The Las Vegas Raiders (0-1) and Houston Texans (0-1) will face off in Week 2 of the NFL preseason. Kickoff is set for in 8 p.m. ET from Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Texans are favored by 1.5 with the over/under set at 40.5 total points. Houston is a -142 favorite to win outright, while Las Vegas is +120 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Raiders vs Texans predictions and NFL picks for Thursday, August, 20.
My Raiders vs Texans Prediction
- Raiders vs Texans pick: Texans -1.5
My Raiders vs Texans best bet is Texans -1.5, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Raiders vs Texans Odds
| Raiders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -108 | 40.5 -112o / -108u | +120 |
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -112 | 40.5 -112o / -108u | -142 |
Raiders vs Texans Preseason Preview
Las Vegas Raiders Betting Preview: Kubiak Happy With Offense
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak had to be happy with what he saw from Kirk Cousins in their preseason opener against the Cardinals, where the veteran completed 5-of-6 passes for 50 yards and one touchdown. Rookie first overall Fernando Mendoza also looked sharp, putting up 97 yards and one touchdown.
We also saw the revamped offensive line generate some push for Ashton Jeanty, who averaged 5.3 yards per carry on three rush attempts. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. looked terrific, scoring a 53-yard touchdown where he showed how explosive he can be.
On defense, it was a different story, as the Raiders were picked apart by Jacoby Brissett (5-of-5, 44 yards, 1 TD) and Gardner Minshew (14-of-16, 101 yards, 2 TD).
With the Texans expected to play their starters in this one, it's a tough spot for this struggling group.
Houston Texans Betting Preview: Ryans To Roll Out Starters
The Texans lost 27-7 to the Chargers in their opener, but they didn't play any of their starters. Davis Mills started at quarterback, while Noah Whittington led the backfield in touches.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has already stated that the starters will see reps this week, which means that we'll get a chance to watch C.J. Stroud, David Montgomery, and Nico Collins in this one.
That bodes well for the Texans' chances against a Raiders defense that has struggled. Aside from their preseason opener, reports indicate that the Texans dominated the line of scrimmage in joint practices with the Raiders this week.
Raiders vs Texans Prediction, Betting Analysis
When asked whether the Raiders starters will play this week, Klint Kubiak said that "we'll see."
That tells me that there's a chance that Kirk Cousins won't play much in this game, if at all. With Fernando Mendoza seeing extensive action against an elite defense that plans to give some reps to its starters, the Texans look like the play here.
I like that we only have to lay 1.5 points on the better team. With how much the Raiders defense has struggled so far, expect C.J. Stroud and company to jump out to an early lead.
I'll take my chances that they can hold onto the lead all game, particularly once the backups come in after halftime.
Pick: Texans -1.5
