In one of the top games of week two pre-season action, the San Francisco 49ers will battle against the Houston Texans. This game features two teams who made the postseason last year, and have high expectations once again in 2012. Both teams come into the game following a win, as the 49ers waxed Minnesota 17-6, while Houston took care of the Carolina Panthers 26-13. This game also features two of the best defenses from a season ago.

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to make their move one addition game this season. The 49ers fell short last year falling to New York in the NFC title game. The 49ers have a big match-up in week one against the Green Bay Packers, followed by a home game with Detroit. San Francisco has a ton of weapons offensively, but hope quarterback Alex Smith can stay on his feet. In the pre-season opener, Smith completed all 3 of his pass attempts. In the game, the vaunted San Francisco defense allowed Minnesota to pick up just slightly over 200 yards.

For Houston, Gary Kubiak is cautiously optimistic. He knows he will have to keep both Matt Schaub and Arian Foster healthy for the team to reach their maximum potential. That has not been an easy task over the years. Last season, Schaub missed the end of the season with an injury. Houston’s rush defense was the best a season ago, yielding just under 78 yards per game.

Odds and Sports Betting Line

San Francisco 49ers +3

Houston Texans -3

Free Prediction

This should be an interesting affair. Both teams are going to want to show that they are a force, one out of the AFC, the other out of the NFC. But, with pre-season games, teams are not going to want to play their starters too much. Look for Arian Foster to sit most of this game, setting the Texans back a bit. The San Francisco defense will be too much for Houston’s offense.

Prediction:  San Francisco 49ers 17-10

Free Pick

We are going to go against the odds makers here and take San Francisco. The 49ers have a ton of depth, so regardless on whether the top players play or not – the 49ers will have talented players on the field. We like San Francisco to not only cover the field goal spread, but also win this game outright and remain unbeaten in exhibition play.

Pick:  San Francisco 49ers +3