Points Could Come at a Premium When Texans visit Bengals for TNF

Real Thursday Night Football begins in Week 2 when the Texans visit the Bengals in a game that opened with a total of 38. Houston and Cincinnati combined to score seven total points in their Sportsbook contests and each faces a short week to get things straightened out. Get your eye-gouging utensils ready – this one could be ugly.

SHARK BITES
  • The Texans are 7-2 SU and ATS in their last 9 games against the Bengals.
  • The last 4 meetings between the Bengals and Texans have gone UNDER.
  • The total has gone UNDER in the Bengals’ last 5 prime-time games.

Failing to score a single point in their home opener on Sunday, it’s looking like we’re in store for another subpar season from Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati offense. The so-called Red Rifle was responsible for five turnovers against the Ravens and it’s likely he commits more friendly fire in Week 2 when he’s put under pressure by one of the best defensive fronts in pro football.

In his six years as an NFL starter, Dalton has never been good in the clutch. His teams have gone 5-13 straight up in prime time when he’s been under center and he’s won just one of the four career games he’s played against the Texans.

The Texans, 2-21-1 against the spread in their last 24 games under the lights, have had serious problems in prime time as well. That said, their edge in the head-to-head against the Bengals is hard to ignore and Marvin Lewis’ 8-22 straight-up record in night games is downright hilarious.

Houston gave up 29 points in Week 1 but when you look at the Jags’ offensive numbers (280 total yards), you realize that the Texans did a respectable job stopping the ball. Four turnovers committed by Houston’s offense severely handicapped Mike Vrabel’s unit and led directly to 16 of those Jacksonville points.

Deshaun Watson is expected to get the start for the Texans on Thursday after Tom Savage sucked out loud for two quarters in Week 1 and while that’s great for Watson’s long-term progression, the quick turnaround really limits what he can do. The 12th overall draft pick looked good in spurts on Sunday and he actually made use of DeAndre Hopkins, targeting the talented wideout early and often when he entered the contest. Expect the Clemson Connection to get stronger and stronger every game this season.

The rookie QB could, however, struggle in his first prime-time game as a pro with little time to prepare. Watson still clearly needs some grooming and I’m not expecting him to blow the doors off a middle-of-the-road Cincy defense.

As I mention in my video preview, neither of these teams has scored more than 22 points in their last four matchups against each other over the years and there was some compelling evidence in Week 1 to suggest we’re in for another slog job when the two meet again at Paul Brown Stadium. Take the UNDER here and move on with your life.

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Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

The Houston Texans were listed as 3-point underdogs at sportsbooks such as Sportsbook, with the total listed at 38.

OddsShark analytical formulas picked a 26-12 win for the Bengals on Thursday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.

Houston Texans vs Cincinnati Bengals Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Cincinnati Bengals sport a record of 0-1 and 0-1 ATS heading into this betting matchup, while the Houston Texans sit at 0-1 and 0-1 ATS on the season. The OVER/UNDER totals records are 0-1 for the Bengals and 0-1 for the Texans. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cincinnati vs Houston injuries news.

It's a betting matchup between the No. 16-rated Cincinnati Bengals and the No. 26-ranked Houston Texans, according to the NFL Power Rankings here at OddsShark.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Houston didn't make much of a game of it last time out, losing to the Jaguars as Jacksonville blasted them 29-7 in Week 1 action.

The Bengals were shut out in their last start, struggling to get much going against Baltimore's defence and losing 20-0 to the Ravens on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

Betting Trends
  • Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games
  • Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
  • Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
  • Cincinnati is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
  • Cincinnati is 6-11-2 ATS in its last 19 games
  • Cincinnati is 3-6-1 SU in its last 10 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games

Next Betting Matchups

Houston at New England, Sunday, September 24
Cincinnati at Green Bay, Sunday, September 24

The Texans are 7-2 SU and ATS in their last 9 games against the Bengals.away The last 4 meetings between the Bengals and Texans have gone UNDER.home The total has gone UNDER in the Bengals’ last 5 prime-time games.away
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