Texans vs. Chargers: 5 Bold Predictions for Monday Night

Aug 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt during team introductions before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Each week Toro Times editor Stephen Forsha will give “5 Bold Predictions” for the upcoming game for the Houston Texans. Week 1 is the Texans at the San Diego Chargers, tonight at 10:15 p.m. on ESPN.

1. Arian Foster will rush for 100 yards in San Diego
Being the All-Pro running back for the Houston Texans, Foster, has a real possibility of rushing for the century mark against a San Diego Charger team that is going through a transition phase. I know the Texans are going with a running back rotation with Foster and Ben Tate in the opener, but all Foster has to do is break off a big gain here or there, and 15 carries later he can have 100 yards.

Foster is rested, seems healthy and has a quality offense around him. The Chargers will have to worry about two good wide receivers and a quality tight end, as well as Foster. The stars could align for Foster this evening in his homecoming in San Diego.

2. The Texans will win by at least 14 points
The Vegas oddsmakers have the spread at San Diego (+4) the last time I checked, but I still have no problem in saying the Texans will win this game by 14 points (at least).

I know Norv Turner is gone from the head coach spot in San Diego, but I don’t know exactly what to expect from the Chargers right now. I do know the Texans are capable of scoring points in their offense consisting of Foster, Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels and the addition of rookie DeAndre Hopkins as the No. 2 wide receiver. It is going to be interesting to watch this offense to say the least.

3. The Texans defense will hold the Chargers to under 100 yards rushing
Houston’s defense is one of the better defenses in all of the NFL. They enter the game for the most part healthy, but won’t have Ed Reed at free safety or Darryl Sharpton to play linebacker. They do have a healthy J.J. Watt, the 2012 AP Defensive Player of the Year, along with the return of Brian Cushing at linebacker and a host of others that I feel will make a big impact in every game they are in this season.

Plus, I just don’t see Ryan Mathews doing a whole lot against the Texans’ defense tonight. Houston, though, should watch out for Danny Woodhead, as I can see him making a slight impact on the game if he gets in the right situation.

4. DeAndre Hopkins will have the best yardage numbers of any rookie receiver in Week 1
For Hopkins to achieve that feat he’ll have to do better than New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Kenny Stills who had two receptions for 86 yards. Stills was targeted five times in the game.  Hopkins has an opportunity this season to put up good numbers for a rookie, especially playing opposite of Johnson.

5. Final Score Prediction: Texans 31, Chargers 10
I just believe this week is all abut the Texans, but again, in the Chargers’ defense we truly don’t know what they have to offer this season. They have a new head coach in Mike McCoy, a new coaching staff, and possibly a hungrier Ryan Mathews and Philip Rivers. For the Chargers to improve on last season their offensive line play has to be better. Either way, this should be a fun game to end the first week of the NFL season.