Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons Preview: Can Young Stars C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins Stay Hot?

The Houston Texans will look to ride the hot streak of C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins against an Atlanta Falcons team that is well-equipped to make Week 5 difficult.

The Houston Texans will visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in a contest of two teams trending in opposite directions. While Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has quickly found his footing, galvanizing a city with a two-game win streak, the Falcons have found themself struggling to stay competitive in a tight NFC South.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder just needs to be survivable for Atlanta to be a tough out on any Sunday. The 13 points scored in the last two weeks is a direct indictment of that ability.

Anyhow, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has helped Ridder perform adequately before, even if it means taking the ball out of his hands completely. If he can manage to help Ridder play a clean game, Atlanta is talented enough to keep any game close.

Houston will have the tough task of allocating enough resources to stop the run while also covering athletic weapons in receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. However, Ridder’s (in)competency may render those weapons obsolete. The real challenge is containing star running back Bijan Robinson in open space, no matter how the ball gets in his hands.

For now, the Texans have a decided advantage under center. Stroud has been exceptional as of late, throwing for 1,212 yards and six touchdowns. He’s yet to throw an interception and has seemed to curtail a fumbling problem that plagued his first few weeks.

Collins celebrates a score at home / © Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Part of his ascension has been matched by receiver Nico Collins, who is having a career year. He is 15 catches and 53 yards away from his career-highs. Friendly reminder … It is the beginning of October.

Atlanta’s defense may prove to be a challenge. No team has been better against the run (-.24 expected points added per play). If Houston struggles to run the ball, it could spell trouble. A one-dimensional offense is a vulnerable one. Falcons’ safety Jessie Bates III is incredible at robbing the middle of the field, and already picked off a rookie passer—Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young—twice.

The Texans could very well find their streak spoiled if Atlanta can successfully manage the clock and win the turnover battle. If the run is indeed taken away, it’ll be on Stroud to operate in unfavorable conditions and win anyway.

WHAT: Houston Texans (2-2) vs. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA (71,000)

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, 12 p.m. (CDT)

TELEVISION: FOX

RADIO: SportsRadio 610 AM, 100.3 FM The Bull

ODDS: Texans +1.5 (-110), +105 Moneyline, Total: 41.5 (o -110/u -110)