The New England Patriots will kick off their AFC title defense. This is when they face the Houston Texans in their season opener on Sunday, September 9. The game will be played at Gillette Stadium. This game is scheduled to begin at 1 PM. ET. Who are the favorites to win?
Houston Texans Odds
The Texans finished the 2017 season with a 4-12 record. Despite their disappointing season, the Texans are one of the favorites to win the AFC South this season.
Houston had a lot of injuries at key positions last season. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was an MVP candidate before a season-ending injury cut his rookie season short. J.J. Watt only played in a handful of games before suffering a season-ending injury as well. With both players back, expectations are high in Houston this season.
Last year, Watson announced his arrival in the NFL with an impressive performance against the Patriots, who needed a last minute score to avoid a loss to the Texans. Watson, who was making his second career start, finished the game with 301 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also added 41 yards on the ground.
After taking the Patriots to the wire last season, the Texans will be going into this matchup with a lot of confidence.
New England Patriots Odds
The Patriots failed to defend their Super Bowl championship last season, but they are still the favorites to win it all this year. However, their quest for their sixth Super Bowl will be tougher than it was last year due to the team’s lack of depth at the receiver position.
Favorites to Win NFL Week 1
Julian Edelman, who missed the entire 2017 season with a knee injury, will miss the first four games of the season as he serves a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. What do you think about the New England Patriots?
Brandin Cooks, who led all receivers in yards and touchdowns last year, was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason, after just one year in New England. Danny Amendola left for the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, leaving the team with depleted receiving corps.
Due to the team’s current situation, tight end Rob Gronkowski will be counted on to help carry the offense, but it will be a tough task for him to handle because defenses will double him up often and force Brady to throw to his untested receivers. Who will be the favorites to win?
Texans Vs Patriots Week 1 Betting Odds
The New England Patriots are favored to win this game by 6.5 points. The over/under on total points scored is 51.
As the defending AFC champions, the Patriots deserve to be the favorites, but their lack of depth at the receiver position is a cause for concern, making the Texans the smart pick in this game.
