New York Giants (2-2) at Houston Texans (3-1), 1 p.m. Eastern, Sunday at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 10/9/10
What happened last week?
Houston beat the Raiders of Oakland last week 31-24, controlling the ball behind an efficient day from quarterback Matt Schaub and explosive running game that produced 249 yards on 36 carries for a 6.9 average. The scored was tied 14-14 at the half until Arian Foster broke loose on a 74 yard broken tackle bonanza on the second play of the half. Former Giants running back Derrick Ward ran for 80 yards on 12 carries for the Texans. The difference was in the turnover battle: Houston forced three, two interceptions and a fumble from quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, while only giving the ball away once.
What to expect from Houston:
Houston produces the most balanced offense in the NFL, featuring the league’s leading rusher in Arian Foster and last season’s best passing attack under quarterback Matt Schaub and All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson. If the Giants are capable enough to shut down even one half of Houston’s offense, the Texans can still produce points through the other. Winning at 1-3 Oakland by only seven points is not very impressive, but Houston has notched wins against Washington and Indianapolis, who beat down the Giants in week two. Houston’s offense needs to be efficient to overcome their last ranked overall defense in the NFL. That’s right, Houston’s defense is ranked 32 out of 32 in yardage allowed. Yummy.
What to expect from the Giants:
Can we please see the same New York team from last week? The defense that sacked Jay Cutler out before the second half and out of the Bears’ matchup this week? In the Giants’ only road game thus far, they laid an egg against Indianapolis in a shattering 38-14 defeat. Three weeks later, this is a different Giants team. With a fresh chip on their shoulder, these Giants are once again motivated to win the physical battles and prove they belong among the league’s best teams. A win against Houston on the road would go a long way to earn respect, but for the meantime the Giants will gladly shadow the Jets’ spotlight. The Giants will put up yardage against the Texans’ weak defense, the question is only if the Giants’ pass rush can force Houston in two or three mistakes that shift the game to New York’s favor.
Prediction:
It’s never easy to win on the road against a good team, but the Giants have the right formula here. A stuffing defense and Eli Manning passing attack is going to put pressure on Houston every drive. Eli should be the Giants’ offensive player of the game against Houston’s pass defense that is allowing 337.8 yards per game through four weeks, including 426 to Donovan McNabb. Many predictions are anticipating a shootout, but I see the Giants cruising on offense and making the big play on defense. 34-17 Giants.
Week 4 prediction: 24-16 Giants (17-3 actual)
Season record: 3-1
