Sep 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) runs for a first down on a keeper during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Redskins 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
I think it is easy to say that this game on Sunday vs. the Oakland Raiders is a very winnable game for the Houston Texans, but it isn’t a given by any means.
Houston must improve their offensive scoring, and use their threats on the offensive side of the ball to score more than just one touchdown on the second week of the season.
With that said, expect the rushing game of the Texans to have a very solid day, and the offense to put up very good numbers against the host Raiders.
The game begins at 3:25 p.m. CT. If the Texans can win this game, they will have already matched their season win total from last season.
Here are “5 Bold Predictions” for Week 2 in Oakland.
1. Alfred Blue will rush for over 50 yards, score a touchdown
I’m big on Alfred Blue, and I feel he’ll eventually move into the Ben Tate role the offense had in previous seasons.
Sep 7, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) celebrates with linebacker Akeem Dent (50) after blocking a punt and running it in for a touchdown during the game against the Washington Redskins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
I know last week Blue had no yards rushing on one carry, but maybe this can be the week he can get more than one carry, and show what he’s capable of doing at the NFL level.
In the season opening 17-6 win against the Redskins last week, the Texans ran the ball 34 times, with Arian Foster leading the way with 27 carries for 103 yards. None of the Texans had a rushing TD, but Blue scored a TD on special teams.
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2. Ryan Fitzpatrick will go a 2nd week without an interception
The starting QB of the Texans will go a second consecutive week without throwing in interception. I’ll go one further and say he won’t have a turnover in any fashion against the Raiders on Sunday.
Last week, Fitzpatrick was 14-of-22 for 206 yards and one passing touchdown, a 76 yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins.
Now though I don’t see that big of a TD, my prediction for Fitzpatrick this weekend is 17-of-25 for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.