Thursday night wager: Take the points in ugly Texans-Bengals matchup

Since its inception, Thursday Night Football has disappointed with a number of terrible games, and this week's matchup between the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals isn't doing much to reverse that trend.

The clubs combined for home losses by a 49-7 scoreline in Week 1, submitting arguably the two worst performances across the league.

While it's probably just best to avoid a wager on what should be a brutal game, if you must place a bet, here's where to look.

Houston Texans (+6.5) at Cincinnati Bengals

If the five turnstiles who comprised the Texans' offensive line last week make the trip to Cincinnati, this one is going to be over quick. Without star tackle Duane Brown due to a contract holdout, the Houston line allowed a franchise-record 10 sacks by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Bill O'Brien opted to pull ineffective starter Tom Savage and give the ball to highly touted rookie Deshaun Watson midway through Sunday's loss, but neither quarterback did much to inspire confidence behind that woeful line.

It appears the mobile Watson will get the start, but the Bengals' pass rush should have an easy time getting to the former Clemson star and making his night miserable. The Bengals' offensive line wasn't exactly a dominant outfit either in Week 1, and the tandem of J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney could have a monster game for the Texans.

With both offenses looking terrible, it seems unlikely that a shootout will break out on just three days' preparation. The Texans are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine games against the Bengals, and it seems like taking the points is the prudent play here. Bengals 17, Texans 14

Thursday picks record: 1-0

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