All eyes will be on Texans rookie quarterback T.J. Yates Sunday in his first start, but the key battle of the game will take place when Yates hands the ball off.
Houston’s running game going up against the Falcons defensive front is a terrific battle of strength versus strength.
Houston’s offensive line is one of the best in the game. The Texans are third in the league in rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns.
The Falcons front seven -- especially their defensive line -- has quietly made great strides this year. The team is second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed. The defensive tackle rotation of Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters, and Peria Jerry is very underrated. Linebackers Curtis Lofton and Sean Weatherspoon are playing well.
Arian Foster and Ben Tate got their first taste of life with a backup quarterback last week in Jacksonville, and it wasn’t easy. They combined for only 91 yards on 27 carries during a ultra-conservative gameplan.
The Falcons haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 14 straight games. This should be a great matchup of two teams trying to impose their will, because the Texans will do what they can to minimize Yates’ role.
Florio thinks the Texans will do enough; I took the Falcons. It’s one of five games we disagree on Sunday.