Packers vs Texans prediction, picks and fantasy outlook feat. C.J. Stroud

The Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans were the biggest surprises of the 2023 season. Both teams were young and thought to be in the process of rebuilding, they instead shockingly made the playoffs (with the latter even winning their division) and going as far as the Divisional Round.

Now, both teams two square off on Sunday in vastly differing circumstances. The Packers are dead last in a highly competitive NFC North, despite a 4-2 record, while the Texans are the current overlords of the AFC South being the only team with a winning record. Who wins this game, then?

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Packers vs Texans prediction

Heading into the game, the Texans are among the top teams in multiple offensive categories:

• 5th in passing attempts (222)
• 3rd in completions (150)
• 2nd in passing yards (1,669)
• T-5th in passing touchdowns (10)

However, their defense has been at best mediocre despite the presence of pass-rushing defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter and a strong secondary that boasts cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Jalen Pitre. This can be attributed to the lack of a dominant run-stopping linebacker.

Meanwhile, the Packers have the third-most rushing attempts (198) and second-most rushing yards (1003), the latter behind only the Baltimore Ravens. They also have the second-most passing touchdowns (14) behind only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Their defense, however, has been somewhat of a liability in the air, allowing 10 passing touchdowns while forcing just nine interceptions. On the other hand, they have allowed just for rushing touchdowns – which puts them in the Top 10 in that category.

Both teams are in the top 10 for field goals made. The Texans are ahead of the Packers by one, while they are also in the top 10 in net punting yards.

Overall, the quality of special teams could prove the decider in the AFC South champions' favor, with kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn and punter Tommy Townsend already playing at elite levels.

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Packers vs Texans top fantasy picks

The player to watch out for in this game is C.J. Stroud. In his franchise's first win at Foxborough against the New England Patriots last week, he had just 192 yards but with three touchdowns and an interception.

Top pass-catcher Nico Collins may be out with a hamstring injury; but the Packers secondary still has to contend with Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, John Metchie III and tight ends Dalton Schultz and Cade Stover, giving the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year plenty of options.

On the Packers' side of the ball, the player to watch out for is running back Josh Jacobs. Given the Texans' struggles against the run, he should be expected to put up monstrous numbers once more.

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How to watch Packers vs. Texans? TV channel and live stream details for Week 7 game

This game will kick off on CBS at 1:00 p.m. ET. It can also be streamed on Paramount+ or NFL+.

CBS's No. 1 broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, analyst Tony Romo and fieldside reporter Tracy Wolfson will cover the game.