San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans Betting Preview
The San Francisco 49ers are establishing their winning ways early in 2022, so far going 2-0 in the preseason, heading into the finale against the Houston Texans on Thursday night. The Texans are also 2-0 this preseason in Lovie Smith’s return to a head coaching job.
Oddsmakers have the 49ers as -3.5 road favorites for this contest. San Francisco was a +4.5 underdog last weekend in Minnesota and got a 10-point win. The Texans were -2.5 point favorites in both of their first two preseason contests, and they’ve covered the spread in each.
How Much Playing Time for Lance?
Jimmy Garoppolo is still a member of the 49ers even as trade rumors continue to swirl, but it’s obvious San Francisco is moving on as he hasn’t thrown a pass this preseason. The 49ers have so much trust in Trey Lance that he didn’t even get reps last week at the Vikings.
The 49ers actually held out 27 players last weekend against the Vikings, but the teams did hold joint practices during the week that coach Kyle Shanahan was satisfied with. Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams, and Nick Bosa all haven’t played yet this preseason.
Shanahan did say that he’ll give some players more time against the Texans but wouldn’t confirm just how long they would play. Nate Sudfeld and Brock Purdy have taken a majority of snaps for San Francisco this preseason, combining for three TD passes and zero interceptions.
Lots of Distractions for Houston
It’s been a rough week for the Texans, who put rookie WR John Metchie III on the reserve / non-football illness list after he was diagnosed with leukemia. The second-round pick out of Alabama is expected to miss the entire 2022 season.
The club was also hit with some surprising news that the first team president in franchise history died at the age of 56. Jamey Rootes was team president from 2002 until resigning in February of 2021.
Despite a couple of shocking news this week, Smith must get his team focused back on football, and he said the starters will play ‘a lot more’ vs. the 49ers. QB Davis Mills has played in both of the team’s preseason games so far, with Jeff Driskel and Kyle Allen also getting snaps.
49ers at Texans Pick and Prediction
This is a tough game to call as both teams come in with a 2-0 preseason record, and we’re not exactly sure who plays – or how long – for either team. The 49ers have a clear-cut advantage in talent, but once again, how many of their big-name players take the field?
Shanahan seems to value wins in the exhibition season as the 49ers are 7-2 in exhibition games over the last three years. Aside from Lance possibly getting up to a half of work on Friday, both Sudfeld and Purdy have looked very efficient in their game action.
When you don’t know which players take the field, going with the more established system is the play, and that’s easily San Francisco.
Pick: 49ers -3.5
