Last week's edition of "Three And Out" was met with a bit of derision, as some Texans fans couldn't believe that anyone with a functioning brain, much less a professed fan of the Texans, would pick the Cowboys to defeat the Texans at Reliant Stadium. It's not like I wanted that to happen. It's just what I thought would happen. I can't very well ignore the voices in my head mystical spirits, can I? That would be poor form and could leave me vulnerable to hauntings. And with the Texans already affecting my mental faculties, I'm not really in a place where I can handle any supernatural feuds.
Will my prediction of the outcome of Texans-Raiders come to pass? No idea. Remember...I am barely able to function in adult society. Nevertheless, hit the jump to see three (3) things sure to occur in Oakland on Sunday.
1. Despite valid reasons for it not to happen, Andre Johnson will play on Sunday. The Texans will, however, do everything they can to keep him out of harm's way. That plan will begin and end with Arian Foster, who will contribute 119 yards on 24 carries and a TD.
2. In his first start of the season, Dominique Barber will be better than Eugene Wilson, but by no means will he be the elixir that cures what ails the Houston secondary. Bruce Gradkowski--yes, Bruce Gradkowski--will throw for 263 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. You were with me until I called that interception, weren't you? Can't say that I blame you, yet I shall stick my guns. The Texans will manage to pull in their first interception of the 2010 season, and it'll be Glover Quin who does it.
3. A Houston TE will have a touchdown reception on Sunday afternoon. His name will not be Owen Daniels. It will be Joel Dreessen.
PUT YOUR NAME ON IT: Methinks this game is going to be the opposite of aesthetically pleasing. In other words, U-G-L-Y. The Raiders are poor against the run, and you're fully aware of how terrible your Houston Texans are defending the pass. I expect both teams to take advantage of the opponent's glaring weakness, which will make for a maddening game to watch for each team's fans. In the end, I'll cast my lot with the boys in steel blue, battle red, and liberty white; I believe they will prevail in a game that's much closer than we'd like it to be. Texans 20, Raiders 16.
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