(Photo: SportsMap)
AFC Game Of The Week
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
Texans: At this moment, they are the second-best team in the AFC behind you guessed it, the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, they truly came out of left field. A rookie Head Coach and Quarterback last year they were able to put the football world on notice as they won the AFC South and capitalized on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ losing streak to end the 2023 season. At this moment, there are only four teams that stand out to me in this AFC. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs are still the team you must take down if you want to get anywhere in the conference, then, there’s the Baltimore Ravens who are hitting their stride and happen to be the hottest team in the league as we speak and there’s also the Buffalo Bills. I add them because they are a threat with Josh Allen every year. If I had to rank these teams, I’d have the Chiefs at one, the Texans at two (as I mentioned up top), Baltimore at three, and Buffalo at four. Before his injury, Nico Collins was having an incredible season and had emerged as the number-one receiver for C.J. Stroud. You also saw the impact Joe Mixon was having, then he ended up hurt and the running game went with him. With Nico, they are an excellent offense, but with Joe, they’re even better and he provides that balance for them to be successful. I’m still disappointed in how they played the Bills a few weeks ago because they took their foot off the gas and allowed them to climb back into the game. The Texans may be 4-1, but the verdict is still out on them due to their schedule. They have wins over the Colts, Bears, Jaguars, Bills and Patriots. Only one of those teams was in the postseason a year ago. But I always say you beat who you beat. On Sunday, they’ll make a trip to legendary Lambeau Field.
Packers: I can admit they disappointed me when they allowed Jordan Love to return after missing two games with a knee injury. Malik Willis isn’t the Quarterback Jordan Love is, but the two games he started were both victories. If a key player is injured this early in the year, keep him on the bench and allow him to come back when he’s ready for a stretch run. I’d rather have him in late November and heading into December when the playoff picture begins to come together. Since the game against the Vikings when Jordan Love came back, the Packers have won their last two games and Jordan has been playing well. I picked this Packers team not only to win the NFC North, but to reach the Super Bowl and my reasoning is I like how well coached they are, they have another good Quarterback that they heavily invested in, and the Wide Receivers are young, but have more experience these days, Josh Jacobs is running the football and the defense is much improved. The defense has been the problem for so many years, but so far this year, they’ve been one of the best in the league as they play with consistent aggression and they thrive off forcing the turnover. Also, they are one of the best teams in the league at stopping the run. Against the Arizona Cardinals last weekend, they were in control. Jordan threw four touchdown passes and the defense handled the rest. This Sunday, they welcome the leaders of the AFC South to town.
Texans X-Factor: Joe Mixon– They struggle without him, but with him, they take their offense to the next level. I know for a fact the Cincinnati Bengals are kicking themselves right now for allowing him to walk. Their loss has been the Texans’ gain. Joe returned to the lineup for Houston in their win against the New England Patriots and had an immediate impact. He finished the game with 30 carries and 102 yards rushing and also recorded 30 receiving yards. He adds another dynamic to this offense and when he’s healthy, he makes all the difference.
Packers X-Factor: Jayden Reed– One thing I was excited about with these Packers was the young group of receivers they have Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and even Dontayvion Wicks. However, the number one option of this group has been Jayden Reed. He’s such a versatile weapon that returns kicks, runs jet sweeps, and catches the ball from anywhere whether he’s wide or in the slot. Jayden has become Jordan’s top target. He’s quick and knows how to get open by using his quickness. Jayden is averaging 16 yards per reception this season.
Final Thoughts: It’s a matchup of two division leaders here and this will also be the first meeting between Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud. The ball is going to fly in this one as I see this being a shootout between two of the best young passers in the league. I know Houston can struggle at times trying to stop the running game and if I’m the Packers and I know that, I’m establishing Josh Jacobs early on and wearing down this Houston defensive front. Green Bay will also need to maintain their offensive creativity to throw off a unit that’s one of the best in the league. The Packers can also integrate multiple playmakers into their ground attack which reinforces the importance of complementary football. This also keeps defenses on their toes. The Texans will present a difficult challenge for the Packers’ Offensive Line with Will Anderson Jr. Last week against Arizona, Green Bay didn’t deal with much of a pass rush, but this Sunday they will. The Texans will be successful on Sunday if they can get home to Love. Explosive runs will also be key for the Texans which is why Mixon is my X-factor. This should be a fun game in week seven. I like the Packers at home.
Prediction: Packers 29, Texans 27
