Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints: Last-Minute Spread Info and Predictions

The Houston Texans get a chance to show that they aren't just capable of winning the AFC South, they're a contender to take it all. The New Orleans Saints have a chance to move to 2-1 in spite of the horrific first three games on the schedule.

Both of these teams are dark horses to watch this season. No team is more on the rise in the AFC than the Texans, and the Saints added defensive personnel they hope will propel them back into the Super Bowl.

The Texans need a signature win and on the road in New Orleans would certainly send a message to the rest of the league. If New Orleans can manage to make it through these first three games with a winning record, they have a chance to run away with the NFC South this season.

Current Betting Line:

Point Spread: New Orleans Saints -4

What's at Stake?:

The Texans aren't being taken seriously by everyone. Some suspect their success is the product of a weak schedule. A win for them gives them some much-needed legitimacy and ultimately puts them on the map this season.

The Saints are in one of the toughest divisions in football and there are no gimme games against their division rivals. One game can be the difference between winning the division and missing the playoffs entirely. They can't afford to drop a home game at this point in the season.

Last-Second Injury News:

Houston Texans: Derrick Ward, RB (Ankle) Doubtful, Jacoby Jones, WR (Knee) Questionable, Rashad Butler, OT (Triceps) IR, Arian Foster, RB (Hamstring) Questionable, Johnathan Joseph, CB (Ankle) Questionable, Kevin Walter, WR (Collarbone) Questionable

New Orleans Saints: Tracy Porter, CB (Calf) Questionable, Jonathan Vilma, LB (Knee) Questionable, Adrian Arrington, WR (Knee) Probable, Lance Moore, WR (Groin) Probable, Chris Ivory, RB (Foot) Out

Key Matchup: Drew Brees vs. Wade Phillips

Wade Phillips has looked like the elite defensive coordinator the Texans were hoping he would be, but he's going to have his hands full on Sunday. Drew Brees is going to test the Texans' secondary and we'll see whether the dominant Texans defense can hold their own against a top-flight passing offense like New Orleans.

11th Hour Fantasy Advice:

Ben Tate: With Arian Foster's hamstring in serious question, Tate has been able to accumulate serious fantasy numbers. He's a legitimate option and with 219 yards already this season, it's hard to justify leaving Tate on the bench.

Texans Defense: It's easy to panic when you see your defense going up against the Saints, but the Texans are going to produce points for you. Points allowed may not be pretty, but this is a team who can force mistakes and rush the passer. As good as Brees is, he's not immune to turning the ball over by any means.

Darren Sproles: Don't be afraid to start Sproles. Forget about his lack of rushing yards. He's got more receiving yards than Mark Ingram or Pierre Thomas have gained on the ground. The Saints can take advantage of an aggressive Texans defense by targeting Sproles out of the backfield.

Mark Ingram: It's time to show Mark Ingram the bench. He's still got potential and shouldn't be dropped by any means, but make him work his way back into your good graces. Starting him every week, crossing your fingers and hoping for a breakout game will prove costly this season.

Prediction:

Saints 31, Texans 28

The Saints' home crowd is going to get involved in this game just like they did last week. The Texans are a solid football team and even in a loss, they can still prove that they can compete with the best teams in the league.