How Houston Texans look to extend streak against flailing Falcons
LET'S GO STREAKING!
03 October 2023
After dominating the Steelers at NRG this past Sunday, the Houston Texans turn their attention to Bijan Robinson and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Texans and Falcons both have the same record sitting at 2-2, but the Texans version of 2-2 feels much different. Houston is improving each week with an impressive rookie QB, while Atlanta has dropped their last two games to the Lions and Jaguars.
What's more concerning is the Falcons offense. They have some talented skill players with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. But the quarterback play from Desmond Ridder has been underwhelming, and fans are starting to question if the team needs to begin searching for another QB.
In the meantime, if Ridder has serious struggles again on Sunday, you have to wonder if the team will make the switch to backup QB Taylor Heinicke. Ridder and the Falcons have only scored 13 combined points over the last two games.
For the Texans, Steven Nelson has been terrific at corner, so we expect him to continue his productive level of play against Atlanta's top receiver, London.
The Texans have had their issues defending the run game over the last several seasons, so keeping Robinson in check should be the team's top priority.
And what else is there to say about CJ Stroud? He has been impressive to say the least, and with OC Bobby Slowik allowing Stroud to continue pushing the ball downfield even with a lead, shows you how much he trusts his rookie QB.
Currently the Falcons are favored by two points at home this Sunday, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Texans win as an underdog once again this week.
Houston could get a big boost to the offensive line with Tytus Howard set to come off IR and Juice Scruggs not far behind.
Be sure to watch the video above for the full early preview of Texans-Falcons.
If you enjoy the videos, be sure to watch Texans on Tap (a Texans podcast) every Monday on the SportsMap Texans YouTube channel.
Astros-Yankees series arrives with more than bragging rights at stake
Aug 8, 2025, 12:47 pm
The Bronx is never short on baseball drama, but this weekend’s meeting between the Astros and Yankees comes with layers of intrigue.
This is a matchup that’s felt bigger than just another August series for years, and with both teams trying to firm up their postseason footing, this one’s no exception. The Seattle Mariners are gaining ground, with the Astros now holding only a 1.5 game lead in the division.
Houston (64-51) sends All-Star right-hander Hunter Brown (9-5, 2.47 ERA) to the mound Friday night to open the three-game set. The Yankees counter with Cam Schlittler (1-2, 4.58), who will make just his fourth big league start. The Yankees, third in the AL East, are fighting to stay locked in to a wild card spot — and doing it under the spotlight of Aaron Judge’s return.
Judge came off the 10-day injured list on August 5, he's been dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow. He’s just 1-for-6 in his first two games back, but the reigning AL MVP’s presence changes the shape of New York’s lineup instantly.
The Astros’ order has gotten a jolt of its own. Carlos Correa’s return at the trade deadline brought more than nostalgia — it’s brought production. The former No. 1 pick is slashing .346/.393/.538 with a .931 OPS through his first six games back in Houston.
Jose Altuve keeps setting the tone (19 HR, .458 slugging), while Yainer Diaz is riding a hot stretch — 12-for-35 with three homers and 10 RBIs over his last 10.
Both teams come in 4-6 over their last 10 games, but the Yankees have struggled to score, hitting just .214 in that span. The Astros, meanwhile, have quietly posted a .267 team average in their last 10 while outscoring opponents by two runs.
Friday marks the start of a stretch that could carry October implications for both clubs — and it begins under the lights in the Bronx, where the stakes feel a little higher than usual.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -120, Yankees +101; over/under is 8 runs
Astros lineup takeaways
How will Joe Espada try to beat the Yankees? He'll start with Jeremy Pena back in the leadoff spot, followed by Jesus Sanchez who will be coving left field. Altuve will DH and hit third with Carlos Correa hitting cleanup and playing third base.
Battle in the Bronx.
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Christian Walker will play first base and hit fifth, he's followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Taylor Trammell (CF), Mauricio Dubon (2B), and finally Cam Smith. Interesting to see Smith this far down the lineup. Hopefully he can break out of his slump in this series against the Yankees.
Pretty darn good lineup if you ask me.
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