Texans Need Win at Home Against Eagles to Stay Close to Indy

The Houston Texans are in a battle for first place in the AFC South with the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans are currently in second place trailing the Colts by just one game.

On Sunday, the 4-4 Texans will face the 5-2 Philadelphia Eagles. Houston is 2-1 at home this season, while Philly is 1-2 on the road.

Odds makers currently have the Eagles as a slight favorite by 1.5 points with the point total sitting on 48.5.

This season the offensive line for the Eagles had faced great adversity, but playing against J.J. Watt will take that stress to another level. At times in Sunday’s game, Watt could have as many as three Eagles players blocking him a one time.

Watt has had 5 quarterback sacks in the past 3 games and is on course to have another All-Pro season.

Making matters even worse for the Eagles is Pro Bowler Evan Mathis at guard will is out injured and Jason Kelce at center could be sidelined with an injured groin.

Todd Herremans another starting guard will try to play through a torn biceps he suffered last week.

Last week Jadeveon Clowney the Texans top pick in the draft returned from injury, but likely will miss Sunday’s game due to illness, which will be a big blow for the Houston defense as it tries to slowdown the up tempo offense of the Eagles.

Houston will be facing an Eagles team that has played well offensively even though stars from last season have yet to find their form this year. Nick Foles at quarterback has already thrown 9 interceptions on the season, while running back LeSean McCoy, who was the leading rusher in the NFL last season, has only averaged over 4 yards per carry in one game thus far.

Houston on the other hand has had great play from running back Arian Foster. The talented tailback has rushed for 100 or more yards in each of his past four games, while scoring 2 or more touchdowns in three of those four games.

The Houston passing game with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center has not accumulated large chunks of yards but could find their way against an Eagles defense that has only 3 interceptions on the season.

Houston has defeated every NFL team with the exception of the Minnesota Vikings and today’s opponent the Eagles.

Philadelphia is 4-1 against the number over its past 5 games following a loss SU.

Houston is 5-2 ATS over its past 7 games played on natural grass.

Houston is just 2-10 against the spread in its past 12 games following a win ATS.

The OVER has cashed in 6 of the past 7 games for Philly following a loss SU.

Pick: I like the Eagles on the road 28-21.