Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
USA TODAY Sports Media Group
Los Angeles Rams at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions
By Cameron DaSilva,
2024-08-24
After holding a joint practice Thursday, the Los Angeles Rams (2-0) and Houston Texans (2-1) will square off in the final week of the preseason Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rams vs. Texansodds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
After winning just 1 preseason game the last 3 years, the Rams started 2-0 this year thanks to narrow victories over the Dallas Cowboys (13-12) and Los Angeles Chargers (13-9). QB Stetson Bennett threw game-winning touchdowns in each contest — including one with 4 seconds left vs. Dallas — to lead the Rams from behind both times. The Rams haven’t played any starters in the preseason and that’s going to be the case Saturday.
The Texans, who lost the Hall of Fame Game to the Chicago Bears 21-17, responded with wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers (20-12) and New York Giants (28-10) by a combined 26 points. QB C.J. Stroud has played sparingly thus far, attempting only 14 passes in 2 games — he didn’t play against the Bears.
Moneyline (ML): Rams +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Texans -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Rams +3.5 (-110) | Texans -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 34 (O: -110 | U: -110)
WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
The Huddle has been turning players like you into winners for over 25 years. This season, it’s your turn. Custom fantasy football rankings, sleepers and tools are just a click away. Save 25% off the Internet’s best-kept secret. Subscribe now!
Rams at Texans picks and predictions
Prediction
Texans 20, Rams 13
Betting any favorite in the preseason on the money line is risky business, especially at a line of -200 for Houston. The Texans take the preseason more serious than the Rams, but it’s still not worth taking them at the -210 price. PASS.
The Rams are 2-0 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) this preseason, but their magic could run out Saturday. The wins came on a last-second TD passes, a 4th-down against the Cowboys and a 47-yarder with 9:48 to go in the 4th quarter last week. Without those 2 plays, they’re 0-2.
The Texans have an edge at quarterback with QBs Davis Mills and Case Keenum compared to Bennett. Plus, with this being the final preseason game, the Rams could play it even safer with their primary backups, particularly on the offensive line. BET TEXANS -3.5 (-110).
The total has gone Under in each of the Rams’ 2 preseason games with combined scores of 25 and 22. The Texans’ 3 games have averaged 39.3 total points, so that’s slightly above the listed number of 33.5. However, the Under has been the better bet this summer accross the league.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0