THE GREEK’S GAME OF THE WEEK
Houston at Seattle (-5.5)
Just as the Seahawks’ defence gets back to its old ways, in comes a gunslinger like they’ve never seen before. On the opposing sideline, that is. Texans uber-rookie Deshaun Watson has a lot of Russell Wilson in him, and then some. He’s a little taller, a little smoother and a little stronger. With Watson under centre, the Texans have scored at least 33 points in four straight games, are the third best team in the red zone and have only lost to the league’s elite. Are the Seahawks back in that category? After three straight wins and a defence that’s now tied for first in points against (15.7 per game), it certainly looks like it. But this is their toughest test yet. The Texans were supposed to be an elite defensive team with a serviceable attack, but Watson’s emergence has made them a two-headed monster. This is also a team coming off a bye week, and one buoyed by the return of holdout left tackle Duane Brown and injured cornerback Kevin Johnson. The Seahawks offence, meanwhile, scalded the Giants on Sunday with 21 second half points, but their run game is still weak and with centre Justin Britt spraining his ankle, the offensive line takes another hit. Even without J.J. Watt, the Texans’ front seven could be trouble for Wilson, while the Seahawks’ defence will have its hands full with Watson, never mind the Texans’ 3rd-ranked running game. Houston, we have a problem. PICK: Texans The Geek says: The Geek says: Seattle still haven’t addressed the issues that have plagued them all season. The Houston D is always tough, but their offence has made huge strides this season. PICK: Texans