Sunday, September 14, 2014

O.co Coliseum in Oakland

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One of the most prestigious venues in the National Football League will see its home opener in week 2 when the Oakland Raiders welcome the Houston Texans to the O.Co Coliseum. The Texans are coming into this game with a 1-0 record after they shut down the Washington Redskins, 17-6. The Raiders on the other hand will be looking to avoid a 0-2 start after they lost to the New York Jets, 19-14. The Texans will be led into this game by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, while the Raiders will turn to rookie Derek Carr, who will make his second straight start.

Fitzpatrick had a stellar opening week game against the Redskins, throwing for 206 yards with 1 touchdown. He was sacked just once and finished the game with a QB rating of 109.3. The return of Arian Foster was a good one for the talented running back. He surpassed 100 yards on 27 carries and while he didn't find the end zone and lost a fumble, looked like the same player that was once considered the best rusher in the NFL. The passing game saw Fitzpatrick connect with just 5 different receivers. Andre Johnson had the best day, catching 6 passes for 93 yards, but it was DeAndre Hopkins that reached the end zone, making 4 total catches for 89 yards.

Oakland will have a rough go of things this season with the rookie at quarterback if their rushing attach can't get it going. The team relies on two former elite rushers in Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew, but they combined for just 26 yards on 13 carries. With Carr making his first career start, those are not numbers that can be considered acceptable. Carr played well and in some ways, played well enough to get the win. He threw for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns and didn't throw an interception.

Houston Texans Betting Trends

Houston Texans are 1-0 straight up

Houston Texans are 1 against the spread

Oakland Raiders Betting Trends

Oakland Raiders are 0-1 straight up

Oakland Raiders are 1 against the spread

Injuries to Watch

Houston Texans

09/08/14 LB Jadeveon Clowney Knee out indefinitely
09/07/14 TE Garrett Graham Back questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/07/14 S Shiloh Keo Calf questionable Sunday vs. Oakland
09/04/14 WR Alan Bonner Foot IR
09/04/14 G Cody White Achilles IR
09/04/14 T David Quessenberry Illness out for season
09/04/14 S Lonnie Ballentine Undisclosed IR
09/04/14 T Will Yeatman Undisclosed IR

Oakland Raiders

09/10/14 DB Taiwan Jones Foot out indefinitely
09/07/14 DB Chimdi Chekwa Knee questionable Sunday vs. Houston
09/07/14 QB Derek Carr None questionable Sunday vs. Houston
09/07/14 DE Justin Tuck Shoulder injured last game, questionable Sunday vs. Houston
09/07/14 LB Nick Roach Concussion questionable Sunday vs. Houston
09/04/14 CB D.J. Hayden Ankle PUP
09/04/14 LB Kaelin Burnett Knee IR
09/04/14 RB Kory Sheets Achilles IR
09/04/14 TE Nick Kasa Knee IR

Guy's Pick: Take Houston

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