Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons: Week 4 Prediction

Sep 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

It may not be a Game of the Week type atmosphere for most, but the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons should still hold plenty of intrigue on the early playoff picture in both the AFC and NFC. Which team will be able to maintain their momentum?

Injuries

Julio Jones questionable with toe and hamstring issues

Having one of the best receivers in the game has certainly made life easier for the Falcons, so it’s not welcome news to hear he’s questionable for Sunday with a series of nagging toe and hamstring problems. Coaches believe the problems are minor and he should be able to go barring something unexpected.

Arian Foster a game-time decision with groin

Houston could get a tremendous boost this week if their luck holds out. Star running back Arian Foster has been mending from his groin injury suffered in training camp. Head coach Bill O’Brien has declared him a game-time decision. If Foster can go, it could add a dimension the Texans offense has lacked.

Key Matchups

J.J. Watt vs. Ryan Schraeder

As a unit the Falcons offensive line has made tremendous strides since last season. One of the bigger surprises is Ryan Schraeder, a former undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State. He’s played well through the first three weeks, but he’s about to take an enormous step up in competition as he prepares to face all-world defensive end J.J. Watt. How he handles it will determine tons in this game.

Robert Alford vs. Nate Washington

Desmond Trufant will have his hands full with DeAndre Hopkins, but the more decisive battle could be between Falcons corner Robert Alford and Texans receiver Nate Washington. Alford has struggled in coverage so far this season while Washington has emerged as the second-leading receiver for Houston behind Hopkins. That could be significant depending on how this game plays out.

Fantasy

Sit: Devonta Freeman

He had a tremendous game against the Cowboys and should have a bright future, but it could be tough sledding for Devonta Freeman this week. Houston has a good run defense headlined by nose tackle Vince Wilfork and linebacker Brian Cushing. Even at home, it shouldn’t be smart thinking to think Freeman has another performance like in Dallas.

Start: Texans defense

Even with Matt Ryan on the field, this matchup looks like a favorable one for the Texans defense. They have pass rushers in place to attack the Falcons quarterback and a solid enough front to slow down their upstart running game. All that is left is to somehow, someway control Julio Jones. Not easy, but they have the horses to do it.

Prediction: Falcons win 20-17

I’ve said it before and will keep saying it. Favor the team with the better quarterback, especially if it’s at home. Matt Ryan won’t have an easy time of it against that Texans defense, but he’ll be in the Georgia Dome and his defense should be able to control Ryan Mallett on the other side, even with a possible Arian Foster return.

Next: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: Week 4 Prediction

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