Green Bay Packers at Texans: Week 7 Staff Predictions

Dec 17, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) slaps hands with running back Jamaal Williams (30) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) slaps hands with running back Jamaal Williams (30) in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Before the Green Bay Packers take the field in Houston, here are a few final predictions for how the game will play out.

After getting punched in the mouth down in Tampa Bay last Sunday, the Green Bay Packers have another difficult matchup ahead of them this afternoon with the Houston Texans. For starters, it’s another road game, and sure, Houston is 1-5, but this is a very talented 1-5 team. On top of that, the Packers are dealing with a litany of injuries.

However, the good news is that the Green Bay Packers have never lost back-to-back games in the Matt LaFleur era, and they are a very talented team themselves, going up against a struggling Houston defense.

So before kickoff arrives, our crew here at Dairyland Express has our weekly predictions and a few thoughts on how the game will play out.

Brian Sampson (3-2)

Coming off an embarrassing loss and with an injury list longer than a George R.R. Martin novel, the Houston Texans might be just what the doctor ordered. The Texans have one of the worst records in the NFL at 1-5, and the Packers should be able to exploit them and get back on the winning track.

Even without Aaron Jones, potentially, they should be able to lean on the running game to set the tone. Then, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams should have zero issues slicing it up through the air. In the end, the defense will do just enough–per usual–to allow them to leave Houston with a victory.

Prediction: Packers: 31 – Texans: 21

Kenny Jilek (3-2)

So, last week I projected the Green Bay Packers for a big week offensively because I had my doubts in the two games prior, and I decided that the offense would probably keep rolling. That didn’t work out, but I’ll renew my confidence in them this week. The Texans defense allows the third-most yards per game in the league, and even with a bunch of offensive weapons out, this is a huge advantage for the Packers. Houston is also third-worst in allowing explosive run plays, so look for the Packers to have some big gains on the ground this week.

Defensively, this team just can’t be trusted. Deshaun Watson is still a great quarterback, and even if they can manage to get more pressure than they did on Brady last week, he is much more mobile and could burn the Packers’ defense with his legs. Jaire Alexander has been locking down number one receivers lately, and Will Fuller will be no exception, but the Texans will find ways to exploit the other ten guys on the field for their weaknesses and score some points. I do think this is the week they get a big turnover that turns the tide, though.

Prediction: Packers win 31- Texans 24

Paul Bretl (4-1)

On offense, we already know that the Green Bay Packers will be without David Bakhtiari, and I’m guessing we won’t see Aaron Jones today either. However, the game plan should remain the same. Run. The. Ball. Houston has given up the most rushing yards this season, the most rushing yards per game, and the most yards per carry.

Jamaal Williams is more than capable of taking over that RB1 role, so don’t be afraid to lean on him. And as we’ve seen this season, when the run game is rolling, that usually opens things up for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game as well.

Packers at Texans: 3 X-Factors. dark. Next

Defensively, slowing Deshaun Watson and this Texans’ receiving corps is a tall task, especially without Kevin King. If they are going to have any hope of doing so, the pass rush needs to be better and get consistent pressure on Watson, which I realize is easier said than done. I’m also holding out hope that we see more aggressive play-calling from Mike Pettine this week. This game will be a shootout, but the Packers do just enough to win.

Packers 34 – Texans 27