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Expert Sports Handicapping Odds: Texans -7.5

The Houston Texans are a 7.5-point favourite over the New England Patriots – yes, you are reading that right.

The reason for the difference is that the Patriots have already clinched a spot in the playoffs while the Texans desperately need to win – and get some help – to even make the playoffs.

The Texans are 8-7 and have won three straight games and might be facing a team that doesn’t have much to play for. On the other hand, the Patriots may be more interested in this game than people are letting on.

New England hasn’t had much rhythm this year but spoke about carrying it over into next week. Even so, they probably won’t play hard for more than just a half if all they want is rhythm.

The Texans have been a team that chokes away big contests all year long and while they have a great chance to win this game, given their track record, they probably won’t cover a big spread.

5Dimes Sportsbook Reviews Pick: Patriots +7.5

Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets

NFL Betting Lines: Jets -10

The Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets will play next week in a game that has plenty of playoff implications. Both have different goals in mind so it will be interesting to see whether those goals coincide or diverge.

The Bengals can potentially improve their playoff standing and climb to the No. 3 seed if they were to win and the New England Patriots were to lose. On the other hand, if the Jets win, it means that the Bengals will greatly increase the chances of the Pittsburgh Steelers not making the playoffs.

For the Jets, the strategy is simple: win and you’re in.

Just two weeks ago, Jets head coach Rex Ryan thought that his team was eliminated from the playoffs but they now control their own destiny.

There is a great chance that the Bengals hold out many of their starters and give the Jets an easy time of things, which means that winning should be rather easy for them.

Normally, this would be a great matchup against one of the league’s best rushing teams against one of the league’s best run defences but that won’t be so sexy if only one team is trying.

The Bengals want the Steelers out so look for them to lay down like kitty cats in this game.

NFL Odds Picks: Jets -10