in the playoffs. Daniels might be the key to the Houston offense. Owen Daniels Over 4.5 Receptions (+110)
Will Andre Johnson Score a Touchdown?: We have seen so many big time receivers put together huge games against the Patriots in the past, though Johnson clearly wasn’t one of those men that was able to do that. No. 80 has probably been the best Texan in franchise history, and in the biggest game in franchise history, it’s high time that he steps up. Sure, he only has four touchdowns this year, but he truly is due for a bust out game. We know that the Texans have struggled offensively, and there hasn’t been any receiver, let alone any specific receiver, but Johnson has to be the man to get this game to a competitive level. Andre Johnson To Score a Touchdown (+220)
Arian Foster Over/Under 88.5 Rushing Yards: Foster had a rough go of it against the Patriots a month ago, and he really hasn’t been the same back since that point. However, he did have a remarkable game against a stout Cincinnati defense last week, rushing 140 yards. He also had eight catches for 34 yards and ended up touching the ball a whopping 40 times on the day. Foster is the first and only player in NFL history to run for at least 100 yards in each of his first three playoff games. The team is going to have to run the ball to make it through to the AFC Championship Game, and the Patriots are prone to allowing a bunch of rushing yards. Arian Foster Over 88.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
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