The Houston Texans look to get back on track against the Falcons.  The Texans are banged up though and the Falcons played their best game of the season last week against the Panthers, but they lost a close game.  Texans’ QB Matt Schaub probably has had this game circled on his calendar since the season started after his trade from the Falcons jst before the NFL Draft.  But, it’s very questionable as to whether he will be able to attack a Falcons’ secondary that is allowing opposing QBs a 102.1 QB Rating.  With Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones out for this game, look for the Texans to throw more short passes than usual.  TE Owen Daniels (13 rec, 128 yards) and Kevin Walter will likely be the short targets with Andre Davis the lone deep threat for the Texans against the Falcons.  Ahman Green is also hurting but the Texans hope to have Ron Dayne back as the Texans might be smart to attack the Falcons on the ground where they have had issues stopping the run.  The Falcons have allowed 142.3 yards rushing per game this season.

The Falcons will likely go with “Air Harrington” this week again as it worked well last week.  The Texans have issues on pass defense as they allow 234.7 yards passsing per game this season.  If the Falcons can keep DE Mario Williams and rookie DT Amobi O’Koye out of the backfield, Harrington should have success throwing the football.  Look for the Falcons to challenge the Texans deep with Roddy White (15, 237 yards), Michael Jenkins (9 rec, 104 yards) and Joe Horn (6 rec, 84 yards) and when the defense loosens up the coverage the Falcons will go short to TE Alge Crumpler (13 rec, 156 yards) and RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood out of the backfield.  The Falcons will use the pass to open up the running game as the Falcons are only averaging 89.7 yards rushing per game.

PREDICTION:  The linemakers have this game about right as the Texans are a 3-point favorite.  That’s because this is a game that could go either way, but I’m picking the Falcons to win at home based on all of the injuries the Texans have on offense.