Atlanta Falcons vs. Houston Texans: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Two playoff contenders will square off on Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons travel to Texas to take on the Houston Texans.

The Falcons are 7-4, which is a game behind the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South. They have already lost to the Saints in Atlanta.

Still, their playoff chances look safe as the Falcons are tied with the Bears and Lions for the NFC's two Wild Card spots. By way of head-to-head play, they have the tiebreaker over the Lions, but not the Bears.

The Texans are 8-3. They lead the AFC South by two games over the Tennessee Titans. Houston is also tied with the Ravens, Steelers and Patriots for the best record in the AFC.

Where: Reliant Stadium. Houston, Texas.

When: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. EST.

Watch: Fox

Spread

Falcons (-3), according to Sportsbook.

I like this number. The Texans are starting a completely unproven NFL quarterback. Against a team like the Falcons, I don't expect much. 

Over/Under

38, according to Sportsbook.

This will be close, but I am going to go under. You can see my predicted score at the bottom, and it's nearly on the number. 

While both teams have plenty of offensive talent, they both have strong defenses and some uncertainty on their offensive side of the ball. 

Key Injuries

Per Atlantafalcons.com

Falcons' CB Brent Grimes is out.

Falcons' CB Kelvin Hayden and LB Stephen Nicholas are doubtful.

Falcons' WR Julio Jones, RB Michael Turner and DT Vance Walker are questionable.

Falcons' T Sam Baker and CB Dunta Robinson are probable.

Texans’ DE JJ Watt, FS Danieal Manning, TE Joel Dreessen, TE Owen Daniels, G Mike Brisiel CB Jason Allen, G Wade Smith, DE Antonio Smith, SS Clover Quin, CB Jonathan Joseph, WR Andre Johnson, LB Tim Dobbins, NT Shaun Cody, LB Mister Alexander, and LB Brian Cushing are probable.

Texans’ FB Lawrence Vickers, TE Garrett Graham are questionable.

Texans’ DE Tim Bulman is out.

Fantasy Big Plays

Arian Foster is an obvious play, but Ben Tate is also a strong move. The Texans will be running a lot.

The Atlanta defense is a good play. It will be hard for the Texans to score many points. 

Andre Johnson needs to be played. I know he wasn't spectacular in his return to play last week and I know the QB situation is bad. Still, he's too much of a weapon to not see a lot of passes.

Keys to Falcons Win

Limit the passing threats. Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Julio Jones (if he plays) form a dangerous trio. Shutting them down isn't realistic, but the Texans' defense needs to limit how much they do.

Keys to Texans Win

T.J. Yates won't win the game, but the Texans will need a few good passes from him. Atlanta's defense is too good if they're expecting nothing but runs.

Prediction: Falcons 23, Texans 14

The remaining schedule for the Texans is not particularly daunting, so they will be fine. But the Falcons are a good team and playing well. The uncertainty at quarterback is too much to overcome.