The Houston Texans begin their defense of their AFC South title with a trip to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome Sept. 9 on the season premiere of Monday Night Football.
A week ago, it would have seemed the Texans were heading into New Orleans to get creamed. After all, starting running back Lamar Miller had torn his ACL, there were no answers along the offensive line, and who knew if Pro Bowl edge defender Jadeveon Clowney would play for Houston.
Now, the Texans seemingly have reinforcements with left tackle Laremy Tunsil coming over in a trade with the Miami Dolphins along with wideout Kenny Stills. Clowney is in Seattle, and in his place are hybrid DE/OLBs Barkevious Mingo and Jacob Martin. The Texans even sent offensive lineman Martinas Rankin to the Kansas City Chiefs for running back Carlos Hyde.
At least Houston will have a puncher’s chance.
The odds are against them with the Saints favored by seven points. The Texans are tied with the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins as the third-highest underdogs for the week. The point total of 53.5 is the highest of the week. Second-highest is Kansas City-Jacksonville at 52.
