Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

5 minute read

Oct. 24, 2021

Stuart Durst
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

The Arizona Cardinals put their undefeated record on the line as they host the Houston Texans for a late afternoon battle. Kick off is set for 4:25 p.m. and will air on CBS from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Score Prediction

Cardinals 31, Texans 20

Best Bets

Texans +17.5

Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

The Cardinals have proved that they are the best football team in the league so far with win after win. J.J. Watt recently said that everyone needs to stop making excuses for why they're winning every game, and just accept they are the best team in football - and I tend to agree. The Texans were projected to be the worst team in football coming into the season but have surpassed expectations. They are still a bottom five team, but hey, at least they aren't the worst.

This is a classic look ahead spot. The Cardinals have the tough task of the Packers on prime-time next Thursday, meaning we likely won't see anything special from them this week. While the Cardinals B team could still probably beat the Texans, I don't have any intention of laying 17.5 points here.

Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Odds

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Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Resources

• Matchup: AFC South vs. NFC West
• Date: Sunday, October 24, 2021
• Venue: State Farm Stadium
• Location: Glendale, Arizona
• TV-Time: CBS - 4:25 p.m. ET

• Weather Report
• Injury Report
• Super Bowl 56 Betting

Houston Texans Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 1-5
• ATS: 3-3
• O/U: 3-3
• ATS - Home: 2-1
• ATS - Away: 1-2

The Texans are a team I was actually looking to bet a lot this season. After their impressive start to the season, it became clear that Tyrod Taylor is a legitimate NFL quarterback that can keep teams in games. Unfortunately, he got injured and hasn't played a game since, introducing the world to Davis Mills. While Mills is clearly not good, he's behind an offensive line that couldn't even protect a mobile quarterback like Deshaun Watson.

This run defense was historically bad last season and has continued that trend so far this season. While the Cardinals (specifically James Connor) aren't really built to beat teams on the ground, this should be a fairly one sided game. Luckily for the Cardinals, the Texans secondary are also towards the bottom of the league in terms of most key metrics.

While it's tough to bet on a team that's expected to lose by 17 points, the Cardinals have a really tough matchup against the Packers just a couple days from Sunday. The NFL is full of spot games and this is a great spot for a backdoor cover against the best team in the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals Betting Analysis

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 6-0
• ATS: 5-1
• O/U: 3-3
• ATS - Home: 1-1
• ATS - Away: 4-0

What is there to say about the Cardinals? Well lets start with the fact that they are very good. Kyler Murray is once again looking like an MVP candidate and has a wide array of targets to throw to with DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Rondale Moore, and Christian Kirk. On the ground Connor and Chase Edmonds are mostly getting the job down under fairly good circumstances. They also got Zach Ertz from the Eagles.

I think beating the brakes off of the Browns in a game that was expected to be really good last week sealed the deal. Beating the 49ers with a rookie quarterback is still a good win but not quite the difference maker. The Rams were called a fluke, or a lucky win at the time, but with the resume this team is starting to build up it's hard to not respect that win.

Chandler Jones and Watt are veteran defensive linemen that really anchor this defense and provide great veteran leadership. While I'm sure this team is getting ready for their playoff push, the Texans won't be much of a bump in the road. The Cardinals will win without a sweat but probably not cover the 17.5 spread.

The Arizona Cardinals have covered the spread in four straight games. (AP)

Inside the Stats - Houston Texans

• Record: 1-5
• Division Standing: 3rd - AFC South
• Points Scored: 92
• Points Allowed: 172
• PS/G: 15.3 (31st)
• PA/G: 28.7 (25th)

Inside the Stats - Arizona Cardinals

• Record: 6-0
• Division Standing: 1st - NFC West
• Points Scored: 194
• Points Allowed: 109
• PS/G: 32.3 (4th)
• PA/G: 18.2 (3rd)

Key Players to Watch

• HOU: Davis Mills - QB (88/139, 912 yards, 5 TD, 7 INT)
• HOU: Brandin Cooks - WR (40 catches, 481 yards, TD)
• ARI: Kyler Murray - QB (144/195, 1,741 yards, 14 TD< 4 INT)
• ARI: DeAndre Hopkins - WR (26 catches, 367 yards, 6 TD)

Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Conclusion

In terms of player props, Connor is my go-to-guy this week. He has seen his carries increase in games where they are leading and easily got his props last week. I'm targeting his rushing yards in the mid 50’s because this Texans run defense is absolutely terrible. Beyond that, Edmonds is banged up and they won't overuse him considering how easy this win should be. I imagine their playbook is bland this week and that absolutely screams a James Connor day.

Houston Texans vs. Arizona Cardinals Betting Trends

• Houston has lost 17 straight games when playing as a +7-point underdog or more.
• Arizona has covered the spread in four straight games.
• Houston has gone UNDER the point total in four of its last five road games.
• Houston has lost five of its last six games.

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