I like the Texans this year, but not so much against the Jets. The Jets have a very good defense, and I don't see Houston running much against a front 7 that includes Kris Jenkins, David Harris, and Bart Scott - but we'll see. That being said, the Jets make turnovers happen, and they have the athletes to turn those into big plays. This defense got better, it was great last year. Mark Sanchez has great feet, looks very confident in the pocket and on the move, and he's not a mistake prone guy. They will run the ball a lot, and they can do that against the Texans. This game will be close, could come down to a field goal. I'd take the points... And Houston, they couldn't have covered their last 4 games ATS last season, not unless they were a double digit dog to the Oakland Raiders in Week 16 - because I happen to remember Oakland knocking off the Texans and Bucs in back to back weeks to end the season.
I like the Texans this year, but not so much against the Jets. The Jets have a very good defense, and I don't see Houston running much against a front 7 that includes Kris Jenkins, David Harris, and Bart Scott - but we'll see. That being said, the Jets make turnovers happen, and they have the athletes to turn those into big plays. This defense got better, it was great last year. Mark Sanchez has great feet, looks very confident in the pocket and on the move, and he's not a mistake prone guy. They will run the ball a lot, and they can do that against the Texans. This game will be close, could come down to a field goal. I'd take the points... And Houston, they couldn't have covered their last 4 games ATS last season, not unless they were a double digit dog to the Oakland Raiders in Week 16 - because I happen to remember Oakland knocking off the Texans and Bucs in back to back weeks to end the season.
The line is average at best. They have a center and right guard that are nice but that's about it. Their left guard is improving too. Sears could take a step forward. That still leaves them weak at tackle and teams are going to be able to sniff it out easily if they can only run right up the gut.
They have a stable of average running backs. Cadillac can't stay healthy, Graham was not that good last year, and Ward is a product of running behind the best run-blocking line in football.
QB? Leftwich is the man but the Bucs fired their offensive coordinator just days ago because he didn't fit the mold. Now they are learning new schemes with just days before the first game.
The receiving corps is decent but the Bucs don't pass protect well at all IMO.
Atlanta's defense is terrible? I'd say about average. They are young with lots of speed and should improve this year. I think they are right on par with Miami's. Offensively I give the edge to the Falcons. They are just a more complete offense. Offensive line is the only unit on both offenses that I'd say is comparable. With the Falcons at home, I like them to win by 7+.
BOL on your other plays though.
Can't agree with ya. The Ravens are a run-first team with two capable tailbacks and they know where their bread and butter is. The Ravens defense is also down a notch and won't force as many turnovers and 3-and-outs. That means that will be less time for the Ravens to have the ball.
Flacco has an outside chance of getting to 20 TDs if opposing defenses stack the box but I don't think he averages more than like 170 yards a game. He's just not there yet.
I just don't think the Texans are that good on offense or defense. The Jets have a good defense and the running game was nice enough last year. Sanchez has new targets and a new offense which will hinder them early but I still think 4.5 points against an average Houston team is worth it considering the Jets' defense.
I'd put Eli ahead of him for sure. Flacco is a good game manager but he's not going to win any games by himself. Eli can do that if the Giants' run game stalls. Flacco might make better decisions but he's never asked to beat anyone himself so he's not in a position to chuck the ball around as much as Eli. I'd put Flacco out of the top 20 guys right now. Maybe top 25.
