After years of trying, the Houston Texans finally cracked the playoff code in 2011. Houston won a watered down, Peyton Manning-less AFC South with a 10-6 record, and it did so despite playing its final six games without starting quarterback Matt Schuab. The Texans breakthrough campaign has the odds makers at Sportsbook.ag predicting an easy 2012 run for the team in what appears to be a still punch less division. Houston Texans 2012 NFL Predictions have Schaub and company listed as a prohibitive -500 moneyline favorite ($500 to win $100) to retain their AFC South title. Gary Kubiak’s squad is also considered a championship contender according to the latest Super Bowl Odds, drawing +600 odds to win the Lamar Hunt Trophy and +1200 odds to win Super Bowl XLVII.
The Texans have featured one of the league’s better offenses for the past several seasons, but their leaky defense prevented them from reaching the post-season. Houston solved that problem in a big way last year, adding Wade Phillips to the staff to do what he does best, coach defense.
Phillips transformed the unit into top five material with relative ease as Houston ranked second and fourth in yards and points per game allowed respectively. The Texans figure to be nearly as formidable on defense this year, despite the losses of defensive end Mario Williams (signed with Buffalo) and linebacker DeMeco Ryans (traded to Philadelphia).
Whether its health, something that has been an issue for players like Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson, the departures of players like the aforementioned Williams as well as offensive line stalwarts Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston, or a grueling schedule (Jets, Packers, Ravens, Bears, Broncos, Lions, Patriots), Vegas based odds maker Cantor Gaming is not as sold on Houston as some of its offshore counterparts.
Cantor’s 2012 NFL regular season point spreads (issued for weeks one through 16) have the Texans listed as a favorite in just nine games.
Houston Texans 2012 NFL Regular Season Schedule and Point Spreads: Provided by Cantor Gaming
Week #1 Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans (-6.5)
Week #2 Houston Texans (-5.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week #3 Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (Pick’em)
Week #4 Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (-7.5)
Week #5 Houston Texans at New York Jets (Pick’em)
Week #6 Green Bay Packers at Houston Texans (+1.5)
Week #7 Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans (-3)
Week #8 BYE
Week #9 Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans (-7)
Week #10 Houston Texans (+1) at Chicago Bears
Week #11 Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-10.5)
Week #12 Houston Texans (+2.5) at Detroit Lions
Week #13 Houston Texans (-3) at Tennessee Titans
Week #14 Houston Texans (+6.5) at New England Patriots
Week #15 Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-10.5)
Week #16 Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (-10)
Week #17 Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (No Line Posted)
Houston Texans 2012 NFL Predictions and Super Bowl Odds:
Odds to Win 2013 Super Bowl XLVII +1200 ($100 to win $1200)
Odds to Win 2013 AFC Championship +600 ($100 to win $600)
Odds to Win AFC South -500 ($500 to win $100)
Regular Season Win Total: Over 9.5 wins (-180), Under 9.5 wins (+150)
Wiseguy Franks Preparation for Football Season: Host RJ Bell talks with Wiseguy Frank about his experiences last season, betting strategies, and this upcoming season.
TiSB: Cantor's Mike Colbert Talks World's First NFL Game Lines: Last week Cantor opened up the first 2012 NFL lines in the world - Cantor's VP Mike Colbert discusses the teams they value the best and worst, and also shares breaking news on how the Wiseguys have been betting so far - with host RJ Bell PLAY | DISCUSS | DOWNLOAD (to save: right mouse click, and select "save target as")
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