You HAVE to feel for this Houston Texans team.  Regardless of who your NFL team is out there, this Texans team simply cannot catch a single break.  First it was the injury to star wide out Andre Johnson, which they were able to overcome and stay atop the AFC South even with him out.  Then, came the injury to star defensive end Mario Williams, which will keep him out for the year.  As if this wasn’t tough enough, the Texans then lost starting quarterback Matt Schaub for the year, and THEN back-up quarterback Matt Leinart.  The Texans are down to their third string quarterback, but are still holding on to the divisional lead, and getting this huge home win against a strong opponent like the Falcons would go a long way.

The Atlanta Falcons on the other hand are flying pretty high right now, as they’ve won five of their last six games.  This team is 7-4 overall and has one of the most all around talented offenses in the NFL.  They are led by a young quarterback in Matt Ryan, and two strong wide outs in Roddy White and Julio Jones.  The Falcons are currently sitting one game behind New Orleans in the NFC South, and are definitely in a spot where they need to win these games not only for the division, but also for the NFC Wild Card if they are unable to catch the Saints.

This game is an interesting match-up here, and personally, I think it will be one of the best betting options of the weekend in the NFL.  We’ll watch this one kick off at 1:00pm EST and will be played in Houston.

Odds and Sports Betting Line

Atlanta Falcons: -3

Houston Texans: +3

Free Prediction

What an interesting game this one is going to be.  If the Texans were at full strength, I think they’d be able to pull this one out at home, but they’ll struggle with their depleted roster right now.  Even the two headed monster that they have in Arian Foster and Ben Tate at running back won’t be enough in my opinion, as the Falcons offense has just been hitting on all points right now.  The Matt Ryan to Roddy White combination lacked early in the season, but it’s finally back at full strength once again.  When that happens, it spells trouble for the rest of the league, and that means more than just the Texans.  I have to stick with the Falcons to pull out the win here on the road, and I think they’ll get it done by a touchdown.

Prediction:  Atlanta Falcons- 24 Houston Texans- 17

Free Pick

I can’t believe the Texans are only +3 here!  This team has shown quite a bit of resiliency in playing through all these injuries, but against a team like the Falcons?  I just can’t see them keeping it within a field goal here, regardless of if they are on the road or at home.  The Falcons are a well-coached, and well-rounded team overall; and I think that they’ll cause problems for the Texans this weekend.  I’m picking the Atlanta Falcons to cover the -3.

Pick:  Atlanta Falcons -3