Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: prediction, odds, free NFL picks

Free NFL picks, best bets and analysis for Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16 of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 6pm Saturday

Best bet

Over 22.5 Tampa Bay points
2pts 4-5 bet365
Back this tip with bet365

Match preview

Houston earned a huge victory over Tennessee last week to stay in the driving seat in the AFC South, but they face a tough task to retain that advantage when they take on Tampa Bay.

The Texans have been a hard side to work out in recent weeks, having secured a big win over New England at the start of the month only to follow it up with a 38-24 thrashing by struggling Denver.

Any more defensive difficulties would likely cost them against the Buccaneers, who have been rampant on offence in recent weeks.

Quarterback Jameis Winston has been firing on all cylinders with the most passing yards in the league and the second-most touchdown passes, despite also throwing by far the most interceptions.

This feast or famine approach has led to plenty of high-scoring games involving the Bucs, but it looks worth backing the home side in particular to put points on the board.

Tampa Bay have won their last four games and scored fewer than 28 points only once in their last seven, making their match line of around 22.5 an interesting proposition.

Considering Houston have the fifth-worst passing defence in terms of yards allowed and have conceded 30 passing touchdowns this season, Bill O’Brien’s team could struggle to outscore the Bucs.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Surface Grass
Weather 22C, cloudy
Vegas handicap Houston -3
Vegas points line 50

Injury report

Houston
Linebackers Jacob Martin (knee) and Benardrick McKinney (concussion) have been ruled out. Running back Carlos Hyde (ankle) is rated questionable.

Tampa Bay
Wide receiver Chris Godwin (hamstring) is out.

Key stat

Houston have allowed eight passing touchdowns in their last three games.

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