Houston Texans vs. Green Bay Packers Pick & Prediction OCTOBER 20th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The Houston Texans have a comfortable two-game lead in the AFC South and hold the second-best record in the conference as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Despite their success, injuries and inconsistency on offense have left wide receiver Tank Dell eager for the team to reach its full potential.

"Once we have everyone back and playing at their best," Dell said, "I believe there's no limit to what we can achieve."

Last week, Houston (5-1) showed their offensive prowess in a dominant 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, extending their winning streak to three games.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud led the charge once again, throwing for three touchdowns, including one to running back Joe Mixon who also rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown.

Wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Dell also caught touchdown passes from Stroud, who has an impressive 10 touchdowns and only four interceptions this season, with a completion rate of 68.3%.

"I think he's incredibly talented," said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. "He's able to handle pressure well and has a great ability to read the game quickly. He's also a fantastic anticipatory thrower, which is a skill that is often overlooked."

Green Bay (4-2) will look to test Stroud's composure on Sunday.

The Packers' defense leads the league with a plus-9 turnover differential, with safety Xavier McKinney leading the NFL with five interceptions.

"They have a very strong group of defensive backs," Dell said. "They're a physical team and we know they're always looking to make big plays. McKinney is currently leading the league in interceptions, so we know he'll be looking to make an impact. It's going to be a tough battle, but we're feeling confident and ready for the challenge."

Last week, Green Bay put up a season-high 34 points in a dominant 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Quarterback Jordan Love matched his career-best with four touchdown passes, two of which were caught by wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who returned from a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

After the game, Doubs expressed his relief at being able to "get back to my regular self."

This is a sentiment that new Packers kicker Brandon McManus can relate to.

The veteran was signed by Green Bay this week after rookie Brayden Narveson was released, having missed five of his 17 field-goal attempts this season.

McManus previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 and spent the previous seven seasons with the Denver Broncos, boasting an 81.4% success rate on field goals, with a long of 61 yards.

"As a kicker, you have to prove yourself every single day," McManus said. "It's a very black-and-white position."

Both Mixon (ankle) and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (ankle) were limited in practice for Houston on Wednesday.

For the Packers, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (knee) and defensive linemen Colby Wooden (knee) and Devonte Wyatt (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.

Houston's depth on the defensive line is also in flux, with Mario Edwards Jr. suspended for four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, while Denico Autry is set to return from a six-game suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Green Bay holds a 4-1 lead in the all-time series against Houston, with a 1-1 record at home.

The Packers have won their last three meetings with the Texans, with two of those games decided by at least 15 points.

LaFleur began his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Texans in 2008 and 2009.

PREDICTION

Houston Texans

22

25

Green Bay Packers