Texans vs. Lions Prediction, Odds & Expert Picks: NFL Preseason Week 3

Expect the Lions to get off to a hot start in their final preseason game.

Mike Spector

Last Updated: August 22, 2025 8:30 AM EDT • 5 minute read

Texans vs. Lions Prediction, Odds & Expert Picks: NFL Preseason Week 3 — Pictured: Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) throws the ball as we break down our Texans vs. Lions prediction. Photo by Lon Horwedel via Imagn Images.

The Houston Texans and Detroit Lions are each in search of their second wins to end the preseason when they meet on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET (ABC) at Ford Field in Detroit. The Lions are 1.5-point favorites at our top sports betting sites in a game with an O/U of 34 to 34.5 points.

Our Texans vs. Lions prediction targets the first-half spread before each team completely empties the bench late. That wager and our best play on the total add to our slew of NFL preseason Week 3 predictions.

🏈 Texans vs. Lions prediction & expert picks

🔎 Our NFL player prop odds tool can help you find the best NFL odds across legal sportsbooks in your area to make your NFL picks!

✅ Against the spread pick: Lions -1.5 first-half spread (+106 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ My best bet: Under 34.5 (-112 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

📊 Texans vs. Lions odds

Live updated odds from our best live betting sites. Follow the latest NFL scores for line history and matchup info.

🪧 Texans vs. Lions opening odds:

Texans: +1.5 (-118)
Lions: -1.5 (-104)

🔮 Texans vs. Lions ATS prediction

🦁 Lions first-half spread ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: -1.5 (+106 via FanDuel ($10 to win $10.60)
🔢 Implied probability: 48.54%

Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Min. first deposit and wager of $5+. Bonus bets are awarded within 72 hours of winning your first wager. T&Cs apply.

Claim $300

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

The Texans' defense was dominant against the Carolina Panthers last week, particularly when it was starters versus starters. Houston allowed zero first downs, zero completions, and outgained Carolina 68-2 through Bryce Young’s two series.

But that also means Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans knows his starting unit is ready for the regular season and will likely defer to backups on both sides of the ball right out of the gate.

It should not be overlooked that Detroit is one of two teams playing a fourth preseason game due to its involvement in the Hall of Fame Game in late July. That extra game gave the Lions more time to acclimate to two new coordinators, and the cohesion should be evident early.

I would play this up to -2, which is higher than the full-game spread.

📖 Check out our 2025 NFL preseason betting guide for the best betting strategies and full NFL preseason schedule.

💰 Texans vs. Lions best bet

⬇️ Under 34.5 ⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: -112 via DraftKings ($10 to win $8.93)
🔢 Implied probability: 52.83%

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + Over $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket

21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in OR/NH. 1 per customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get promo code to redeem NFL Sunday Ticket sub and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets; 7 day expiry.

Claim $400

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Few quarterbacks, excluding starters who have played in limited spurts, have performed as well as Detroit’s No. 2, Kyle Allen. Allen has completed 84% of his passes with a 4-0 TD-INT ratio over the last two preseason games, and I expect him to move the Lions' offense whenever he is under center.

With Allen having a stranglehold on backup quarterback duties, we are not likely to see him at all in the second half. His departure, and the fact that these teams combined for two total touchdowns in the second halves of their five combined preseason games, means the scoring should come to an abrupt halt after halftime.

That opens up great possibilities for in-game betting on the Under. But for now, I will back the Under that has even come down a full point from 34.5 earlier in the week.

DraftKings is the only top NFL betting site charging less than -115 to back the Under at 34.5, while other competing sportsbooks have dropped their total as low as 34.

🚑 Texans vs. Lions injuries

❓ NFL betting FAQs

What does the spread mean in betting NFL?

In NFL betting, the spread is the number of points a team is favored to win or lose by. It levels the playing field for bettors by giving an advantage or disadvantage in points. Bettors win if their pick covers the spread.

Where can I find top NFL betting odds?

Make sure you look at our top NFL betting sites to find the best odds for NFL Sunday. These sportsbooks include Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings.

🏆 NFL betting odds pages

Super Bowl Odds	NFL MVP Odds	NFL Offensive Player of the Year Odds
NFL Defensive Player of the Year Odds	NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds	NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
NFL Coach of the Year Odds	NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds	NFL Win Totals Odds
NFL Playoff Odds	NFL Draft Odds

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Written by:
Mike Spector

Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”