Weeks 16 & 17 scheduling for 2016, playoffs

[Arky]

I think you can probably expect the Texans to be underdogs the remainder of their post season play. Whether it's the Dolphins, Raiders or Chiefs who they face in the Wild Card round, the #4 seed Texans will probably be the underdog.

Of the Texans 6 losses, the three before the bye were decided by 27, 18 and 18 points (Pats, Vikes, Broncos respectively - all on the road).

The three game losing streak they had in Weeks 11-13 after the bye was decided by 7, 8, and 8 points (Raiders, Chargers, Packers respectively with the Charger game as their only home loss).

Of the Texans 9 wins, only the Bears game in Week 1 went over a victory margin of 7 pts. All others were won by 7 pts or less. Thus you have a first place team with the crazy point differential of -42.

Your 2016 Houston Texans = "If we beat ya, it ain't gonna be by much".

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Arky

I think you can probably expect the Texans to be underdogs the remainder of their post season play. Whether it's the Dolphins, Raiders or Chiefs who they face in the Wild Card round, the #4 seed Texans will probably be the underdog.

Of the Texans 6 losses, the three before the bye were decided by 27, 18 and 18 points (Pats, Vikes, Broncos respectively - all on the road).

The three game losing streak they had in Weeks 11-13 after the bye was decided by 7, 8, and 8 points (Raiders, Chargers, Packers respectively with the Charger game as their only home loss).

Of the Texans 9 wins, only the Bears game in Week 1 went over a victory margin of 7 pts. All others were won by 7 pts or less. Thus you have a first place team with the crazy point differential of -42.

Your 2016 Houston Texans = "If we beat ya, it ain't gonna be by much".

I doubt they'd be underdogs against Matt Moore and Miami. Betting lines are not actual predictions, but rather attempts to get even money bet on each side. Miami is even less exciting and nationally known than the Texans, so I can't see Miami and Matt Moore favored in a road playoff game. But Matt McGloin helms a well covered Raiders team, so I'd not be surprised by a Raiders by a point type of line.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by barrett

I doubt they'd be underdogs against Matt Moore and Miami.....Miami is even less exciting and nationally known than the Texans, so I can't see Miami and Matt Moore favored in a road playoff game. ....But Matt McGloin helms a well covered Raiders team, so I'd not be surprised by a Raiders by a point type of line

I think there's like a 10% chance we're going to play Miami so scratch them - I shouldn't have mentioned them. Higher probability the Texans will get KC or Oakland in which case, the spread will be very small in favor of the visitor to NRG.... that's the way I see it. Should the Texans survive the first (wildcard) round, they'll be dogs all the way till they're eliminated - @Pittsburgh, @NE, @Oakland or @KC....

Edit: provided Miami gets knocked out in their first round game.....

Betting lines are not actual predictions, but rather attempts to get even money bet on each side.

Dang, for 40-something years, I've been doing it all wrong.....

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Arky

Dang, for 40-something years, I've been doing it all wrong.....

I know you get that. I'm just pointing out that Miami is not a team that would get a bump from being popular. They are one of the few non-AFC south teams with less national excitement around them then Houston.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by barrett

I know you get that. I'm just pointing out that Miami is not a team that would get a bump from being popular. They are one of the few non-AFC south teams with less national excitement around them then Houston.

Oh yeah, that is true. It's easy to assume (at least, it is for me) that Miami has no chance and will probably be a first round KO. If they do anything (as in "winning"), it will be a shocking upset. The thing is, they're in a similar situation as the Texans in that they are on QB #2 and don't have much national respect (or your word, "popularity"). I'm sure there's many who don't give the Texans any chance, either.

Still, I'll take yammering about the playoffs this time of year over who to draft every time.... Once upon a time, a Houston team made it past the first and second round of the playoffs and as a fan, I can tell you the anticipation/excitement level doubles each step along the way.....

[Arky]

Well, well, well. The Texans have opened as a 3 pt. favorite over the Oakland Raiders in Saturday's Wild Card playoff game. I suppose today's QB shuffles for both teams might be have something to do with the surprising line.... Can the 9-7 Texans beat the 12-4 Raiders?

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by Arky

Well, well, well. The Texans have opened as a 3 pt. favorite over the Oakland Raiders in Saturday's Wild Card playoff game. I suppose today's QB shuffles for both teams might be have something to do with the surprising line.... Can the 9-7 Texans beat the 12-4 Raiders?

Interesting to see which QBs get the majority of snaps. Does Oakland play the steady McGroin who has some experience but lacks the arm or do they take a chance on rookie Connor Cook who some projected as the Texans' top draft choice before the Osweiler signing? Cook was full of big plays and bad mistakes against the Broncos. I think he gives Oakland the better chance against our defense but can also cause big turnovers if he gets out of control.

Houston, meanwhile, got a rebound performance from Osweiler although in another loss while Savage may or may not be healthy and may or may not be able to move the offense.

The more creative OC may win this one. I think the Raiders have the better weapons if the QB can get them the football.

Didn't see anything official but it looks like Oakland-Houston will be the Saturday afternoon game followed by Detroit-Seattle Saturday night then Miami-Pittsburgh and NY Giants-Green Bay on Sunday.