The Oakland Raiders fell back to Earth against the New England Patriots, and now at 2-2 the perceptions have kind of dropped back just a little. Things can always get exciting when you want to start putting your money on the Black Hole, but you have to remember Oakland still is taking baby steps back to respectability, and they're still in the AFC West.
The Texans might have no Andre Johnson, but this team finally looks complete enough to compete even without him, and the front seven does seem solid enough to manhandle opposing offensive lines. Houston's homefield advantage is also becoming sneaky underrated, as the Texans have played very well in their first two home games.
Which is why this line is pretty big. Oakland is six to seven point underdogs against Houston, depending on what sportsbook you look at. The line does seem tantalizing to go chase after the Raiders, but do remember there's a reason the odds are long on Oakland pulling this one out. Exercise extreme caution.
To discuss the Raiders, go to Silver and Black Pride. To discuss the Texans, go to Battle Red Blog.