Texans (2-2) at Falcons (2-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, MercedesBenz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Falcons by 1
Texans’ keys to victory: Houston’s passing attack has been impressive, but the team must be careful against Atlanta’s secondary. If QB C.J. Stroud takes care of the football and avoids forcing it downfield, the Texans will have a great chance. Defensively, it all comes down to slowing down RB Bijan Robinson. The Falcons haven’t been able to win when the ground game stalls out, so Houston needs to make stopping the run priority No. 1.
Falcons’ keys to victory: The team has gotten away from running the ball over the last two weeks. QB Desmond Ridder tossed two ugly interceptions and lost a fumble in Week 4, Kyle Pitts has apparently been replaced by Jonnu Smith as the team’s top receiving tight end and the entire offense is regressing as a unit. Instead of forcing Ridder to be something he’s not, the team needs to go back to trying to win on the ground. Defensively, the Falcons may need to force a turnover or two to give the offense a much-needed assist. Most important, the team has to avoid turnovers.
Matchup to watch: Falcons CB A.J. Terrell vs. Texans WR Nico Collins. Terrell will likely shadow Collins for much of the game. Terrell has been effective through the first four games. Collins’ 6-4, 215pound frame could make this a difficult matchup for Terrell, though.
Who wins? The Falcons are 2-0 at home and will be looking to end their two-game losing streak. The Texans have yet to feel any real pressure or expectations. Atlanta’s desperation overcomes Houston’s feel-good story.
Falcons 17-14