SB Nation Houston: All Posts by Jeff Briggshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46691/houston-fave.png2013-01-23T14:59:11-06:00https://houston.sbnation.com/authors/jeff-briggs/rss2013-01-23T14:59:11-06:002013-01-23T14:59:11-06:00Super Bowl week schedule of events
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r61y8SP5Ine4OP-dyKrxvqaqDXw=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7011531/20130121_jla_ak9_310.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Ravens will meet the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, Feb. 3, but there are plenty of events taking place prior to game time.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> will meet up in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl XLVII</a> on Sunday, Feb. 3 in New Orleans.The game itself, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT, is just the culmination of a week full of events including concerts, award shows, and of course, Media Day.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>For more on the Super Bowl, visit</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a> <b>and </b><a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Beatdown</a></i>
</p>
<p>The 49ers are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, and the Ravens on Monday. Both teams will hold a press conference in New Orleans on the evening of their arrival featuring the coaches and big-name players. Tuesday, Jan. 29 is Media Day and each team will get its full hour of media overexposure, with every coach and player on hand. The day begins at 10 a.m.; San Francisco will take the first media session and the Ravens will follow them. And in a Super Bowl first, opposing coaches, the Harbaugh brothers, John and Jim, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/23/3907634/super-bowl-xlvii-2013-jim-john-harbaugh-brothers-press-conference">will hold a joint press conference on Friday</a>.</p>
<p>The 2nd Annual NFL Honors award show will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday as several major NFL awards are handed out including the NFL MVP. It will air live on CBS.</p>
<p>There will be a concert series for fans on Friday and Saturday. Friday at 8 p.m. the VH1 Best Super Bowl Concert Ever will take place at The Sugar Mill and air live on VH1. Saturday the CMT Crossroads Special begins at 10 p.m. and also be aired live on CMT.</p>
<p>Pre-game coverage for the game will begin at 10 a.m. CT. At 5 p.m. pre-kick coverage will begin and feature the National Anthem performed by Alicia Keys. Beyonce and Destiny's Child will perform at halftime.</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe src="https://houston.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=403" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="403-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2013/1/23/3908484/super-bowl-xlvii-scheduleJeff Briggs2013-01-23T14:54:16-06:002013-01-23T14:54:16-06:0049ers favored over Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aDC5qVD4Cv9ZDeByghGhKaITy6E=/0x138:4000x2805/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7011039/20130120_mse_se2_144.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Baltimore Ravens will be underdogs when they take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, but smaller underdogs than they have been in their last two games.</p> <p>For the third straight game the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> will be underdogs and the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> will be favorites, only this time they are playing each other in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl XLVII</a>. The 49ers opened as 5-point favorites, but the <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/baltimore-san-francisco-odds-february-3-2013">line has since moved down to 3 1/2 points</a> at most sports books.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>For more on the Super Bowl, visit</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a> <b>and </b><a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Beatdown</a></i>
</p>
<p>During the regular season the Ravens struggled against the spread, compiling a 6-9-1 record including a blowout loss at the hands of the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texans</a> in October and a 1-4 finish down the stretch. In the playoffs it has been a different story. The Ravens covered as 7-1/2-point favorites against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> and beat both the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a>, two games they entered as significant underdogs.</p>
<p>The 49ers fared better, going 9-7 against the spread in the regular season and won both their playoff games as favorites. The spread was similar in both their previous playoff games, as they were favored by three against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> and by 3.5 points against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a>.</p>
<p>The over/under for the game opened at 49, but has since dropped to between 47 and 47.5 points. Statistically the two offenses match up very well. The Ravens finished the season 10th in scoring offense at 24.9 points per game and the Niners finished 11th at 24.8 points per game.</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe src="https://houston.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=403" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="403-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
