Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders (10/23/2022): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Charts

A week seven AFC matchup gives us a showdown between two teams that are still looking to get their second win as the Houston Texans travel to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders.  The Texans currently stand at 1-3-1 while the Raiders are currently 1-4.  Houston came into this season with expectations to rebuild but have come out more competitive than expected starting the year with a tie against the Colts.  QB Davis Mills is not the long term answer, which is part of the reason Houston has one of the lowest offensive efficiency in the league.  He has played competitively in some games and skill players RB Dameon Pierce and WR Brandin Cooks have played near the top of their position and can keep Houston in it.

The Raiders had playoff aspirations this year after making it last season and acquiring star WR Davante Adams.  They have struggled early to a disappointing start as they still manage to get used to their new HC Josh McDaniels.  Many of their losses have come in close games and they need a win this week to get their season back on track for a playoff appearance.  Let’s break into this game’s odds and predictions:

Houston Texans Vs. Las Vegas Raiders Betting Odds

Despite coming into this game with a worst record by half a game, the Raiders are touchdown favorites at home at -7 points.  The moneyline odds is currently -305 in favor of Vegas.  Las Vegas on paper is a much more talented team and Houston has aspirations of getting a top pick in the NFL draft and grabbing a new QB so it makes sense why the Raiders are favorites. 

The Raiders have lost by six points or less in all of their games so they are due for a win after a crucial loss against the Chiefs 30-29 in week five.  Texans have played in a lot of low scoring games as well and haven’t been blown out yet showing their ability to be competitive.  Both teams come into this game off a bye week so it’ll be interesting to see how these two do off their week break.

The over/under total is currently 45.5 points for the game.  The Raiders average 25 points per game while the Texans average only 17 points per game so it makes sense why the total is 45.5 but it will depend on how these defenses play.

Houston Texans Vs. Las Vegas Raiders Picks & Prediction

My Pick: Las Vegas Raiders -7 (-110)
I think the Raiders are due for a win to get things back on track in this new Josh McDaniels era.  This team is much better than their 1-4 record and their offense has way too much talent in terms of players to lose to the Texans.  The Raiders defense will need to step up and make some stops on this Texans offense.  The Raiders are ranked 26th in points allowed per game. 

I think after a very frustrating loss against the Chiefs they will come out hot and not let their foot off the gas until the end and cover the spread.

I am leaning towards the under in this game as I am curious if the Texans offense can stay up with the Raiders.  They have only scored more than 20 once this season.  They also have scored less than ten twice, one being their last game against the Jaguars.

Betting Trends

-The Raiders are 4-0 ATS in their last four October games
-They are also 0-4 ATS in their last four games against teams with a losing record
-The Over is 4-0 in the Raiders last four October games
-The last seven times these two have matched up, the road team is 5-2 ATS
-The Texans are 1-6 in their last seven week seven games

Key Injuries

Houston Texans:
Teagan Quitoriano, IR
Blake Cashman, questionable
Jonathan Greenard, questionable
Brevin Jordan, questionable
Chris Moore, questionable

Las Vegas Raiders:
Nate Hobbs, IR
Jayon Brown, questionable
Foster Moreau, questionable

Texans vs Raiders Key Matchups

Derek Carr vs. Houston Texans Defense
Biggest matchup will be Derek Carr against the Texans Defense.  Carr needs to be playing winning football like he has done many seasons prior to get this team back on track and back to their winning formula.  The Texans Defense has played well early averaging less than 20 points allowed per game.  Carr has 1,279 yards and eight passing TDs through five games this year.  If he gets more connected with receivers like Adams and Renfrow through the air, Raiders should be able to win easily.

Houston Texans Depth Chart

QB: Davis Mills
RB1: Dameon Pierce
RB2: Rex Burkhead
RB3: Dare Ogunowale
LWR: Nico Collins
RWR: Brandin Cooks
SWR: Chris Moore
TE1: Pharaoh Brown

Las Vegas Raiders Depth Chart

QB: Derek Carr
RB1: Josh Jacobs
RB2: Brandon Bolden
RB3: Ameer Abdullah
LWR: Davante Adams
RWR: Keelan Cole
SWR: Hunter Renfrow
TE1: Darren Waller