In a surprising turn of events this season, the Houston Texans have defied all odds, clinching victory in two out of their initial five games while impressively outperforming expectations, managing to cover the spread on three separate occasions.
Much of the credit for this remarkable performance can be attributed to the standout rookie quarterback, CJ Stroud. As we approach the five-week mark of the NFL season, Stroud emerges as the undisputed front-runner for the coveted title of Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In the NFC South race, the New Orleans Saints are determined to maintain their competitive edge. Fresh off a resounding victory against the New England Patriots in Week 5, the Saints are standing at a solid 3-2 record. However, their quest for division supremacy faces a formidable obstacle in the form of the 3-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Week 6 is shaping up to be an intriguing showdown, with Houston stepping onto their home turf as the underdogs, according to the initial odds. Notably, the Texans have managed to defy expectations once this 2023 season when they were cast as home underdogs, coming out on top.
Let’s discuss the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints odds, trends, injuries and prediction.
NFL Week 6 Showdown: Saints vs. Texans Predictions, Key Players to Watch, Odds, Spread, Injuries, and Trends
Saints vs Texans Predictions:
In Week 5, the Houston offense encountered considerable challenges when facing the formidable Atlanta defense, which currently ranks seventh in yards per play allowed this season. However, as they gear up to confront the Saints, it’s worth noting that New Orleans presents an even more formidable defensive obstacle.
In a standout performance during Week 5, the New Orleans defense achieved a remarkable feat by shutting out the New England Patriots. This dominant showing catapulted them to an impressive fourth-place ranking in the NFL for yards per play allowed and a solid fifth in points allowed this season.
Based on previous games, Houston’s defense may not have displayed top-tier performance; they maintain a respectable twelfth-place ranking in points allowed for the ongoing 2023 season.
My confidence in the Saints’ offense remains somewhat tempered, given their current ranking of twenty-seventh in yards per play. This skepticism is further fueled by the lingering effects of Carr’s shoulder injury sustained in Week 3. Despite the return of Kamara, it’s worth noting that the team’s offensive output has leaned toward the conservative side, making them a continued underdog in terms of scoring.
The ‘under’ bet has proven profitable in all five of the Saints’ games this season, and it has also prevailed in three out of Houston’s five matchups. Anticipating Week 6, it appears we might be in for a defensive showdown, setting the stage for a game dominated by tenacious defense.
Saints vs Texans Key Players to Watch:
Houston Texans Players to Watch –
CJ Stroud: As the frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year title, Stroud’s performance this season has been nothing short of outstanding. Averaging an impressive 292.2 yards per game and boasting an impeccable touchdown-to-interception ratio of seven to zero in his first five games, he’s set to fortify his claim to the OROY honor in the upcoming home matchup.
Dalton Schultz: Amid the buzz surrounding emerging talents like Tank Dell and Nico Collins on the Houston roster, it was Schultz who notably stepped up with an impressive performance in Week 5, amassing a season-best seven receptions for 65 yards. As a significant offseason acquisition, Schultz’s contribution becomes pivotal for the Texans as they strive to inject greater dynamism into their offensive strategy.
New Orleans Saints Players to Watch –
Derek Carr: Despite grappling with a nagging shoulder injury, Carr admirably guided the Saints to a pivotal victory against the New England Patriots in their recent matchup. Protecting his ailing shoulder remains paramount, but there’s no denying that Carr’s performance in Week 5 showcased marked improvement over his showing in Week 4.
Alvin Kamara: Despite being sidelined for much of the season due to a suspension, Kamara has made a significant impact in the two games he’s participated in. Accumulating a total of 181 yards and notching a touchdown, Kamara has demonstrated his versatility by shouldering a substantial workload, amassing 33 carries and 17 receptions in his initial two appearances since returning to the field.
Saints vs Texans Injury Report:
Houston Texans Injury Report –
- Josh Jones (OT) – Questionable
- Tank Dell (WR) – Questionable
- Christian Harris (LB) – Questionable
- Shaquill Griffin (CB) – Questionable
New Orleans Saints Injury Report –
- J.T. Gray (S) – Questionable
- Juwan Johnson (TE) – Questionable
- Lonnie Johnson Jr. (CB) – Questionable
- Andrus Peat (G) – Questionable
- Landon Young (OT) – Questionable
Saints and Texans Last Five Games:
New Orleans Saints Last 5 Games –
| DATE | OPP | RESULT |
| 10/8/23 | @NE | W 34-0 |
| 10/1/23 | vsTB | L 26-9 |
| 9/24/23 | @GB | L 18-17 |
| 9/19/23 | @CAR | W 20-17 |
| 9/10/23 | vsTEN | W 16-15 |
Houston Texans Last 5 Games –
| DATE | OPP | RESULT |
| 10/8/23 | @ATL | L 21-19 |
| 10/1/23 | vsPIT | W 30-6 |
| 9/24/23 | @JAX | W 37-17 |
| 9/17/23 | vsIND | L 31-20 |
| 9/10/23 | @BAL | L 25-9 |
Saints and Texans Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 15
- Game Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: NRG Stadium
- How to Watch (TV): FOX
- New Orleans Saints Record: 3-2
- Houston Texans Record: 2-3
