Houston, we have a problem...

Preview of Eagles vs. Texans

5 things to watch for:

Todd Herremans vs. J.J. Watt

Herremans comes into the game with a torn biceps tendon, which usually spells the end of the season for most players, but good ol' Todd is going to try and tough it out. If he does, he'll be going up against the biggest test that he could possibly ask for in Defensive Player of the Year candidate J.J. Watt. Mr. Watt has been a one man wrecking crew for the Texans Defense, having scored 2 defensive touchdowns himself this year along with 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. 

The Return of Darren Sproles

Sproles returns after a one week absence from a sprained MCL and the timing couldn't be better. Sproles was sorely missed last week as most teams have been keying on Lesean McCoy making it tough for the Eagles to establish their run game. I'd be surprised to see Sproles get more than 12 total touches, but it'll be what he does with those touches that will matter.

On the Road again....

The Eagles are facing their second road test in a row in what I feel is a must win situation. 5 of the next 6 Eagles games are all against NFC opponents, all of whom have aspirations for the playoffs: CAROLINA, @ Green Bay, TENNESSEE, @ Dallas, SEATTLE, DALLAS. Luckily, 4 of those 6 will be played at home.  

A Black Rush-in Please

The Texans are 5th in the league in rushing offense thanks to the help of star back Arian Foster and rookie Alfred Blue. Will the Eagles Defense be able to stage off long drives that require stopping the run and forcing Ryan Fitzpatrick to beat us with his arm?

Turnovers

Nick Foles is making a strong case against himself to show that last year was a fluke by committing 12 turnovers thus far this season in just 8 games. (9 Interceptions, 3 fumbles lost). Will he continue to be the Eagles Offensive achilles heel? Meanwhile, the Texans have 13 turnovers total, but have 17 takeaways, 2nd to only Buffalo in that category. 

3 musings

• Ever notice how predictable and lame political commercials are? As the commercial narrator talks generously about the candidate, they show them casually strolling alongside some working class bozo who seems to care what the candidate has to say, then they cut to the candidate talking to a group of people, who again, seem to care what the candidate has to say, then cut to the candidate talking to his family then they all look to the camera smiling as if they were enjoying each other's company?  We then find out-after we elect said official-that the candidate cheats on his wife, the wife is an alcoholic because of it, the one son is a gay drug addict, and the other is pregnant teenage dropout. That's America, folks. 

• Did you see that certain countries are recalling Fireball Whiskey because it apparently has chemicals that are used in formaldehyde? I guess that's why I always felt like death after drinking one. Good riddance.

• Why do girls always put their hand on their hip when taking a picture? When did that pose become the norm? What does it represent? Reason number 2,091 on what I don't understand about women. 

Reason No. 3,024 as to why I suck at Fantasy Football

Had the pleasure of watching a 30 point lead dwindle down to a 7 point loss on Monday night since my opponent had Demarco Murray, The Cowboys Defense, and Pierre Garcon. Is there nothing more nut punching than watching a sure fire win be taken away while the Monday Night game progresses? And by Cowboy and Washington players? At least the Cowboys lost.

Prediction: Eagles 30, Texans 24

The Eagles should be able to put up 30+ against the Texans, who aside from J.J. Watt are not that formidable on defense. Plus, I don't see Ryan Fitzpatrick lighting up the scoreboard for Houston. The Eagles should be good enough to win this one, but they won't make you any more comfortable in doing so.