The Houston Texans are 1-7 and have lost five of their last six. The team is definitely in the midst of a tough stretch, but they’re actually still within striking distance to make it into the playoffs. Here are four bold predictions for Week 8 vs. Texans
The Chiefs come into Week 8 as the number one team in the NFL, but with a tough test ahead of them. Will they maintain their undefeated record? The Texans are struggling to score even though they feature dynamic quarterback Deshaun Watson and an exciting rookie running back who is making waves on his own: D’Onta Foreman. This week could prove difficult for both teams, so we’re going to take a look at four bold predictions that may occur during this highly anticipated matchup!The “nfl predictions” is a weekly NFL prediction article that looks into the future of each team. This week, I will make 4 bold predictions for Week 8 vs. Texans.
Every victory counts for each NFC strong club at this stage in the season, which is why the Los Angeles Rams face a must-win game against the Houston Texans in Week 8.
The NFC now has six teams with a victory percentage of.800 or above, including the 6-1 Rams (.857). So far this season, Los Angeles has racked up numerous important victories, including a decisive Week 3 home victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, raising the stakes even greater for the Rams in their upcoming meeting with the Texans. While a Rams victory would not give them exclusive ownership of first place in the NFC West rankings, they cannot afford to allow such a good chance to gain distance in this close divisional battle pass them by.
Overall, the Rams must accomplish each of these four goals if they are to win their fourth road game of the season in Week 8.
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4. In the broad field, Van Jefferson shines.
DeSean Jackson was expected to play with wideouts Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods in the Rams’ 11 personnel grouping heading into the season. This has not been the case, as second-year wide out Van Jefferson has continued to get significant playing time in this scheme.
In all, Jefferson has played in 328 offensive snaps this season, which is already more than he did in his rookie season (256) in 16 games.
Jefferson is proven to be a solid wideout for quarterback Matthew Stafford, with 76 percent of his catches for first downs this season.
This season, the former Florida Gator has yet to have a memorable performance, but that might change against the Texans. With so much focus on Kupp and Woods, Jefferson will have to make the most of any downfield chances he has to free up the offense for Stafford.
Against Houston, Jefferson’s speed may be used to elude opposing defenders and make big-yard plays.
3. Ernest Jones takes advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Many people were perplexed by the Rams’ decision to trade linebacker and soon-to-be free agent Kenny Young to the Denver Broncos. Young finished the season second among Rams linebackers in defensive snaps played (397) and had a team-high six tackles for loss.
With Young’s departure from the Rams, rookie linebacker Ernest Jones now has a chance to earn a job on the club as a long-term starter. This season, he has only played in 9% of the defensive snaps for the squad.
As any Rams coach or defensive player will tell you, there are high expectations for Jones to make the most of his remaining chances with the club. Jones has been praised as “athletic” by Rams star defensive end Aaron Donald, and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has been “impressed” with his growth so far in his rookie season.
Jones will have a lot on his plate in Week 8, whether it’s pass coverage or tagging along with the Rams’ front seven unit to stop the Texans’ rush attack.
2. Stafford’s jersey is kept immaculate by the Rams offensive line.
During Stafford’s tenure with the Detroit Lions, one of the most significant complaints leveled at the club was its failure to put together a dominant offensive line in front of him. During Stafford’s 12-year tenure in Detroit, he was sacked at least 30 times in seven separate seasons.
This season has undoubtedly been a learning lesson for the veteran quarterback, as he has only been sacked seven times in seven games. He’ll be sacked 17 times this season, according to his stats.
Much of this may be attributed to the Rams’ offensive line’s unwavering consistency. All 442 of the Rams’ offensive snaps have been taken by Brian Allen (center), David Edwards (guard), Rob Havenstein (tackle), and David Edwards (guard). The team’s lone injury issue this year has been offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, who has been struggling with a slight ankle ailment.
In Week 8, the Rams’ offensive line will almost certainly throw a shutout and prevent Stafford from getting sacked by any Texans defensive player.
1. For the first game since 2019, the Rams score 40 points or more.
The Rams are presently seventh in the NFL in points per game with a 29.6 average, but their offensive has not been plain sailing.
The Rams’ failure to put opponents away late in games has been a small source of worry. Their erratic performance in the red zone has undoubtedly contributed to this. They’ve scored touchdowns on 64.5 percent of their red zone possessions this season, which is good for 10th in the league.
Expect the Rams to make the most of every red-zone opportunity they get against the Texans. This is a Texans squad that has allowed 16 touchdown drives in the red zone in seven games this season.
If the Rams can shine in the red zone against Houston, they should have one great offensive performance. They should also record for the first time since the 2019 season that they have scored at least 40 points.
As previously said, the Rams need to win this game in order to maintain up with the rest of the NFC’s powerful clubs.
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