Coming off back-to-back double-digit loss seasons, the Atlanta Falcons are probably the most surprising of the seven undefeated teams. But now the experts are starting to buy into the early-season hype, picking them to win again in Week 4 over the Houston Texans.
Texans vs. Falcons 2015 picks and predictions: Atlanta is near-lock to stay perfect
All you need to know is that the Falcons have Julio Jones and the Texans don’t.
Although the Falcons’ 3-0 start is promising for a franchise that was in a deep slump the past two seasons, there’s still a bit of smoke-and-mirrors skepticism that surrounds this team based on how they’ve won their first three games. The Falcons are the first team in NFL history to start the season 3-0 after trailing in the fourth quarter of every single game.
Still, it’s hard not to jump on the Falcons’ bandwagon when you consider the weapons they have on offense -- a Pro Bowl quarterback, a strong running game thanks to a much-improved offensive line and, of course, the best wide receiver in football.
Julio Jones is basically unstoppable right now; his on-pace numbers are both ridiculous and record-breaking. He is the first wideout in NFL history with at least 135 receiving yards in each of his first three games, and his 34 catches are the most ever for a player through the first three games of a season.
He’ll try to keep up this bonkers pace on Sunday against a Texans secondary that has actually fared pretty well against wide receivers this year. They are ninth in Pro Football Focus’ pass defense rankings and, according to Football Outsiders, have allowed just 43 receiving yards per game to No. 1 wideouts.
Houston got its first win of the season last week, and the game showcased the blueprint for its success this season: a strong, aggressive defense combined with a ball-control, run-heavy offense. That performance is even more encouraging when considering that it came without Arian Foster, who is recovering from preseason groin surgery and will be a game-time decision on Sunday. When healthy, he is one of the league's most dynamic running backs and would give Houston's ground game a huge boost against Atlanta.
The experts, however, aren’t giving the Texans a chance to win this game. All eight of the guys at CBS Sports have Atlanta and the entire ESPN crew is also picking the Falcons. Among our esteemed game-pickers here at SB Nation, only Joel Thorman is taking the Texans.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark Computer | |
| HOU @ ATL | ATL | ATL | HOU | ATL | ATL | ATL | ATL | ATL |
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