One of the NFL Week 7 conference games scheduled for Sunday, October 23, is perhaps unattractive on paper, but that is no reason to overlook the best Texans vs. Raiders betting pick and odds.

Houston is traveling to Las Vegas after securing the first win of the season, and now will be looking for another one when they take on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Still, the Raiders are 7-point favorites on Bovada Sportsbook, while the total is set at 46 points. These conference rivals will meet for the first time since 2019.

Texans beat the Jaguars in a low-scoring affair in Jacksonville

The Houston Texans (1-3-1, 3-1-1 ATS) finally recorded their first victory of the season, and now we don’t have any more teams without a W this year in the NFL. It wasn’t a pretty win, but the Texans took it with arms wide open, considering the Jacksonville Jaguars were better in total yards (422-248) and first downs (22-15). However, the Texans forced a pair of turnovers and didn’t commit a single one in return to claim a 13-6 victory.

Davis Mills completed 16 of 24 passes for 140 yards. Nico Collins caught four passes for team-high 65 yards, but it was evident that the Texans are not going to win this game through the air. That’s why they turned to their run offense and Dameon Pierce, who needed just a yard to reach the 100-yard mark. He led all the runners with 99 yards and a TD on 26 carries. Defensively, Jalen Pitre and Christian Kirksey led Houston with eight tackles apiece.

WR Chris Moore (hip) and TE Brevin Jordan (ankle) are questionable to face the Raiders on Sunday.

Raiders fell short to the Chiefs on the road

The Las Vegas Raiders (1-4, 2-3 ATS) snapped their three-game losing skid with a home win over the Denver Broncos, but they couldn’t get back-to-back victories over the divisional foes as they fell short to the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. The Raiders had a 14-0 and 20-10 lead, but the Chiefs were better in the second half and celebrated a 30-29 victory.

Derek Carr completed 19 of 30 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams exploded for three catches for game-high 124 yards and two touchdowns, and the Chiefs’ secondary wasn’t ready for him and a pair of bombs he caught. Josh Jacobs was equally effective on the ground with game-high 154 yards and a score on 21 rush attempts. Maxx Crosby was once again the most active pass rusher and registered two sacks, while Divine Deablo had a game-high ten tackles.

TE Darren Waller (hamstring) is out and will not play on Sunday against Houston. LB Jayon Brown (hamstring) and WR Hunter Renfrow (hip) are questionable.

Trends:

Houston:

  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven games vs. a team with a losing record
  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game

Las Vegas:

  • 8-1 ATS in the last nine games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game
  • 4-1 ATS in the last five games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game

Houston Texans vs. Las Vegas Raiders Pick  

Las Vegas has a more talented team, especially on offense, and I am backing them to outscore their opponents big time in this one after scoring 29 against the Chiefs. Despite a top six offense that averages 25.0 points per game, the Raiders do have one of the weakest defenses in the league that allows 26.0 ppg. Their secondary, a weaker part of the D, will be lucky to face the Texans, who have been averaging only 192.0 passing yards per contest. Derek Carr, Davante Adams, and Josh Jacobs have what it takes to score a pair of TDs and help their team improve to a 2-4 record.

Pick: Take the Raiders at -6.5 (-130)

The Total

Although the Raiders play high-scoring games this season, it’s hard to expect the Texans involved in such a game. They scored more than 20 points only once this season, and it wouldn’t be shocking if they do score 20+ here, but I don’t think so. Las Vegas failed to score 20+ points just once this year, and I am backing them to score 20+ again. I just don’t like that Houston’s offense, though. Under is 8-2 in the Texans’ last ten road games, while Under is 5-2 in the Raiders’ previous seven games following an ATS win.

Pick: Go Under 47.5 points (-140)