Chiefs vs. Texans
Betting Line: Chiefs +4.5 o/u 45
10/17/10
By
John J. Raspanti
The Chiefs visit Houston after losing their first Game of the season to the Indianapolis Colts, 19-9. The ten point margin is misleading though, as the Chiefs had a very good chance to win.
Their defense did a wonderful job of keeping the Colts offensive in check allowing only Four field goals through three quarters of play. The Chiefs need their offense to step it up. Quarterback Matt Cassel has been ordinary through the first Four Games of the season, completing 55 percent of his passes and a quarterback rating of 74. Running back Jamaal Charles has been anything but ordinary, extra ordinary is more like it. Charles is averaging over 6 yards a carry. The Chiefs also have old mister reliable Thomas Jones who has GAined over 200 yards thus far this season. Cassel’s favorite receiver is Tony Moeaki who has caught 16 passes. On the defensive side of the ball their run defense is ranked 6th in the league while their pass defense is 25th. The Texans will undoubtedly have a wide open Game plan with many passes. Linebackers Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher lead the team in tackles, while safety Eric Berry leads in hard hits.
The Texans are reeling a little right now. The New York Giants came to Texas last weekend and hammered them by the score of 34-10. The week before they were lucky to get by the Raiders and three weeks earlier were massacred by the Cowboys. Quarterback Matt SChaub is having a fine season, completing 62 percent passes along with 7 touchdown passes. Arian Foster is one of the best running backs in the league. He has GAined over 550 yards with an average of 6 yards per carry. Andre Johnson has caught 24 balls, while Kevin Walter has scored three touchdowns. Defensively the Texans rank 30th in the league, giving up an average of almost 330 yards passing. Safety Bernard Pollard leads team with an impressive 51 tackles followed by linebacker Demeco Ryans.
To win the Chiefs need quarterback Matt Cassel to make some big plays. Moving the ball against the Texans (especially through the air) shouldn’t be a problem but it will be if Cassel can’t connect on some deep throws.
We think the Chiefs have the edge in this one as a result of their defense. Keeping Manning and company in check last week validates their defensive yards per point number of 22 which puts them in the top 3 in the league. Both teams weigh in with similar offensive numbers but the Chiefs should have a much easier time moving the ball this week. The number is simply too high here. Chiefs +4.5
KANSAS CITY
Kansas City is 7-17 SU in its last 24 Games
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 Games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City’s last 6 Games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City’s last 6 Games on the road
Kansas City is 5-17 SU in its last 22 Games on the road
HOUSTON
Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 Games
Houston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 Games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 6 Games
Houston is 15-8 SU in its last 23 Games at home
Houston is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 Games at home