5* TEXANS/PATRIOTS NFL MNF TOP PLAY

Houston vs. New England, 12/10/2012 20:30 EDT, Score: 14 - 42

Point Spread: +6/-115 Houston

Sportsbook: Bovada

Result: Loss

5* TEXANS/PATRIOTS NFL MNF TOP PLAY: Texans +6

The Texans went on the road and beat up on the Titans 24-10 this past weekend. Houston has now won six straight since that ugly 24-42 loss at home to the Packers on Sunday Night Football. The Texans improved to a very profitable 8-3 ATS on the season and 4-1 ATS on the road. In fact, Houston is a perfect 6-0 away from home, which includes wins over at Denver and Chicago.

I don’t think there is any doubt that the Texans are capable of beating any team in this league whether it’s at home or on the road. Given how talented both of these teams are, you have to expect a close game that will be decided in the final minutes of the 4th quarter. That certainly appears to give the edge to Houston at +6.

The Patriots defense is one of the worst in the NFL against the pass, giving up an average of 280 ypg through the air. While the run defense has been solid, you have to believe they are going to have some difficulties slowing down Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster. If New England struggles to stop the run they could be in some serious trouble, as the Texans will be able to control the clock and create a lot of big plays with the play-action pass.

You also have to factor in how well the Texans have played defensively this year. Houston is currently 4th in scoring defense, allowing just 18.4 ppg. We saw New England struggle to get their offense going last week against the Dolphins physical defense. The Patriots are just 2-3 in games where they don’t score more than 30 points and those two wins came against a couple of teams who have no offense to speak of in the Jets and Dolphins. BET THE TEXANS!