With The First Pick
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Chiefs vs Texans: Game Pick – Top rookies take center stage

By Maurice Barksdale

FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 24: Deshaun Watson
FOXBORO, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 24: Deshaun Watson /
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The 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs go on the road to take on the 2-2 Houston Texans in week 5. Here is the pick for Chiefs vs Texans.

This game features two rookies who’ve taken the NFL by storm.  Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt and Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson are exceeding expectations and in Chiefs vs Texans, whichever rookie plays the best could decide the outcome.

Kareem Hunt is leading the league in rushing and has helped propel the Kansas City Chiefs to a 4-0 start.  Since becoming the Houston Texans starting quarterback, Watson has guided them to a 2-1 record.  And over the past two games they are averaging 45 points a game.

Both teams run the ball well and thanks to Hunt, the Chiefs are the top rushing team in the NFL.  So the Texans defense will try to slow Hunt down and prevent quarterback Alex Smith from getting open looks to Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill off play-action.

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J.J. Watt and the Texans pass rushers have to put pressure on Smith, which is something he hasn’t had to deal with much.  But how does the Chiefs defense deal with Deshaun Watson?  He’s been almost unstoppable the past few games and has developed great chemistry with receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

I don’t think the Chiefs do stop Watson.  Other than Justin Houston, the Kansas City Chiefs defense has been less than dominant.  However, the Chiefs have a habit of tightening up in the red zone.  So the goal is to limit the Texans to field goals instead of touchdowns and score TD’s themselves.

Deshaun Watson is the kind of player who thrives in the spotlight and he will against the Chiefs as well.  But the Chiefs are 4-0, and while they aren’t a dominant 4-0, they’ve been tested in each week and are prepared for the kind of game this will be.

Alex Smith is playing with a chip on his shoulder and he’s having his best season.  No one has had an answer for Kareem Hunt so far and I can’t see that coming to an end against the Texans.  It will be close, but the Chiefs go to 5-0.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Week 5 Update

Winner:  Chiefs

Score prediction:  27-24 Chiefs

Points spread:  Chiefs -1

Over/under:  45.5 – Over

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