Look for Texas Tech and West Virgina to hit the over this weekend. Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images
Jay K. Stark provides weekly gambling selections for SportsMap and Houstonsportsandstuff:
It's been a crazy last few weeks for me. I apologize for not providing recaps and updating the record. I will update everything this weekend. 2-2 last weekend.
All plays $55 to win $50
West Virginia / Texas Tech over 74.5 I think this is about 3 points too low. Both teams have played in primetime spots the last couple of weeks and neither looked great on offense. People forget these teams score points. 2 coaches that really like each other and will break out everything in the play book to get a win. The number is too low.
Alabama - 19.5 1st half Saban is pissed. When he's grumpy, I'll roll with the tide. I'm not sure who he plays in the 2nd half. Arkansas sucks. I think it gets ugly fast. The Tide should cover three touchdowns in the first half.
Duke +7 The Duke Miami game was closer than the score indicated. I'm not sure what FSU is playing for here. Duke should be able to hang in this spot. FSU is coming off a monster letdown.
Chiefs/Texans/Patriots/Astros ML parlay ($25)
As always, any questions or hate mail please direct them to me @jayoff288
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The Houston Texans have a big challenge in store as they look to start the season with a win against the Colts this Sunday. When these two teams met in Week 2 last year, the Colts dominated the Texans, despite losing their QB Anthony Richardson to a concussion after the first quarter.
Keeping Richardson contained on Sunday will go a long way in increasing the Texans' chances of coming home with a win. The Texans defense will have their hands full containing the Colts backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Scoring touchdowns with their wide receivers could prove difficult, as the Texans allowed the second-fewest TDs (10) to the receiver position in 2023.
Limiting running back Jonathan Taylor will also be a top priority. While the Texans had an elite defense against the run last season, they struggled with Taylor in Week 18 as he almost rushed for 200 yards.
Houston's D allowed only four carries to running backs in 2023 that went for 20 or more yards. Two of which were to Taylor in the final game of the regular season.
Finally, DeMeco Ryans and company have to find a way to get pressure on the QB. They only had one QB hit and zero sacks on Richardson and Garner Minshew the first time they faced off last year.
On offense, the Texans have two big x-factors to watch for on Sunday. The offensive line that suited up to play the Colts in Week 2 last season is completely different from this year.
The o-line was ravaged with injuries to start the 2023 campaign, so we expect a big jump in productivity in the trenches this year.
Another big addition in 2024 is the presence of running back Joe Mixon. The running game only produced 2 yards per rush in Week 2 against Indy last year, so there's clearly room for improvement.
Be sure to watch the video above for our in-depth preview of Texans-Colts!
And catch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) live on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel following every game this season!