The Texans are looking to start the season with a bang on the road against the new-look San Diego Chargers in Week 1. On paper, that may seem like a simple task for the defending AFC South Champions, but the Chargers' new roster and coaching staff will not go down lightly. The folks at Odds Shark predict that this game will be close, with Houston only being favored by 3.5 points on the road.
Texans vs. Chargers, NFL odds 2013: Houston favored on the road in San Diego
The Chargers will have to put up serious points to secure a home win against the 3.5-point favorite Texans.
Houston is looking to win their division for the third consecutive season and a victory in San Diego would be a great start to their latest campaign. First-round rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is expected to take the pressure off veteran Andre Johnson, which will allow quarterback Matt Schuab to spread the ball around. While he is coming off an injury-plagued offseason, Arian Foster should be ready for action against the Chargers and that is bad news for San Diego.
For the Chargers, this game will be an early test for a new coaching staff and several new players. Quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates are getting up there in age, so the door may be closing on them to win a championship. It is important for both to start off the season hot in order to create momentum for upcoming weeks. Running back Ryan Mathews will have to produce if the Chargers are going to have a shot in this one.
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