Preseason is underway as multiple teams around the league have begun playing exhibition games. The Green Bay Packers take on the Houston Texans on Saturday night. It’s the first preseason game for both NFL teams, so we likely won’t see many stars. However, this is a great opportunity for the coaching staff to see what they have on the rest of the roster.
For the Packers, the starting lineup is nearly a lock. It’ll be interesting to see how involved AJ Dillon is in this game, as he is in line to be the immediate backup behind Aaron Jones. We saw last year the Packers kept Jamaal Williams involved in that role, so we might see Dillon receive a good amount of carries on Saturday. Furthermore, the Packers have an important position battle on the offensive line that the coaching staff is sure to keep a close eye on.
For the Texans, it’s no secret they have a problem in the quarterback room. However, the front office acquired three quarterbacks to replace Deshaun Watson. Davis Mills and Jeff Driskel should have a chance to battle it out for the backup job behind Tyrod Taylor. Meanwhile, the Texans have an exciting rookie tight end who could make his mark on Saturday night.
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With that said, here are four bold predictions for the preseason matchup between the Packers and Texans.
Packers bold predictions
AJ Dillon proves his worth
AJ Dillon was acquired in 2020, and many believed it would lead to the Green Bay Packers moving on from Aaron Jones. Instead, the front office extended Jones’ contract, forcing Dillon to remain as the backup. However, Dillon is a different type of running back in comparison to Jones. Dillon brings the power where Jones brings the agility. With the starting running back likely not playing, Saturday night could allow for AJ Dillon to prove himself as a strong backup, giving the Packers a solid one-two punch in the backfield.
Jon Runyan takes a lead in the Right Guard position battle
According to USA Today, the Packers have a position battle going on at right guard. It’s coming down between Jon Runyan and Ben Braden and it seems to be a wide-open race. Saturday night’s preseason game will play a large factor in whom the coaching staff chooses. We’ll see how it plays out, but this is a huge opportunity for Runyan and Braden.
Texans bold predictions
Davis Mills takes a lead in the Quarterback position battle
Deshaun Watson likely won’t play another snap for the Houston Texans, forcing the franchise to search for a staring quarterback elsewhere. Tyrod Taylor is likely the new starter until the front office can find someone else. The Texans selected Davis Mills in the 2021 NFL Draft to bring in some solid competition for the starting spot. Mills should have plenty of opportunities in his first preseason action against the Packers. If he plays well, we could see him listed as the backup behind Taylor until he’s ready for the starting job.
Brevin Jordan proves why the Texans drafted him
Brevin Jordan was a solid draft selection for the Texans this year. The team has a need at the tight end position and Jordan was one of the top prospects in that position. He needs some time to develop, but his potential is through the roof. With that said, we should see Jordan in action against the Packers as he gets acclimated with Houston’s offensive scheme.
