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Carolina Panthers vs Houston Texans NFL Sports Betting Guide

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After losing twice in one-score games, the Carolina Panthers picked up a win last week to start the season 1-2. They head on the road for their second game in a row, facing the 2-1 Houston Texans, who have had each matchup finish as one-score games. This trend of close games could very well continue in Houston, for what is expected to be an exciting game.

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Team vs Team Odds and Info

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

  • Opening Lines: HOU -5, O/U 46.0
  • Moneyline: CAR (+172) | HOU (-200)
  • Spread: CAR +4 (-110) | HOU -4 (-110)
  • Total: 47.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
  • Location: NRG Stadium — Houston, TX
  • Start Time: 1 pm ET
  • Coverage: FOX

Injuries

  • Carolina Panthers: DE Bruce Irvin (Q), DE Marquis Haynes (Q), TE Greg Olsen (Q), CB Donte Jackson (Q), DT Gerald McCoy (Q)
  • Houston Texans: OT Seantrel Henderson (Q), DE Charles Omenihu (Q), OT Laremy Tunsil (Q), RB Taiwan Jones (Q)

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Overview

After getting poor quarterback play and ultimately losing two winnable games to begin the season, the Carolina Panthers started Kyle Allen at quarterback last week with Cam Newton out hurt. Allen ran the offense better, making accurate throws and leading his team to their first win of the season. With a group of young, explosive pass catchers at his disposal, as well as veteran tight end Greg Olsen, there are plenty of weapons to help this inexperienced quarterback succeed. Defensively, the unit is playing better than many thought, getting 14 sacks and 13 other hits on opposing quarterbacks. They will need to do it again this week against Deshaun Watson, whose protection has looked suspect.

The Texans are a Week 1, 58-yard field goal away from being undefeated. This team has been in close games, but have done what’s been needed to win, or put themselves in position to win, every game. Watson is proving to be one of the best young quarterbacks in the game, throwing for 778 yards and six touchdowns to just one interception. He has also extended plays with his legs, running for another 63 yards and two touchdowns. If he can see solid protection and make good throws to a group of talented pass catchers, this team is in position for a postseason run.

Trends

  • Carolina is 3-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last 11 games.
  • The total has hit the over in four of Carolina’s last five games played in September.
  • The total has hit the under in four of Houston’s last five games.
  • Houston is 13-4 straight up in its last 17 games.
  • The all-time series between these two teams is tied, 2-2.
  • Last Meeting: September 20, 2015 — The Panthers defeated the Texans, 24-17, at Bank of America Stadium.

Prop Bet

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Kyle Allen – Passing Yards: Under 265.5 (-112)
Allen has played two terrific games in a row. Last week, he passed for four touchdowns, finishing with an 85.5 QBR in a win. In Week 17 last season, he passed for two touchdowns and finished with a 94.4 QBR in a win. You could argue that he played two games as perfect as possible, to his own standards. However, Allen failed to go over this passing total in both games. Instead, he averaged 244.5 yards. So, while Houston has given up 300 passing yards on average, Allen is not likely to hit the over, even if he plays another perfect game.

Bottom Line

Both quarterbacks are likely to experience pressure from opposing defensive fronts in this game, with both offensive lines average at best and both defenses talented at getting pressure. This bet comes down to the matchups, and I believe the Houston offense has a larger advantage over the Carolina defense than the Panther offense has over the Texan defense. There are two good games of film on Kyle Allen out there now, so look for Houston to win this game and clear the spread for the second week in a row.

Pick: Houston Texans -5

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Zach Brunner is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Zach, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFlurry.