New Orleans Saints: Breaking down all areas vs. the Houston Texans
By Jason Reed
Offense:
Quarterback: Advantage, Saints
This quarterback matchup certainly is intriguing. On one hand you have the veteran, one of the greatest of all-time in Drew Brees. On the other hand, you have a young quarterback who is a key part of the future of the league in Deshaun Watson.
Watson is not better than Brees, at least not yet. While Brees is going to battle father time, he is going to be better for at least one more year, or at least this game.
Running backs: Advantage, Saints
This one really is not close. The Houston Texans’ running game took a big hit in Lamar Miller‘s ACL injury while the Saints have one of the most explosive backs in the league in Alvin Kamara and a second guy in Latavius Murray that would start for the Texans.
Wide receivers: Advantage, Texans
I know, I know. As a Saints fan you probably want to kill me for this one. The way I look at it, DeAndre Hopkins is still slightly better than Michael Thomas and the rest of the Saints receiving corps is not that great while the Texans at least have Will Fuller V.
As much as fans love Tedd Ginn, it is not great when you are turning to a 34-year-old as your second-best receiver.
Tight ends: Advantage, Saints
You could make the case that the Texans have more depth at tight end and I would not argue that. However, Jared Cook alone is as good as two of the Texans’ guys, so the advantage has to go to New Orleans.
Offensive line: Advantage, Saints
Look, the Houston Texans have done a really good job of improving their offensive line in the draft and in the Laremy Tunsil trade, but it is not enough to be better than the Saints, who have at worst a top-five offensive line.