Houston at New Orleans

Houston has split its first two games and both went UNDER by an average of 7.5 points. The Texans won and covered all three preseason games in 2022, but they do have a new coach this year in DeMeco Ryans, who was defensive coordinator for San Francisco and led the 49ers to the league lead in scoring defense and total defense. Houston has a real quarterback battle for the starting job as heralded rookie CJ Stroud is contending with veterans Davis Mills and Case Keenum. Mills went 10-for-22 for 94 yards and Stroud was 7 of 12 for 60 yards in Houston's 28-3 loss to Miami last week. New Orleans is 2-0 after defeating the Chargers 22-17 with Jameis Winsotn and Jake Haener splitting time at quarterback. However, Saints coach Dennis Allen still is only 7-10 straight and ATS in preseason. The past four times these teams have met in preseason they have gone UNDER and New Orleans is 5-2 UNDER versus the AFC South in preseason. Houston has the motivational edge with the QB situation. Take the Texans, and bet the UNDER as a Max Play.