Texans vs. Saints: Staff predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tight end Ryan Griffin (84) runs after the catch against the New York Jets during the second quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Game: New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Houston Texans (5-5)
Prediction: The Texans are riding a three-game winning streak and the Saints are off a bye week which came after two terrible losses, including a 47-14 blowout against the Redskins that got Rob Ryan fired as the defensive coordinator in New Orleans. The defense should be better since things will now be simplified, but it can’t be that much better because the same players are there. Pencil corner Brandon Browner in for at least two pass interference calls as there is no way he can keep up with the speed Houston has at the receiver position in DeAndre Hopkins, Cecil Shorts III and Nate Washington.
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Want another plus for the Texans offense? How about Brian Hoyer is set to return at quarterback, and he has been playing great football since being reinserted into the starting lineup. Heck, even the running game might get going in this one for Houston. Anything is possible against this historically bad defense.
Yet, the Saints are still explosive on offense, so don’t expect another 47-14 loss by these guys. Drew Brees is great in domes and he won’t have a second bad performance, he is simply too good. The defense for Houston will have to be on their toes, as despite the bad defense New Orleans has, a shootout is not desirable when Drew is on the opposing team.
In the end, J.J. Watt and company make enough stops to give Hoyer and the offense a chance to close out another close one as the Texans finally climb over .500 on the season. Can you smell the playoffs?
Final score: Houston Texans 33, New Orleans Saints 27
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