The Houston Texans, riding a three-game winning streak, will travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 of the NFL season. The Texans are coming off a dominant 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, while the Packers have secured back-to-back wins, including a 34-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. This clash between two playoff-contending teams is expected to be highly competitive, with both squads eager to continue their winning ways.
The Texans are 5-1 on the season and will rely on their strong quarterback play and a rejuvenated running game. Meanwhile, the Packers sit at 4-2 and have their own weapons, including the emerging connection between quarterback Jordan Love and his receivers. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting matchup and make our predictions.
Texans Rely on Balanced Offense
The Houston Texans have been a well-balanced team throughout the 2024 season, with contributions coming from both their passing and running games. Quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to impress, having thrown for 192 yards and three touchdowns in the win over New England. Stroud has displayed poise in the pocket, and the return of running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce only adds to the Texans’ offensive firepower.
Last week, Mixon and Pierce combined for 178 rushing yards and three touchdowns, showing just how dangerous this Texans offense can be when healthy. With top receiver Nico Collins still on the injured list, Houston’s ground game will likely play a key role in this matchup.
Packers Lean on Strong Ground Game
The Green Bay Packers have found success by leaning on their running game, which has averaged 167 yards per game this season. Quarterback Jordan Love threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns in the Packers’ win over the Cardinals, but the Packers’ ability to run the ball effectively has been crucial to their success. Green Bay’s offense will aim to control the clock and keep Stroud and the Texans’ offense off the field.
The Packers will look to take advantage of a Texans defense that will be missing defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., who was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The absence of Edwards could open up running lanes for the Packers’ backs and allow Green Bay to dominate the time of possession.
Prediction: Packers Win Close Game
This game is expected to be a tightly contested battle between two teams that have shown plenty of promise so far this season. While the Texans are on a roll, the Packers’ ability to run the ball and control the tempo could give them the edge in this matchup. With Green Bay playing at home and their ground game clicking, we expect the Packers to win a close game.
Take the Packers to cover the spread at -3, and consider the under on the 46.5-point total, as both teams may focus on the run game to grind out a win.
