NFL Free Picks Texans Looking For Love, First Win of Season Against Titans

The Houston Texans, (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS, 1-0 O/U), were pounded in their season opener 38-17 and had their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens postponed because of Hurricane Ike.

Now, the Texans will take on the Tennessee Titans, (2-0 SU, 2-0 ATS, 0-2 O/U) looking to pick up their first win of the 2008 regular season.

The Texans had a poor game in their season-opener as quarterback Matt Schaub threw two interceptions, was sacked five times and lost one fumble.

Defensively, Houston allowed Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to throw for two touchdowns and running back Willie Parker to add three more scores on the ground, though defensive end Mario Williams had two sacks of his own.

The Titans moved to 2-0 on Sunday by beating the unimpressive Cincinnati Bengals 24-7 one week after winning their home opener by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-10 in a contest I correctly predicted in the BetUS Locker Room that week.

The Titans have had to overcome all sorts of off-field drama surrounding quarterback Vince Young who sprained his knee in Week 1. Various reports have said that Young allegedly wants to retire from football, commit suicide or is just mentally drained.

Tennessee has turned the reins to their offense over to veteran quarterback Kerry Collins for the foreseeable future and Collins responded by leading the Titans to victory last week.

Tennessee has been a juggernaut on defense this season, limiting their opponents to just 202 total yards per game, (2nd), including a jaw-dropping 60.5 rushing yards per contest, (2nd) and a league-leading 8.5 points per contest.

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my analysis and NFL Gambling Free Picks:

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games

Houston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 11 games on the road

Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tennessee

Tennessee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

Tennessee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tennessee's last 5 games

Tennessee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tennessee's last 9 games at home

NFL Odds

Houston Texans +5 -110

Tennessee Titans -5 -110

Over 38 -110

Under 38 -110

Analysis: I told BetUS NFL bettors last week that I fully believe that the Tennessee Titans are actually going to improve on offense with Kerry Collins replacing Vince Young. The bottom line for this matchup is the fact that the Texans won’t be able to move the ball much on Tennessee’s stellar defense. Take the Titans to cover the spread easily in this matchup.

NFL Free Picks: Titans 24 Texans 10