The top overall draft pick, Caleb Williams, would like to start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears tomorrow night when they play the Houston Texans in this year’s preseason opener.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus has different plans. Williams is in line for a Week 1 start against the Tennessee Titans but will not see any playing time in Thursday’s NFL Hall of Fame Game.
Texans quarterback CJ Stroud is also expected to miss the HoF game. Houston fans are salivating at the potential presented by newly acquired free agent wide receiver Stephon Diggs, but that connection will have to remain on the shelf until later in the preseason.
What we will see is a mixture of late-round draft selections and non-starters competing for roster spots. 18-friendly NFL sportsbooks must carefully consider these unique preseason rosters to create game lines, especially for the debut contest.
Still, the unprecedented demand for active NFL odds presses online books to action.
You ready for some Texans football on Thursday? 🫵 pic.twitter.com/ONYLIMpsom
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) July 30, 2024
What’s The Line On The Hall Of Fame Game?
Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
- Spread: Texans -1.0, Bears +1.0
- Moneyline: Texans -120, Bears +105
- Over/Under: 31.5
Given the new look of the Chicago Bears’ roster, plenty of players will be fighting for the coaches’ attention. We’re uncertain as to how much playing time will be given to any potential first-team players. The following new additions to the 2024-25 Bears will certainly give their offense a much-needed shot in the arm.
- D’Andre Swift – Running Back (acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles)
- Keenan Allen – Wide Receiver (acquired from the Los Angeles Chargers)
- Ryan Bates – Guard (acquired from the Buffalo Bills)
- Rome Odunze – Wide Receiver (selected 9th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft)
Houston has also been busy this offseason. Their offense was already one of the top units in the league, and they’ve supplemented their starting eleven by adding stud wideout Stephon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills.
Coach DeMeco Ryans has also built up his defense through free agency and the draft. Here are a few key players for the Texans this year that may see action tomorrow.
- Danielle Hunter – Defensive End (acquired from the Minnesota Vikings)
- Denico Autry – Defensive End (acquired from the Tennessee Titans)
- Azeez Al-Shaair – Linebacker (acquired from the Tennessee Titans)
- Kamari Lassiter – Cornerback (drafted in the second round out of Georgia)
Will Either Team Make It To The Playoffs?
While most prognosticators expect the Texans to win the AFC South and earn a top-four seed in the postseason, experts are mixed on the Bears’ outlook. The odds for betting on the NFL Playoffs indicate that Chicago is in line for the final wild card position in the NFC.
The only potential setback for Houston would seem to be an inexplicable sophomore slump for Stroud—an outcome our staff does not project. In fact, Stroud is a top odds-getter for the NFL MVP odds this year, so it is doubtful that his performance will suffer.
It’s much more likely that the Bears will struggle in year one with Williams under center, and history is not on Chicago’s side regarding the success of their first-round picks.
