This game will be closer than most think. The Ravens D is living on reputation alone, it’s not as deep or talented as it has been the past few years. Lamar is also learning a new offense that wants him to be more of a pocket passer than he has been. I think the Ravens get better as the season goes on, but this game will be shaky for them. I would consider picking the Texans to win had they been more healthy, but the injuries are in some key spots and I don’t think they’ll overcome them. The Texans cover, but still lose 27-20.
Man, can you imagine how we're gonna feel about things if we win? My tradition with my older son for the first Texans game every year is to go pick up BBQ together and bring it home to watch together. I can't wait! This team has nothing to lose, because everyone has already told them that they're gonna lose. They seem to have some personalities who might respond to that really well. Just go sling it.
What has to happen to get a win? There was already an upset yesterday with Lions over Chiefs. Take a dose of hopium and let me have it.
Lions are a considered a fringe playoff team and the Chiefs were missing their only significant threat as a pass catcher. For the Texans to win: 1) They need turnovers. If the Ravens play a clean game I don't see how the Texans win. 2) CJ Stroud needs to be an abnormal rookie QB. If he gets overwhelmed at all or the Ravens confuse him, Texans have no shot. He needs to be really good. 3) The Oline and the receivers need to have more juice than we've seen in the preseason. What we've seen so far was a mediocre at best unit at receiver and a bad oline.
What? You mean you have doubts about the guy Cal and Jack hired against the recommendations of their search committee just because he had sat in the same room as Bill Belichick? Imagine that...
Defense would have to control the game. Texans were actually 7th(?) in Takeaways last season. If we can get takeaways and not force our offense to go 75+ yards every possession, that’ll be a start. Hoping Will Anderson Jr gets a sack or two and we keep Lamar in the pocket. Not saying he isn’t a good passer but he has to beat us with his arm. I’m 100% ok with Stroud being a game manager this season.
Ya that’s the only way I could see the Texans possibly pulling an upset. Of course crazy things happen week 1 but Texans just have too many things going against them IMO.
I like how they've addressed the ol. No more McCray, Scharping, Morrissey etc....as backups. Everything is going to be fine by week 5 on the ol.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jarrett-patterson/32005041-5445-7456-8c72-5fc60a8decb0 After trading up for Juice, he had the foresight to take another C/G who started 46 games at Notre Dame (34 at C) in the 6th Rd. If Patterson can hold his own for 4 games, his pick may turn into a stroke of genius. I don't always agree with his picks, but I'm glad he doubled down on IOL last draft.
The lions are virtual lock for the playoffs. In fact, many people are picking them to go to the Super Bowl. With Kelce out, one could arguably say that it really wasn't even an upset. I'm not shocked in at least bit that they won. The Chiefs have one of the worst wide receiver groups in the league. Probably worse than ours. Seems they're following the Packers model of things. They're just going to believe that their quarterback is able to elevate everyone's level of play and it doesn't matter how talented the receivers are.
A really good TE just does so much for an offense, in yesteryear's or "modern" nfl. Texans have avoided one for 8 seasons. Dalton is a welcome sight.
