The final week of the NFL preseason begins on Thursday, August 25, when we have two games on the schedule, including this inter-conference duel, so make sure you don’t miss the best 49ers vs. Texans betting pick and odds.

Both San Francisco and Houston are looking to conclude the preseason at NRG Stadium with a win and with a perfect record after they won their first two games this summer. The 49ers are -3.5 favorites on BetDSI Sportsbook, while the total is set at 41.5 points. These inter-conference rivals faced met once in 2021, and the Niners won that game 23-7 in San Francisco.

49ers to field their starters in the preseason finale

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 and Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, covering each time. The Niners’ defense was rock-solid in a 17-7 win over Minnesota as they kept the Vikings to just 195 total yards and forced three turnovers, while the offense totaled 344 yards. It was 7-6 for the Vikings after the first three quarters, but San Francisco scored 11 points in the final 15 minutes.

Quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Nate Sudfeld split time on the field, and the latter threw a lone TD pass to JaMycal Hasty in the fourth quarter. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that he will play his starters in Houston, but it remains to be seen how long they will be utilized before backups take over. Still, we should see Trey Lance in action after missing the last game. He did play a bit in San Francisco’s opening game of the preseason.

Texans scored a late TD to beat the Rams

The Houston Texans improved to a 2-0 record in the preseason as they defeated the reigning champions Los Angeles Rams. Jeff Driskel threw a touchdown pass to Mason Schreck with a minute remaining to make it 24-20. Interestingly, each of three quarterbacks recorded a touchdown pass, including starter Davis Mills, who completed ten of 17 passes for 96 yards and a score.

In the first two games of the preseason, the Texans’ pass rush was impressive as it registered 11 sacks on 16 pressures. Only in the win over Los Angeles, Houston had six sacks and 11 QB hits. Allowing 33 points in two games is a good sign for Lovie Smith, who is a new head coach in town, and must be pleased with the way the Texans have been playing.

Trends:

San Francisco:

  • 5-0 ATS in the last five games overall
  • 4-0 ATS in the last four road games
  • 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings

Houston:

  • 3-10 ATS in the last 13 Thursday games

San Francisco 49ers vs. Houston Texans Pick  

The Niners can rely on their starters in this one and I expect to see some good possessions, particularly in the first half. On the other hand, Davis Mills and Houston’s offense seem mediocre, and unless the Texans’ defense displays another heroic performance and forces multiple turnovers and gets 5+ sacks, I don’t think the hosts have a chance. Houston failed to record more than 176 passing yards in its two preseason games, and I don’t believe they will surpass 200 yards here. I will lower the spread a bit as I don’t want to lose my bet if the 49ers win by exactly three points.

Pick: Take the 49ers at -2.5 (-135)

The Total

I mentioned Houston’s mediocre offense, which couldn’t get more than 275 total yards in the first two preseason games, and I am backing the Niners to keep them under 300 on Thursday. Trey Lance will likely move the chains with ease for the visitors, but we have to keep in mind Houston’s sturdy defense that limited the opposing offenses to under 280 total yards this preseason. Under is 7-1 in the 49ers’ last eight games overall, while Under is 5-1 in San Francisco’s previous six road games.Pick: Go Under 41.5 points (-110)