NFL Preseason Betting Week 2: New Orleans Saints vs. Houston Texans Free Pick

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

New Orleans over HOUSTON by 10

You have to like the fact that New Orleans QB Drew Brees scrambled out of his own pocket to have his teammates participate in conditioning camp during the lockout. We expect this to pay early dividends, beginning with exhibition play.

One qualifying play occurred last season when New Orleans invaded Tennessee as a 7.5-point dog and the Saints took home the money in a three-point loss! Incidentally, they also qualified in a 15-0 ATS PERFECT subset by NOT covering their previous home victory by 15 or more NFL betting points.

We also like the fact that the Saints have two extra days of prep time for this one as they’re coming off a Friday night home affair versus the Niners while the Texans will be slugging it out on Monday with the Jets.

Reliant Stadium should also favor the visitors as the Saints have really taken to the road in pre-season play under Sean Payton, posting a 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS mark while the Texans are just 3-5 SU and 2-5-1 ATS at home with Gary Kubiak calling the shots. And while those numbers are worth keeping in the memory bank, tonight’s clincher comes from our pre-season database, which reminds us: since 1983, teams in the second game of back-to-back homers have covered the spread less than 47% of the time.

There’ll certainly be things flying out of Drew’s well-protected pocket tonight in Houston – and it won’t be moths! A solid take.

Texans are -1½ point favorites against the Saints and the total is set at 37 at Bodog sportsbook.