The Houston Texans take on the Carolina Panthers at noon at NRG Stadium for a Week 4 encounter that determines whether the Texans end September at .500 like the Panthers or 3-1 and on a mission. The staff at the Texans Wire analyzed the match-up, and here are their bold predictions:
1. texans win the turnover battle by at least plus-two
John Crumpler — After a fantastic first week during a win over the Arizona Cardinals, I expect Kyle Allen to come back down to earth this week. Despite any amounts of game planning, Allen was undrafted for a reason and Romeo Crennel is a veteran defensive coordinator. We could see the Texans to win the turnover battle by a hefty margin (two-plus) during a convincing victory over the Panthers.
2. houston ol takes the next step
Chris Nalls — Texans offensive line will give up 0 sacks.
3. DeAndre hopkins makes his fantasy owners happy
Jake Asman, host of “The Main Event” on SB Nation Radio — DeAndre Hopkins with his best game of the season: 150-plus yards and two touchdowns.
4. carlos hyde bounces back
Coty Davis — After a subpar outing, I am expecting Hyde to bounce back with over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
5. texans pile up the sacks
Avery Duncan — Houston tallies seven-plus sacks. The Panthers won’t be playing their best lineman, Pro Bowler Trai Turner. They’ll also start a rookie left tackle in Greg Little, who, pre-draft, I thought was a talent but very raw. J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus will feast.
6. rookie olb takes advantage of struggling ol
Tim Weaver, managing editor, Panthers Wire — OLB Brian Burns gets 3.0 sacks on Deshaun Watson.
7. old man gets a pick-six
Mark Lane — Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph will pick off Panthers rookie quarterback Kyle Allen and return it for a touchdown.
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