As a Texans fan, I really can't suggest betting on Houston tonight...
-The team is in complete disarray. There's talk that Carr's contract might be voided, Capers is a sitting duck, and Casserly knows he's gone. On the plus side though, defensive captain Kailee Wong did get a contract extension this week. The new offensive coordinator hasn't gotten along with Carr yet.
-David Carr: No protection and no wide receivers. I believe Johnson is almost certainly lost for tonight and might be lost for some more time. On top of that, the offensive line is the worse in football, and he's on pace to get sacked over 100 times this season... not impressive. Also, Domanick Davis hasn't gotten going yet, and it really wouldn't surprise me if he gets replaced by Vernand Morency at some point in the near future.
-Houston's defense is a mess. They can't rush the passer and their corners, save Dunta, suck. Buchanon has been a bust thus far, unable to cover anyone, and Faggins... Faggins is a solid #3 corner, but he's not able to match up with most 2nd wideouts in the game. Tonight is a big game for the Houston secondary, as this is a game that they can actually win the battle up top on.
-Houston kicker Kris Brown was hurt last week and is going to be hobbled a bit... could make a difference, though Chad Stanley was a placekicker previously in college and high school and could take over the duties (don't think he's got an NFL kick yet, but someone could check out that).
-Shaun Alexander always goes nuts on primetime... and against Houston, should really be no different. With Jason Babin injured (and previously benched), the Texans linebacking corps are banged up as it is. Charlie Anderson and Antwaan Peek as the outside linebackers simply don't strike fear into me... Look for Alexander to run over Houston for at least 125 and a couple scores.
Hope this helps.
--AFLGuru
