San Francisco at Houston

It's the second straight road game for San Francisco playing on short rest with just four days of preparation. 49ers backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo is not expected to play. San Francisco is a road favorite, but Coach Kyle Shanahan is 3-5 straight up in Weeks 3 and 4 of the preseason. Houston is home with an extra day to prepare after a 24-20 win at the Rams on Friday. The Texans have plenty to prove after a 4-13 disaster in 2021 and are playing hard for new coach Lovie Smith winning both games. The defense, Lovie's background, is allowing 16.5 ppg. Houston's pass rush has been very good with 11 sacks, 16 total pressures, while the offense is averaging 20.5 points. Houston will play the starters "a lot more" said Smith and note that WR Brandin Cooks, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, and offensive lineman Justin Britt have yet to play in the preseason. Smith has a winning record covering his 11 preseason finales. That includes winning three of the last four finales, a 22-17 win over Miami, a 28-20 win over Chicago, and a 24-14 victory over the Browns, so back the home dog that is playing with a chip on its shoulder. Buy the hook if you have to get this to +3. Take Houston as a Max Play.