Advertisement

Unbeaten Texans get no respect

Share
Times Staff Writer

Imagine starting the NFL season with two impressive victories and as a reward, Las Vegas oddsmakers make you a six-point underdog at home Sunday.

That’s the setup for the Houston Texans, who are not given much of a chance against the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts at Reliant Stadium.

Despite the Texans’ strong start, oddsmakers have not put much weight behind wins over Kansas City and Carolina. Instead, they are putting it on the Colts, who are 2-0 after victories over New Orleans and Tennessee.

Advertisement

Although the line opened on most boards at five, Indianapolis money has made the number climb after the Texans’ standout wide receiver Andre Johnson was ruled out Tuesday because of a knee injury.

Then there are the New England Patriots, who began the week as 15-point home favorites over Buffalo but now are spotting the Bills 17 points on some boards as of Wednesday night.

Oddsmakers probably are hoping that bettors jump on the Bills without realizing that New England is 4-0 against the spread in its last four games as favorite and 4-1 against the spread in its last five home games.

College football

Miami, which did not look good in a bad loss at Oklahoma two weeks ago, can redeem itself a little against Texas A&M; tonight at the Orange Bowl. The Hurricanes are 2 1/2 -point favorites with late money going the way of the Aggies.

According to Wagerline.com, Texas A&M; is attracting 55.4% of the action on the game as of Wednesday. One of the reasons behind the support is the Aggies’ strong track record in big road games. In its last six games away from home against teams with winning records, Texas A&M; is 5-1 against the spread. In their last seven games as underdogs, the Aggies are 5-1-1 against the spread.

Mixed martial arts

If you’re looking for a longshot, Keith Jardine is your man because he’s a +340 underdog against Chuck Liddell for their Ultimate Fighting Championships 76 fight Saturday night at the Honda Center.

Advertisement

Liddell, who was knocked out in his last fight by champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in May, has an impressive 20-4 MMA record in 10 years in the sport. Jardine is 12-3 in MMA.

--

lonnie.white@latimes.com

Advertisement