Texans vs Lions: Final Thoughts and Score Prediction

A seemingly invincible juggernaut comes to town for a Sunday Night Showdown

C.J. Stroud said he wants to get back to having fun.

The last three weeks have been anything but for the Houston Texans franchise quarterback. He’s been constantly pressured by opposing defenses. Stroud has been sacked 14 times in the past three weeks.

“I believe that we just have to honestly keep the swag, keep the juice, on the sideline we have to be more pumped up,” Stroud said this week. “Everybody has to stand up and rooting each other on and celebrate. I think that is one thing we can do better, just have better celebrations.”

It might sound curious and unique that “fun” would solve the sputtering Houston offense. Nothing has looked easy for easy for the Texans. Consistency has been as present as cool weather outside in the city.

Stroud inspires confidence though. If one of the best young quarterbacks in football says fun is the answer, believe him.

The image of Stroud standing with his arms crossed staring at his teammates after the last catch from Nico Collins before he left for a month with injury comes to mind. That was one of the previous times the passing offense looked anywhere close to its potential, and Stroud appeared to be having fun at that moment.

Stroud said the revelation came to him on the extra days off after the loss to the New York Jets. Turning to his faith allowed him to see you can have fun while doing your work. He noted the desire for fun is balanced with his competitive nature too.

“But at the same time when you have a positive perspective you can realize that I maybe didn’t make this play, but I am going to make the next one. It’s cliché, it is easier said than done but I really believe that the hardest battle in life is you versus you. So, I believe you can get past those hard plays, those hard games.”

This is one of the hardest games for the Texans. It won’t be easy to have fun, but if Stroud gets his way the Texans will have plenty to smile about.

Score Prediction

The Texans will win 33-31. All week long I have thought about how daunting this Detroit Lions matchup is for the Texans. The Lions are excellent. They don’t make a lot of mistakes. They take advantage of the mistakes you make. But I like the mood around this matchup for the Texans now. Nico Collins has a strong chance to return. He will help the offense so much in so many ways. There will be a new offensive line on the field and I, perhaps insanely, believe the blocking can’t get worse. The Lions are due to have a stinker and the Texans sneak past them for a win.

---