It will be Barkley vs Pierce, two very good RBs looking to lead a pair of run-first offenses when the Texans take on the Giants in New York. Pierce is banged up, but likely to play and off a very impressive rebound game against the Eagles. Barkley is healthy and well rested after a bye week, and playing against the worst run defense in the league. The Texans are 32nd in rush yards allowed and very poor in all other categories, and of course, teams routinely run against them most of the time. In this case it will Barkley and QB Jones, a terrific one-two punch, 4th in the league in rushing yards. How will Pierce fare? The Giants rush defense give up plenty of yards, but not points. The New York defense overall is very good in the red zone, and in limiting 3rd down conversions. The pass defense is average in yards, and limits passers to an 82 rating lately. The Giants blitz a lot, but it is the Texans who are the more successful pressurers. Opposing passers have looked good lately with a 108 rating in the last 3 Texans' games.
Houston passer Mills has struggled in his second season, with a very average passer rating and too many picks. Jones, aside from his running abilities, has been effective on a smaller scale, and hangs on to the ball. I think the Giants running game will win out on Sunday. The Giants don't give up the ball easily, and the Texans are 30th in time of possession. We'll see a lot of the Giants on the field, while scoring enough points to win and cover.