Texans vs Packers 8/8/19 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

The Houston Texans visit the Green Bay Packers on Thursday August 8 in an NFL Week 1 preseason showdown at Lambeau Field.

Houston finished the 2018 regular season 11-5 and won the AFC South. Even more impressive was the Texans started the season 0-3 but were 11-2 over their final 13 games and that included a winning streak of nine straight. Houston will once again be guided by quarterback Deshaun Watson, who stayed healthy all season starting each of the 16 games and finishing with 4,165 yards passing, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions, but will see limited action on Thursday.

Defensively, the Texans have J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney as their top pass rushers. The two combined last season for 25 sacks but Watt will likely not play more than a series on Thursday and Clowney has not reported to training camp. A key for this season will be Whitney Mercilus returning to 2015-16 form and he should see action on Thursday at least for a few defensive series. D.J. Reader had just two sacks last season and look for him to see playing time to round into form. Green Bay had a disappointing 6-9-1 season in 2018. The Packers fired Mike McCarthy and start anew with Matt LaFleur at the helm. Aaron Rodgers returns under center following a season of 25 touchdowns and two interceptions. The running game will be highlighted early with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones vying for the starting role. Davante Adams is the leading receiver returning from last season, while a reliable second receiver needs to be found during training camp. Vying for the second receiver spot will be Geronimo Allison and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Green Bay may have to rely more on its defense in 2019 as the offense takes time to come up to speed with new receivers and a mediocre running attack. Green Bay has two top rookies in camp on defense in Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage. The Packers will also be looking at free agent signees Adrian Amos and edge rushers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. With Mike Pettine in his second season as defensive coordinator the Packers will be focusing all preseason on finding the right combination in the front four and back seven of the defense starting on Thursday.