While the season debut of quarterback Kyler Murray helped the Arizona Cardinals pick up a win in Week 10, the Houston Texans are trying to ride the arm of rookie quarterback sensation C.J. Stroud all the way to the playoffs.
Cardinals vs. Texans Betting Lines, Start Time, and More
All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Spread: Texans -6
- Moneyline: Cardinals (+205), Texans (-250)
- Over/Under: 48
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium
- Channel: CBS
Cardinals vs. Texans Prediction
All eyes figure to be on Stroud right from the start to see what he can possibly do to improve on one of the greatest rookie seasons by a quarterback in NFL history. To recap just what kind of season Stroud has had to this point:
- He leads the NFL in passing yards per game (291.8), which is on pace to be the most by a rookie in NFL history.
- He has the league’s highest passing touchdown-interception ratio this season (15-2).
- He has also led the Texans on game-winning drives in each of the last two weeks.
The last rookie to lead the NFL in passing yards per game was Davey O’Brien of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1939 (120.4).
Stroud has had plenty of weapons this season, and lately, one of his favorites to throw to is Noah Brown. Brown has 13 catches for 325 receiving yards over his last two games after having just 114 receiving yards over his first three games.
MORE: NFL Week 11 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread
In general, this will be a tough matchup for the Cardinals’ defense, which has allowed a 101.0 passer rating this season — 31st in the NFL. C.J. Stroud has a 101.0 passer rating on the season.
Murray will try to match Stroud’s performance, and with a game under his belt, maybe he can do just that. In his season debut last week, Murray was good but not great, going 19-for-32 passing, throwing for 249 yards and one interception. He also rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown.
Keep in mind as well that last week was also the return of running back James Conner. Conner finished with 16 carries for 73 yards. Despite missing four games, Conner remains the Cardinals’ leading rusher (437 yards), so his return was probably much needed as well.
The Cardinals’ most notable injuries entering Week 11 are backup running back Emari Demercado (toe), who will not suit up, and wide receiver Michael Wilson (shoulder), who is questionable.
For the Texans, running back Dameon Pierce (ankle) will miss his third straight game, while wide receiver Brown (knee) is listed as questionable despite having missed practice all week.
For as good of a season as the Texans have had to this point, this has not been a good spot for them this season. Houston is 0-3 against the spread as a betting favorite.
For the Cardinals, there are mixed trends to consider. On one hand, they are just 1-4 versus the spread as a road underdog. On the other hand, Arizona is 5-2 against the spread against non-divisional opponents.
It’s difficult to get behind too many trends involving the Cardinals, both good and bad, considering that they have been without Murray for all but one game this season. One thing that could be worth following is Arizona’s play in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals have a point differential of -63 in the fourth quarter, easily the worst in the NFL.
For me, I think Houston is the better team and, naturally, should be the favorite. But I think Murray is a difference-maker for the Cardinals and will help Arizona keep this close.
Maybe not a win but certainly closer than a touchdown.
Best Bet: Cardinals +6 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
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