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Seattle is in a fight with the surprising Los Angeles Rams for NFC West supremacy while the Texans are in the middle of a muddled picture in the AFC South. This is a pivotal game for both teams’ playoff hopes, and while Seattle is the favorite, the Texans have what it takes to remain competitive and possibly pull the upset.
Watch this regular season Week 8 matchup live on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at 1:05 p.m. ET at CenturyLink Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Houston Texans +5
Seattle Seahawks -5
Over/Under 46
Odds Analysis
The Seahawks are decent favorites at home in this one and the bettors are buying into that, as more than 56 percent of the action is on Seattle to cover. The scoring total is a little higher than one would expect with as well as these defenses play.
Even so, the “over” is getting hit hard. The Texans have put up some big scoring numbers of late, which is why most people are taking the “over” but they have yet to face a defense like this.
Injury Report
Duane Brown -- The Texans’ left tackle wasn’t injured but he missed the first seven games of the season while holding out because he is unhappy with his contract. Brown reported to the team this week although it’s uncertain if he will be put into the lineup. Brown is a solid offensive lineman and could be of use immediately.
Kevin Johnson -- The Texans’ cornerback returned to practice this week after missing several games with a knee injury. He looks on track to play against Seattle. Houston could use the boost as it has lost defensive standouts Watt and Whitney Mercilus for the season due to injuries.
Cliff Avril -- The Seahawks’ defensive end was placed on injured reserve and his career may be in jeopardy with a neck injury. He was one of the better pass-rushers on the team and it’s a big loss. Frank Clark has taken his place and is another guy with talent, so it won’t be a huge dropoff, but the rotation on the Seattle defensive line is now thinner.
Player to Watch
Watson -- The Texans’ quarterback has thrown for 1,297 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Watson has really taken off in his past three games, throwing for 12 touchdowns against only two interceptions in that span. Watson has also added 28 carries for 202 yards and two touchdowns with his legs.
The Seahawks have an impressive mobile quarterback of their own in Russell Wilson, so the defense gets used to that look each year in training camp. Seattle’s defense has shut down many a quarterback, and this will be a great test to see what Watson is made of after a great three-game stretch.
Free ATS Pick
Watson has been a revelation, but this is a really tough task. The Seahawks are great at home and the crowd will be energized. If Houston’s defense gives up too many points, Watson will be forced to throw a lot, and that is not a recipe for success.
Watson is going to come back down to earth in this one. Take Seattle to not only win this game but cover the spread. The “under” is definitely the call as this one is unlikely to be a shootout.
NFL Odds: Seahawks 27, Texans 17
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