https://houston.sbnation.com/2013/1/23/3908418/2013-super-bowl-spread-lineJeff Briggs2013-01-23T14:29:56-06:002013-01-23T14:29:56-06:00Draft order nearly set, Texans to pick 27th
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/59qFYj1UmgBL6Cfn8nhsb_X2f7s=/0x104:2536x1795/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7010083/20130121_jdm_sx1_020.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The order for the 2013 NFL Draft is almost completely set, with just the Ravens and 49ers left for the last two places. The Texans will select 27th.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans'</a> spot in the 2013 NFL Draft has been set ever since they lost to the Patriots in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Texans will have the No. 27 pick in the draft, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens'</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>' positions in the draft are still uncertain. The winner of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> will select 32nd and the loser will pick 31st.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>For more on the Texans, visit</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.battleredblog.com/">Battle Red Blog</a></i>
</p>
<p>With losses in the conference championships last week, the Patriots and Falcons will select 29th and 30th in the draft respectively.</p>
<p>Since the Texans had the second-best regular season record among Divisional Round losers, they were placed at No. 27 in the draft order, one spot below where they selected <span>Whitney Mercilus</span> last year. Mercilus only started four games, but notched six sacks and two forced fumbles.</p>
<p>It is clear there is plenty of talent available at the bottom of the first round, but <a href="http://www.battleredblog.com/2013/1/23/3904372/nfl-mock-draft-2013-star-lotulelei-should-houston-trade-up">Battle Red Blog</a> suggests the Texans consider trading up into the top five. At <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/1/21/3894084/nfl-mock-draft-2013-luke-joeckel-geno-smith-chiefs">Mocking the Draft</a>, they predict Houston will select Georgia nose tackle John Jenkins with the 27th pick.</p>
<p>1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (2-14) .516 SOS<br>2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (2-14) .539<br>3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> (4-12) .469<br>4. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> (4-12) .508<br>5. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> (4-12) .566<br>6. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> (5-11) .508<br>7. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> (5-11) .559<br>8. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> (6-10) .480<br>9. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> (6-10) .512 (4-8 conference record)<br>10. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> (6-10) .512 (5-7 conference record)<br>11. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> (7-9) .457<br>12. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a> (7-9) .500<br>13. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (7-9) .502<br>14. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> (7-9) .516<br>15. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> (7-9) .522<br>16. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> (7-8-1) .537<br>17. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> (8-8) .465<br>18. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a> (8-8) .515<br>19. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> (9-7) .522<br>20. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> (10-6) .514<br>21. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> (10-6) .437<br>22. St. Louis Rams (via <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>) (10-6) .496<br>23. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> (10-6) .518<br>24. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (11-5) .441<br>25. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> (11-5) .504<br>26. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> (11-5) .508<br>27. Houston Texans (12-4) .496<br>28. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> (13-3) .457 <br>29. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> (12-4) .496 <br>30. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> (13-3) .421<br>31. Super Bowl Loser (Ravens vs. 49ers)<br>32. Super Bowl Winner (Ravens vs. 49ers)</p>
<p> </p>
<iframe src="https://houston.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=401" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="401-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2013/1/23/3908334/current-nfl-draft-order-2013Jeff Briggs2013-01-10T15:00:05-06:002013-01-10T15:00:05-06:00Texans nearly double-digit underdogs vs. Patriots
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hOFfqStjLB6rnxAkN_WOsuWlD_4=/0x82:4000x2749/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6369433/20121222_kkt_ai3_357.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Houston Texans are nearly a double-digit underdog against the Patriots on Sunday.</p> <p>Last time they met, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> blew out the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> 42-14 and oddsmakers expect another rout on Sunday as the <a href="http://www.oddsshark.com/nfl/houston-new-england-odds-january-13-2013">Texans are 9.5 point underdogs</a>. The over/under for the game is set at 48 points.</p>
