It wasn't long ago that the Houston Texans were 0-4 with nothing to smile about, and the New York Giants were staying afloat at 3-1 despite being without Jaxson Dart. Just a few weeks later, the roles couldn't be more different.
Houston comes into Week 7 as winners of two straight, going from making offseason vacation plans to eyeing the AFC South crown. New York is coming into Week 7 off a loss and a tie that should've been a loss.
Quarterback questions are the big thing for John Harbaugh's Giants this week, with the team deciding between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy as the starter against the Texans. Those are questions that the Texans suddenly aren't facing, despite coming into the year with plenty of them.
C.J. Stroud is looking like a
new quarterback through the first six games, even if the wins haven't always been there. He has nine touchdowns and only one interception, doing it without the presence of a real rushing attack. With another winnable game on the docket, can Houston roll to a third straight win, or is it the G-Men that get back on track?
Texans vs Giants odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Texans -5.5
- Moneyline: Texans -238; Giants +195
- Total: 43.5
Get the edge with our exclusive NFL betting picks
Texans Keys To Victory
Exploit a weakened Giants' secondary. Injuries are aplenty on the back end of the 'Big Blue' defense heading into Week 7, which should be music to the ears of C.J. Stroud. Houston hasn't been able to run the ball effectively all season long, meaning the Texans are trusting the right arm of Stroud more than expected. If he can find Nico Collins, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Tank Dell with regularity early on, the Giants won't be able to pressure the QB as they commit more bodies to slowing the passing game. Some teams run to set up the pass. The Texans need to pass to set up the run.
Giants Keys To Victory
The G-Men must commit to a running back. Enough with the musical chairs and spinning of the wheel. Cam Skattebo is supposed to be the featured back, and the Giants have to treat him like one to get this running game going. New York won't be able to keep up with this Houston offense as currently constructed, so the visitors will have to limit possessions and be efficient - especially with the quarterback questions heading into the week.
Injuries to watch
Giants
• CB Greg Newsome II • CB Colton Hood • S Tyler Nubin • OL Jermaine Eluemunor
Texans
• S Jalen Pitre • RB David Montgomery
Texans vs Giants USA TODAY expert picks
Nicholas Brinkerhoff: Texans 27, Giants 13
The wheels are going to start coming off this week for the Giants. It's not panic time yet, simply because they play in a division they might win by default. However, this is a step up in class for the wounded Giants, and while you could point to travel as an issue for the Texans - who are returning from London - Houston is just the better team. C.J. Stroud is playing some good football, and Houston can't afford to lose these games if they want to overcome a 0-4 start. The home team wins big.
Adam Kaufman: Texans 30, Giants 23
Jameis Winston or J.J. McCarthy? Whichever quarterback the Giants choose – I'm assuming McCarthy – the protection needs to come with him. McCarthy's fourth-quarter production against the Saints was impressive, but digging out of a massive deficit against a defense protecting a lead is different from handling the Texans' pressure from the opening possession. Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely give New York a legitimate chance to create offense. I'm just expecting too many stalled drives and at least one costly mistake. C.J. Stroud should find opportunities on the other side for a rejuvenated group, and Tank Dell's expected return gives Houston another receiving option next to Nico Collins and Marvin Harrison Jr., without requiring him to immediately carry the offense.
Where to watch Giants at Texans
- Matchup: Texans vs. Giants
- Date: Oct. 25
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Venue: Reliant Stadium
- Location: Houston, Texas
- TV: Fox
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texans vs. Giants prediction, odds and expert picks for Week 7
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