49ers vs. Texans: 4 bold predictions for Week 17 contest

Bold Prediction No. 1: 49ers don’t just cover, they dominate

Usually, bettors are intrigued by taking the underdog to cover when the spread is a double-digit one.

The 12.5-point line in favor of the Niners might be this kind of opportunity, and it would nevertheless be a safe bet to assume San Francisco covers, perhaps winning by a score of 27-14, which should probably be our not-so-bold prediction.

Let’s go bold, though.

Instead of just barely covering, look for the 49ers to come away with an entirely dominant outing, perhaps even shutting out the Texans (teams have done that twice to them already this season) and putting up north of 30 points.

Perhaps even for a point spread of 20 or more when the final whistle hits.

Trey Lance and Co. would have to play well, of course, while the Niners defense would have to ensure Davis Mills’ little hot streak is completely stunted in Week 17. Yet there are plenty of reasons to suspect something like this takes place.

San Francisco and Houston kick off on Sunday, Jan. 2 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.