Two Super Bowl hopefuls square off in the Green Bay Packers vs. Houston Texans Week 7 matchup. The Packers are at 4-2, but they need to keep winning to keep pace in a tough NFC North.
Meanwhile, the Texans sit atop their division with a 5-1 record. Their only loss so far has been to another NFC North team. Green Bay will look to make those two losses for Houston against what is currently the best division in football.
The similarities between these teams are striking. Both have tremendously talented quarterbacks in their second seasons starting. The depth of overall talent is apparent all over both rosters. Most importantly, these are well-coached teams that will certainly prepare the players as best as possible for this game.
Key Players for the Packers
One of the biggest strengths on this Packers team is wide receiver depth. Specifically, pass-catchers on rookie contracts have allowed for roster flexibility. However, what truly makes that position a strength is that these young receivers are producing.
Romeo Doubs is arguably the best route runner on the team. His pinpoint precise routes allow him to be in the exact space his quarterback expects. That is why Doubs is a favorable target on routes that require perfectly timed throws.
Christian Watson is a fantastic athlete who can create separation deep. His explosive catches can help tilt the field position battle. And when Watson can connect on a big touchdown play, it can completely change the contest.
Jayden Reed can truly do it all. First, he is the best slot receiver on the team. His combination of smarts and speed allows him to find the spaces in zone coverage. Reed, is also adept at using his athleticism to gain extra yards with the football in his hand. The Packers have often placed Reed in the backfield, to utilize him like a running back.
With all the wide receivers back on the field together last week, Jordan Love had his full complement of weapons. He made the most of the situation as Doubs, Reed, and Watson all caught touchdowns.
On the other side of the ball, Green Bay suddenly has solid depth at safety. The position group underwent a complete overall this offseason. Xavier McKinney was signed in free agency, and he has arguably been the best Packers player this season.
In addition, a couple of key defensive backs were selected during the draft. Both Javon Bullard and Even Williams has contributed significantly as rookies. Green Bay has deployed all three safeties at times, with great results.
Key Players for the Texans
Much like Love, C.J. Stroud has impressed so far in his young career. He brought the Texans to the playoffs as a rookie, and year two looks even more promising.
Like the Packers, this Houston team is deep at wide receiver. Having either of these pass-catching corps is a quarterback’s dream. Even with an injury absence, the Texans offense operated just fine last week. Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs both scored touchdowns from Stroud. Both are productive pass-catchers, but they also win in different ways.
Dell is a big-play threat who can use his speed to get open deep. However, Dell can also sperate in the short-passing game. That way, his yards-after-catch ability can be on full display.
Meanwhile Diggs, is a savvy veteran who knows how to get open. His route-running is excellent, and he is prone to getting open in the end zone. The former Vikings receiver is familiar with Green Bay. Diggs was drafted by Minnesota and spent the first portion of career in the NFC North.
Speaking of former Vikings, Houston also employs Danielle Hunter as one of their primary pass rushers. For years, Hunter was arguably Minnesota’s best player, certainly on defense. Now, he forms a dominant defense end duo alongside Will Anderson. Both players will pose a challenge for the Packers offensive tackles.
Keys to Win the Game
In a contest between two elite offenses, the best tactic is score the most points possible. Sounds simple, but in the NFL nothing ever is. Fundamentally, football is all about the trenches, and that could be where this game is won.
The pass rush that can pressure the opposing quarterback the most may just emerge victorious. Therefore, the defensive end vs offensive tackle matchups might just be the most important aspect to this game.
One one side we have Anderson and Hunter going up against the Packers tackle duo of Zac Tom and Rasheed Walker. While Tom may be the better player, Walker has the tall task of protecting Love’s blindside. Either side you slice it, both players will have their hands full.
Looking at the opposite end, Green Bay’s best pass rusher is Rashan Gary. He will likely attack the blindside, with Laremy Tunsil in the role of Texans left tackle. Gary has not had a sack since Week 1. If he can get the better of Tunsil, it could turn the tides in this contest.
Whichever offensive line gives their quarterback the most time to throw also gives their team the best chances to capitalize on big plays. Both teams have talented wide receivers, along with quarterbacks who can deliver the football accurately. But for all of that to connect, pass-protection is key.
This is a matchup between two great teams that both look to be back in the playoffs again this year. Whoever wins this Green Bay Packers vs. Houston Texans game, will put themselves one step closer to that ultimate goal.
