It’s been 14 years since the Oakland Raiders last made a trip to the postseason and their stay could be a short one as quarterback issues continue to plague the team at the end of the regular season. It was a kick to the sack when Derek Carr went down with a broken fibula two weeks ago, now his backup may not be available after Matt McGloin sustained a shoulder injury in a loss at Denver last week that cost the Raiders the AFC West crown. The Houston Texans aren’t in much better shape at the QB spot so don’t expect these teams to light up the scoreboard when they meet in a Wild Card game.
This Wild Card playoff round game will go down Sunday, January 7, 2017, at 4:35 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oakland Raiders +3
Houston Texans -3
Over/Under 37
Odds Analysis
Houston opened as a 3-point favorite only because they are at home. This one has the makings of a low-scoring battle with Houston’s offense one of the weaker in the league and Raiders playing without Carr. The teams did meet in Mexico City in Week 11, but that result is meaningless given the injury concerns on both sides. Houston went 7-1 SU and 4-3-1 ATS at home and that edge may be just enough to carry them in this one.
Injury Report
Matt McGloin – The Raiders were going to move forward with their backup but those plans took a hit when McGloin sustained a shoulder injury against the Broncos. Connor Cook, who hadn’t been active until the regular season finale, completed 14 of 21 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown in his first action. The Raiders are in trouble if Cook takes over behind center.
Tom Savage – Houston may have to turn to Brock Osweiler for the Wild Card matchup after Savage left last game with a concussion. Savage struggled against the Titans and Osweiler did a nice job when taking over after halftime. He threw for 253 yards and a touchdown leading the team to 17 second half points.
Matchup to Watch
You have to give the edge in the quarterback situation to the Texans in this one, only because their starter is relatively healthy. Osweiler was benched a few games ago because the offense absolutely stunk. Savage didn’t fare much better, though he did lead Houston to a win over the Bengals in Week 16 that clinched the AFC South. After signing his mega-bucks free agent contract last offseason, Osweiler has stumbled. His numbers didn’t reflect the amount of money he was making and the Texans were lucky they played in the worst division in football.
But Osweiler may have a chip on his shoulder after the benching. He took it well, said all the right things, and moved on by helping Savage in his new role. The offense showed no signs of life under Savage and with the club forced to go back to Osweiler in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Titans, they may have found something. The game meant nothing to the Texans, who were already locked into their position, but the second half was encouraging. Houston should also have Lamar Miller back in the lineup after he missed the final two regular season games with an ankle injury. Both teams are hurting at the most important position on the field, but heading into Saturday’s contest, the Texans are hurting a little less.
Free ATS Pick
The Raiders had a lot going for them in the most successful season since reaching the Super Bowl following the 2002 campaign. The loss of Carr was a gut punch and after watching McGloin try and play against the Broncos, it doesn’t look good for the Silver and Black. McGloin’s shoulder injury was another blow and I doubt the Raiders had a good enough run game and defense to overcome Carr’s loss. They definitely don’t have what it takes to advance if Cook is forced into a starting role.
This game could be one of the ugliest playoff contests in recent memory with no real quarterbacks on the field. Both teams will look to run the ball and the Raiders need their offensive line to impose its will on the Texans’ defenders. Watching the Raiders play in their loss to the Broncos on Sunday, it looked as if they knew the season was over without Carr. Houston has the home field advantage and that’s about the only thing that will save them in this one. One team has to win so I’ll go with the Texans, but that’s as far as they get this playoff season.
NFL Odds: Texans 20, Raiders 13
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