Raiders look Cook’ed
Texans will feast on rookie 3rd-stringer
TEXANS (-31/2) over Raiders; Under 361/2: Bludgeoned by ill fortune after Derek Carr broke the pinkie on his throwing hand, then went down with a broken leg, Carr was followed in quick succession by Matt McGloin (shoulder) and Michigan State product Connor Cook, who is slated to make his first NFL start — even though we were advised McGloin participated in Wednesday’s drills.
The Texans are compelled to return to previously spurned Brock Osweiler (backed by Brandon Weeden) after desperation stand-in Tom Savage went down last week. Osweiler was barely serviceable in chase mode at Tennessee in Week 17, but had minimal ground support. He should enjoy Lamar Miller’s help — potentially a huge aid. Expect a quiet first half as both sides play not to lose. Was not a fan of Cook at Michigan State, and if he takes shots beyond his current capabilities, this could be over quickly, given Houston’s pass rush and secondary. Riding the defensively superior, revenging Texans in
a grind-it-outer. SEAHAWKS (-8) over
Lions; Under 43: We would prefer to see a competitive game here, too, but despite chronic offensiveline issues, Russell Wilson can get down with his capable receivers, including Doug Baldwin and Jimmy Graham. At 6-foot-7, Graham’s size advantage should serve them well. If you feel you can rely on Matthew Stafford’s throwing accuracy, given his previous middle-fingerg issues, you can makmake a ’dog case at this market, given safety Earl Thomas’ and wide receiver Tyler Lockett’s season-ending injuries, and Stafford’s demonstrable history of bringing the Lions from behind. But Jim Caldwell’s squad has won or covered against one winning squad all year. The Lions won eight of their nine games by a total of 30 points and they are as far away from home as they can get. Backdoor covers are rarer in the postseason over the long term. Seahawks play their “class” card and advance. LAST WEEK: 7-9 NFL REGULAR SEASON: 112-117-8 Follow Richard Witt on Twitter: @rich_witt1; these lines reprinted from Friday Bettor’s Grid; for updated lines,