49ers game Thursday: Niners vs. Texans odds and prediction for NFL preseason game

The 49ers wrap up their 2022 preseason campaign with a dress rehearsal against the Texans on Thursday, and we’ve got your betting odds and predictions right here.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan elected not to play quarterback Trey Lance during the Niners’ second of three preseason games of 2022, yet San Francisco still managed to pull off a 17-7 exhibition road win over the Minnesota Vikings last Saturday.

With a quick turnaround, which doesn’t involve Shanahan’s squad staying on the road ahead of the third and final preseason bout of the year, it makes sense Lance and the overwhelming majority of starters didn’t play.

However, Lance and Co. are likely to view Thursday night’s preseason bout against the Houston Texans as a regular-season dress rehearsal. With over two weeks to go from this particular contest until the 49ers face the Chicago Bears in Week 1, it’ll be good to proverbially “shake off the rust.”

Especially against a Houston team that isn’t exactly positioned for the playoffs this season but still has plenty of pride to play for.

49ers vs. Texans betting odds preseason Week 3

Yes, people do place bets on preseason games in case you were wondering.

And despite being the road team, the Niners enter this contest as 4.0-point favorites over the Texans, according to the oddsmakers at the Action Network, likely pointing to the reality of both teams fielding the bulk of their starters for at least a full quarter and the fact San Francisco boasts a playoff-caliber roster.

Houston does not.

The 49ers’ moneyline is currently at -200, and the over/under for the game is at 39.0.

49ers vs. Texans prediction preseason Week 3

Predicting final scores in exhibition games is a silly business, although one might worry a little bit if the Niners wind up going undefeated during the preseason, as some view it as a bad omen once the regular season rolls around.

Read More: 49ers must catch better despite preseason win over Vikings

Either way, let’s make some actual in-game predictions instead:

• Trey Lance plays two quarters, tossing two touchdowns
• Rookie Danny Gray is San Francisco’s leading receiver with four catches for 60 yards
• Undrafted rookie Jordan Mason leads the 49ers in rush yards with 50
• San Francisco records two interceptions
• Pass-rusher Drake Jackson tips another pass on a pressure

Just a little bit of fun, perhaps, although it’ll be interesting to watch the majority of the Niners’ first-team starters going up what’ll likely be the same for the Texans on Thursday night.

Kickoff between these two teams is on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 8:15 p.m. from NRG Stadium in Houston.