ALDS GAME 3 AT A GLANCE
Astros-Indians Game 3 preview: Going for the clean sweep
Oct 8, 2018, 5:30 am
The ALDS shifts to Cleveland for Game 3 this afternoon with the Astros looking for the sweep. We'll have a full game recap for you right after the final pitch:
When: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland.
TV: TBS.
Streaming: TBS App.
Pitching matchup: Dallas Keuchel vs. Mike Clevinger.
Series: Astros lead 2-0.
The breakdown: The Indians find themselves fighting off elimination, while the Astros will have their first playoff game on the road, where they were very strong in the regular season. The Astros will send lefty Dallas Keuchel to the mound, who could cap off an up-and-down year by putting together a solid postseason performance before he hits free agency. The Indians will start Mike Clevinger, a solid starter that will have the benefit of his home crowd behind him. This game will likely have some more offense than the fierce pitching battles of Games 1 and 2, so watch for Houston's offense to try and put things away and hopefully earn some days off for the ALCS.
Series schedule:
Result / Date & Time | Location | Pitching matchup | |
Game 1 | Astros 7, Indians 2 | Minute Maid | Verlander (W) vs. Kluber (L) |
Game 2 | Astros 3, Indians 1 | Minute Maid | Cole (W) vs. Carrasco (L) |
Game 3 | Today, 12:30 PM | Cleveland | Keuchel vs. Clevinger |
Game 4* | Tue. 10/9, 3:35 PM | Cleveland | Morton+ vs. TBD |
Game 5* | Thu. 10/11, 3:07 PM | Minute Maid | Verlander+ vs. TBD |
* Games 4-5 are if necessary.
+-projected starters.
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
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