NFL Thursday: In rare NFL/MLB doubleheader, one Philadelphia-Houston game is an easy call. Our pick
NFL WEEK 9
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
EAGLES (7-0) at TEXANS (1-5-1)
Line: PHI By 14.
Cote’s pick: PHI, 34-13.
TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.
What would be the odds that the Week 9 NFL Thursday night game and a World Series Game 5 played the same night both would be Philadelphia vs. Houston? Answer: No idea, but probably Astro-nomical. This marks only the seventh time NFL and World Series games will have taken place on same day between the same cities or metro areas, and the first time since October 23, 2011, when it was St. Louis Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys on same day as St. Louis Cardinals vs. Texas Rangers. To the present: King Sport could hardly offer a greater mismatch than unbeaten Eagles vs. one-win Texans. The chance of Philly finally losing is so small the 1972 Dolphins ought not pain themselves by bothering to watch. Hit the hay early, Perfectos. The champagne toast is on in definite hold. NFL parity is such any team getting 14 points in any scenario is probably a safe play. There is always a chance Eagles will save energy and be satisfied with a perfunctory, auto-pilot win. But in this particular matchup I feel a rout is likelier than a competitive game. Houston’s run defense is the worst in the league (by a lot) and got gashed by Derrick Henry for 219 yards last week. Philly’s is a balanced attack that can dominate behind the NFL’s best offensive line. And against the Birds’ top-five defense, Texans could have a tough time outscoring the Phillies and Astros Thursday night.
Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of Wednesday afternoon. Picks for remainder of Week 9 games will appear online Thursday afternoon and in print Friday.
