TOM STRYKER’S FREE FOOTBALL SELECTION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
#457 JACKSONVILLE (-3) over Houston at 1 PM EST
This NFL opener sets up perfectly for a Jags victory. The Texans own one of the worst rosters in the NFL, have a new-look front office, and bring a rookie coach in David Culley to the table. It’s going to be a long year for Houston and the downward spiral will start right here.
Jacksonville’s current 0-15 SU and 6-9 ATS run is certainly noted and respected. However, there is a new sheriff in town with head coach Urban Meyer and he’ll be looking to put an end to that streak immediately. Sure, QB1 Trevor Lawrence will be making his first NFL road start. But Lawrence has the tools to run Meyer’s offense efficiently and he gets to face one of the worst teams in the league out of the gate. Even in their worst years, the Jags played well in division games posting a respectable 39-30-3 ATS mark in their last 72 tries. In this run priced as a favorite or an underdog of +1.5 or less, Jacksonville improves to an elite 13-6 SU and ATS.
This is going to be a difficult spot for Houston too. In their last 19 battles, the Texans own a stiff 5-14 SU and 7-12 ATS record including a disturbing 1-11 SU and 4-8 ATS if they are priced as an underdog. Division opponents have given Houston fits too. According to our NFL Database, the Texans own a weak 10-17 ATS mark in their last 17 games against AFC South foes including an ugly 2-9 SU and 4-7 ATS if they are priced as a pup of +3 or more. Lastly, Houston sports a feeble 14-23-1 ATS tally in its last 38 games inside NRG Stadium including just 5-9 ATS if they are tacking a division foe.
Coach Meyer didn’t come to the NFL to lose. The Texans are one of the worst teams in the league and, even with a rookie quarterback making his first road start, Urban and his boys will prevail. Take Jacksonville. Thanks and best of luck. Tom.
TOM’S 4* NFL OPENING GAME OF THE YEAR
Stryker posted a 6-1-1 ATS record on published picks yesterday and cashed his Non-Conference Game of the Month and 4* Top Chalk Favorite of the Month. On Sunday, there is one NFL team looking to explode out of the gate this year and this high roller wager is backed by a sensational 21-8 ATS trend. Grab Tom’s NFL Opening Game of the Year for $30.