Los Angeles Rams vs. Houston Texans Odds & Game Pick (2021)
Week 8 brings us a marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans. This game needs no introduction because it stinks. You're probably reading this because you're sad or because you love betting on 'dogs, and maybe both. But anyway, let's get to it.
Below we'll take a closer look at the betting angle surrounding this game.
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Details
- Opening Line: O/U: 46 |HOU +14.5
- Current Line: O/U: 47.5 | HOU +14.5
Overview
The Rams enter off a relatively emotional win over the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell threw everything at this team, but Matt Stafford prevailed over his former squad, throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns.
The Texans come into Week 8 with a 1-6 record, having scored eight points collectively in the past two weeks against the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. The only bright spot on this team is wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and Cooks has racked up 501 yards and one touchdown this season despite poor quarterback play by Davis Mills.
Below we'll compare how these two team's matchups according to PFF's Power Ranks:
Numbers Courtesy of Pro Football Focus
Overall
- LA: 6th
- HOU: 31st
Defense
- LA: 1st
- HOU: 30th
Offense
- LA: 10th
- HOU: 30th
I could keep pulling more advanced statistics out, but you get it. These two teams are light years apart.
Trends
- Over is 5-1-1 in Rams last 7 games following a straight-up win
- Over is 4-1 in Texans last 5 home games
- Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog
Bottom Line
There is one thing to monitor before betting on this game. It was reported that Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor returned to practice Wednesday, but there is no definitive word to confirm he is playing or not.
It's a minimal sample size, but PFF grades him:
- Passing: 72.3
- Run Grade: 71.3
This season, Taylor has only played in two games due to injury but is a competent quarterback who can make this offense go.
If we get confirmation that Taylor is in, I will be playing the Texans at home. If he is not, I will buy myself something nice with that money instead, and I suggest you do the same.
Pick: Houston Texans +14.5 (Pass: if Tyrod Taylor is out)
Check out our consensus odds on all of this week's NFL games >>
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Jordan Anderson is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jordan, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @Jordan_A03.