NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds & Picks for Thursday: 49ers vs. Texans (8/25)
Let’s check out our top odds and pick for Thursday’s Week 3 NFL preseason game between the 49ers vs. Texans.
Check out our NFL Futures Betting Guide >>
NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds & Picks for Thursday: 49ers vs. Texans
A pair of 2-0 teams will square off Thursday night on Prime Video as the San Francisco 49ers head to Houston to take on the Texans. One of the best defenses in the league has already been on display in the preseason, as the 49ers picked up two interceptions their last time out vs. the Vikings, but uncertainty continues to swirl on the offensive side of the ball.
As for the Texans, quarterback uncertainty is also the dominating storyline this preseason, as Davis Mills, Kyle Allen, and Jeff Driskel compete to run what could be one of the worst offenses in the league. Even still, the team has escaped with two narrow wins against the Rams and Saints so far in this shortened preseason.
Like we saw last week, all accounts point towards Kyle Shanahan once again resting his starting quarterback Trey Lance this week, giving the Texans an edge with Davis Mills expected to see snaps as he solidifies himself as the guy in Houston. With real action now just over a week away as well, I also expect the 49ers to lay off on the defensive side of the ball.
To me, this points towards another Houston outright win, but I'll gladly take the points currently being offered.
Bet: Texans +3.5
What is Betting Against the Spread?
Betting "against the spread" refers to the act of choosing the winning team based on a numeric handicap placed on the team that oddsmakers believe is superior, rather than picking the outright winner. For example, if the Rams face the Bengals, and oddsmakers set the spread at Rams -3.5, you would need Los Angeles to win by 4 or more points in order to cash your Rams bet.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Over/Under is a wager based on how many points you think will be scored in a specific game. Oddsmakers set the total, and bettors decide whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number. If an Over/Under is set at 44.5 points and you bet Over, you will need the combined score of both teams to be 45 points or higher to win your bet.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific matchup. The moneyline favorite carries a minus designation, like -130. This means that you need to wager $130 to earn a $100 profit. Conversely, the underdog carries a plus designation, like +110. This means that you win $110 in profit on a $100 bet.
Matthew Freedman’s Best Bets After the 2022 NFL Draft >>
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts
Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our How To Bet and Sports Betting Strategy and Advice pages are for you. You can get started with our Sports Betting 101 Section - including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners - or head to more advanced sports betting strategies - like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread - to learn more.