Depending on how the NFL betting lines standings end up in December, the final game of the first week of preseason, featuring the New York Jets taking on the Houston Texans, could be a preview of the AFC Championship. Despite a four and a half month lockout, which had many sports betting enthusiasts and experts alike questioning if a season was even possible, expectations couldn’t be any higher in New York and Houston this year. Here is a preview of tonight’s final week one matchup. Last season, the Houston Texans disappointed college football betting fans and broadcasters alike, as they went from a team everyone had as a dark horse to make the playoffs, to a prediction bust. The Texans Achilles heel last season was the defense, which ranked dead last in both the rush and pass categories. Meaning to say, although Texans quarterback Matt Schaub put up impressive offensive numbers, the defense’s inability to hold leads cost the team a chance at the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. On the other hand, after shocking the entire league in 2009 – 10 by making it to the AFC Championship game, a more veteran laden New York Jets lineup also disappointed their fans by losing for a second year in the AFC Championship game. The Jets have been one of the biggest feel good stories over the course of the last few seasons. However, the team’s inability to lay the proverbial smack down on their opponents in the AFC Championship game, have fans and media alike questioning if changes need to be made. Although the offseason was rather short due to the lockout, Houston and New York were two of the busier teams, as each side made a lot of moves. Houston impressed us from the draft in April, when they focused primarily on defensive help. The Texans also showed their fans, that they recognize defense is an issue from a coaching perspective, as they fired defensive coordinator Frank Bush and replaced him with former San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Philips. Philips, who was most recently the Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys, has historically been able to turn terrible defenses around in short order. In theory, an improvement in defense alone, should allow the Texans to reach the post season. The New York Jets also had an impressive offseason, as they resigned many veterans, while also picking up one of two big name free agents. New York picked up former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who along with Santonio Holmes, make up the only two members of the Jets roster to have actually won a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they lost the youth in Jericho Cotchery, and the speed in Braylon Edwards. Nevertheless, the Jets should be able to put up another strong season, as quarterback Mark Sanchez continues to mature. On paper, if both Houston and New York can live up to their potential, they should be able to meet in the AFC Championship game. Each team is young enough, that they can be contenders for a long time.
Houston is always a darling pick in the preseason but fails in the actual season. is this Houston's year? hopefully…
