NFL.com (Gregg Rosenthal): Texans
It’s going to be a shootout, as NFL.com’s and Around the NFL’s editor Gregg Rosenthal says, but the Texans are going to overcome the Buccaneers. Why? Deshaun Watson will get the pass protection needed against a fiesty pass-rush, which should help him edge Jameis Winston.
Said Rosenthal:
“It’s fun when a tiresome narrative dies quietly. There’s no more conversation about Deshaun Watson’s lack of pass protection after the Laremy Tunsil trade and other changes improved Houston’s Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade to fifth on the year. That will be vital this week against a Bucs defense that has played well over the last month largely because of its pass rush. Watson should get enough time to keep up with Tampa Bay in a shootout, especially with the injuries to Bucs receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.”
Pick: Texans, 30-26