The Green Bay Packers will host the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field for the first time since 2016 and just the third time overall on Sunday.
This might be the best Texans team to ever play the Packers. After winning the AFC South and a playoff game last year, quarterback C.J. Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans have the Texans at 5-1 and leading the AFC South once again after six weeks.
What should Packers fans know about the talented but uncommon opponent heading for Green Bay this weekend?
To help preview Packers-Texans, we asked five questions of Texans Wire managing editor Cole Thompson. Here’s the Q&A:
1. How is C.J. Stroud’s second year as the starter going?
Texans Wire: The turnovers are a tad concerning, but they’re not a dealbreaker. Stroud’s done an exceptional job spreading the ball around and evading pressure for a second opportunity downfield. He trusts his arm and has gotten better at taking the open play over the big play downfield. Three of his four picks have also come on batted balls that were essentially drops by receivers. The one surprising trait is the inconsistency in passing numbers. Either Stroud will have a big game through the air and only one touchdown pass, or he’ll complete 71% of his throws for less than 200 yards and two touchdowns. If there was a middle tier, he right now would be probably the most elite quarterback in the game.
2. The Texans are without WR Nico Collins. How are they managing the loss?
Texans Wire: This is why Houston brought in Stefon Diggs. Yes, adding another Pro Bowl weapon while your quarterback is on a team-friendly contract, but the Texans knew that Collins had an injury history dating back to 2021. Last week, Diggs and Tank Dell each caught at least five passes. Diggs also has led the team in receptions three times this year. The run game is also back to full strength. Joe Mixon picked up where he left off in Week 1, rushing for over 100 yards for the second time in a Texans’ uniform. He’s averaged 5.5 yards per run since joining the team and been effective as secondary pass-catcher.
3. DeMeco Ryan’s defense is dealing with some injuries. Any concerns there?
Texans Wire: There’s 100% concerns. Honestly, this made me swing my thinking for the game. The Texans are already down Christian Harris at linebacker because of a hip injury. Henry To’oTo’o is likely out with a concussion and Azeez Al-Shaair is trying to go, but it’s a long shot. That means Houston could be trust its special teams star Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen, an undersized linebacker known his ability on punt duties to see a majority of reps. That’s not all. Safety Jimmie Ward is likely out with a groin injury. Rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter is also expected to miss at least two more games with a shoulder injury. Let’s not forget that Mario Edwards Jr. just go slapped with a four-game suspension and fellow defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi hasn’t practiced all week because of a shoulder strain. Denico Autry is off the suspended list, but his status is questionable for the time being after missing six games. At least four starters are out. Seven could miss altogether.
4. Who are the underrated Texans players that Packers fans should know?
Texans Wire: I’ll give you three. Dare Ogunbowale doesn’t see much action, but he’s a spark plug when on the field at running back. The Texans love him in pass protection and he’s a reliable target out of the backfield. He’s also got sure-fire hands and rarely drops anything. Calen Bullock had a pick last week against Drake Maye and also recovered a fumble. The big thing about him is he’s getting comfortable playing in space and making open-field tackles. His coverage skills are special, but he’s starting to become a well-rounded defensive back. Last is Derek Barnett. He’s the No. 3 pass rusher, but there’s so much potential and variety to his game. Houston can shift him inside to be an extra pass rusher or allow Will Anderson Jr. to line up at the four-tech and take on double-teams. He’s been one of the Texans’ unsung heroes since arriving last year from Philly.
5. The Texans win if…? The Packers win if…?
Texans Wire: The Texans win if they avoid the turnovers. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik even brought up how a defense like Green Bay will make you pay for minor mistakes because they are “always the right place.” They are. It’s scary of quickly the Packers can fly to the football. And it’s not just interceptions by Stroud. An open-field fumble could be the difference between a 3-point win and a 10-point loss. The Packers will win if they don’t signal in on one target. I know it’s kind of a cop out, but with all the injuries to Houston’s secondary, this is a game where Jordan Love should feast. I picked him to win the MVP at the start of the season because Green Bay technically doesn’t have a legitimate No. 1 receiver and that bodes well in his favor. Houston can’t just lock up Jayden Reed and expect to call it a day. Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft, Dontayvion Wicks and Christan Watson can all beat defenders. Sadly, I think they will this week at Lambeau, too. This would be a great Super Bowl rematch because of two quarterbacks who might as well battle it out until the end of time for MVP votes, but I don’t buy a banged-up Texans squad can find the magic again. Green Bay wins by 10 for my money.