<p>The Texans and Patriots finished the season with very similar records, but headed in different directions. Both teams went 12-4; with the Texans going 9-7 against the spread and New England going 9-6-1 against the spread. The Pats finished the season on tear, winning nine of their last ten games, but only went 2-2-1 against the spread over their final five. Houston lost three of their last four regular season contests outright and went 3-5 against the spread in their last eight games. The Texans did manage to cover as 3.5-point favorites with a 19-13 win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> last week.</p>
<p>For the Texans to win, or just to cover, they will have to score frequently and slow down a lethal Patriots offense. The Texans and Patriots defenses finished tied for ninth in the league, as both allowed 20.7 points per game. On offense Houston averaged 26.0 points per game, good enough for ninth best in the league, but 8.6 points behind what the top-ranked Pats averaged.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2013/1/10/3861938/patriots-texans-nfl-divisional-playoffs-odds-linesJeff Briggs2013-01-10T09:48:22-06:002013-01-10T09:48:22-06:00Texans could select WR DeAndre Hopkins
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l4GQq67YccvLTBRln9d0BSt-N6c=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/6353313/20121231_jla_ak7_674.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Yet another mock draft has the Texans selecting a wide receiver in the first round, DeAndre Hopkins of Clemson.</p> <p>While the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Texans</a>' exact draft position is still unknown, more and more mock drafts have them selecting a wide receiver with their first-round pick. The latest mock draft to predict Houston will add to their receiving corps is from <a href="http://www.mockdrafthq.com/2013/01/2013-nfl-mock-draft-post-bcs-championship-edition.html">MockDraftHQ.com</a>, who believes the Texans could pick Clemson wide receiver <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113219/deandre-hopkins" class="sbn-auto-link">DeAndre Hopkins</a>.</p>
<p>They have Houston selecting Hopkins with the No. 29 pick and believe he can slide in and help as the No. 2 receiver, saying, "<span>Andre Johnson</span> is fighting injuries and age, but father time always wins. Keyshawn Martin looks like a good #3 guy, but who will be the full time #2? Enter Mr. Hopkins."</p>
<p>Hopkins ended his junior season with a strong performance in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, catching 13 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns against a stout LSU defense in a 25-24 Clemson victory. Hopkins finished with 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns on the year. He has already declared for the 2013 NFL Draft.</p>
<p>CBS Sports ranks Hopkins as the <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737078">fifth-best wide receiver</a> and 34th-best prospect overall.</p>
<p><a href="http://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2013/1/7/3846870/nfl-mock-draft-2013-tavon-austin">SB Nation</a> and <a href="http://houston.sbnation.com/2013/1/4/3837604/2013-nfl-mock-draft-texans">CBS Sports</a> both predicted that the Texans will take a wide receiver as well, but all three mocks have Houston selecting different players.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2013/1/10/3859876/2013-nfl-mock-draft-houston-texansJeff Briggs2012-11-30T15:36:30-06:002012-11-30T15:36:30-06:00Several starting Texans ruled out vs. Titans
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CGu6Rnzsno_UUVjDFstDzLJQQbk=/11x0:3987x2651/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4189251/20121122_jla_aw3_114.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Multiple starting Houston Texans will miss Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to injury.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> injury list keeps growing longer. They will be without linebackers <span>Bradie James</span> and <span>Brooks Reed</span>, cornerback <span>Johnathan Joseph</span>, tackle <span>Derek Newton</span>, and guard <span>Antoine Caldwell</span> against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p>James and Reed join <span>Brian Cushing</span> on the list of injured Texans linebackers. Reed and James both got injured in the Texans' Thanksgiving day win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>. Reed injured his groin and James his hamstring. Rookie Whitney Mercilus will get the opportunity to start due to the injuries.</p>
<p>Newton (knee) and Caldwell (hip) both got injured against the Lions as well. Joseph injured his hamstring against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> on Nov. 18 and has not played since.</p>
<p>One of the men who helped to replace Joseph, <span>Alan Ball</span> is listed as questionable with a foot injury. The Texans listed 19 players as probable for Sunday's game. Tight end <span>Owen Daniels</span> and wide receiver <span>Andre Johnson</span> were both limited earlier in the week, but participated fully in practice on Friday and are expected to play.</p>
https://houston.sbnation.com/houston-texans/2012/11/30/3711984/texans-titans-injury-report-nfl-week-13Jeff Briggs