Embarrassing shutout
Ugly performance by the Lions at the most inappropriate moment last week. They got shut down by a mediocre Panthers defense in Charlotte, losing the game with the result 0-20. They were in great position to get their record out of losing percentage and tie themselves with Chicago in second place in the division. With that win, they would get right back into the playoff race, but because they lost, chances are now much slimmer.
God news for their offense is the expected return of DeAndre Swift. Rookie running back got more playing time in the last couple of weeks and was the one that managed to break out of that committee backfield with Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson. Seeing him play, it's weird that Detroit needed 10 weeks to give him more playing time. He brought some immediate spark to this offense, showing many similarities with another great running back in NFC North - Dalvin Cook. Versatility, shiftiness and explosiveness are the traits that describe his style of play. Getting him back is a big plus before facing the league's worst run defense.
Hiding leaky run defense
Speaking of that run-D. New England surprisingly shied away from their running game, after starting really strong on the ground in the opening quarter or so, when Damien Harris ran for almost 5 yards per carry. It seemed like that's their gameplan and pretty much a clear path to the victory. But for some reason, they made a poor decision there and I think it cost them a game in the end.Houston improved to 3-7 with that win, but their season is probably already done. They are competing with Tennessee and Indianapolis in this division, both have 7-3 records. And the future doesn't look that bright either, considering this roster has many holes. Some of the key players like JJ Watt are past their prime. And Bill O'Brien spent a lot of the draft capital that they need to improve this roster.
Looking at the not so distant future, things look better for them. Their injury report is pretty short for these crazy times. Laremy Tunsil returned and practiced in full after his non-Covid illness. While Kenny Stills is the only notable name that is sitting out this game for the Texans.
Lions vs Texans betting tips
Detroit has more issues on the other side.They will be without Danny Amendola and Kenny Golladay, which hurts them significantly in this matchup ,where they could use their best receivers to exploit Houston's secondary. It did open a spot for Mohamed Sanu to get promoted from the practice squad. Their first round pick Jeffrey Okudah is also out with a shoulder injury, but they're happy to see their second round rookie DeAndre Swift back. He got cleared after suffering a concussion in week 10.
Houston is favored by 3 points while the total is set at 51, which seems about right. I did find a couple of interesting spots with player props though. I was first tempted by some of these Lions receivers that will get more playing time in absence of Golladay and Amendola. For example, Quintez Cephus started this season really well and showed potential and can be a "buy low" option at the moment. Or Marvin Hall, who played well recently and is a great deep threat that can cover such lines with a single catch. For now, I'm going only with DeAndre Swift. I doubt they'd clear him after concussion if he'd be any less then 100%. He will get the full workload and this is a great matchup to pile up some yards on the ground.
