[brid autoplay=”true” video=”783845″ player=”23231″ title=”Ten%20mustsee%20NFL%20games%20in%202021″ duration=”172″ description=”For football nerds, it’s become the biggest post-draft event of the spring. Sure, the matchups are predetermined, but there’s nothing like schedule release day.The NFL released the 2021 schedule on Wednesday as it enters its first-ever 17-game season. It’s never too early to start circling dates on your calendar for this fall, so here are 10 games you won’t want to miss.” uploaddate=”2021-05-17″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/783845_t_1621259414.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/783845.mp4″]
The Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers will kick off their first games of the 2021 NFL preseason on Saturday, August 14. While neither Deshaun Watson nor Aaron Rodgers will impact the game, Sportsnaut’s Texans vs Packers preview delivers everything you need to know about this matchup.
Discovere where the Texans and Packers rank in our preliminary NFL power rankings
It’s fitting we get a Texans vs Packers game in the preseason. Quarterbacks Jordan Love and Davis Mills found themselves in a difficult situation this offseason with the spotlight thrust on them due to starting quarterback drama. Now, with plenty of practice reps on their belt, we get to see both in live action.
Will the Packers win the Super Bowl? Find out in our 2021 playoff predictions
Advantage: Green Bay Packers
Many anticipated the Houston Texans would trade back in an effort to recoup draft capital, but the front office moved up for wide receiver Nico Collins. The former Michigan standout is drawing rave reviews and now gets to face some legitimate competition.
Check out our Green Bay Packers 2021 season preview
This is one of the more exciting player vs. group matchups on the night. Collins has an opportunity to build on the success from training camp, putting on great film and earning a significant role in Houston’s offense. He will face some tough coverage from Stokes, Chandon Sullivan and Shemarar Jean-Charles, but that’s what makes these games important.
Advantage: Green Bay Packers
During the saga with Rodgers, there was a lot of discussion about the Packers’ receiving corps. While it’s true there isn’t a bonafide No. 2 pass-catching weapon on this offense, there is a lot of intriguing talent. On Saturday, they will face a Texans’ secondary undergoing a major overhaul.
Advantage: Green Bay Packers
Find out where the Packers land in our 2021 NFL defense rankings
The bottom line: These are two teams headed in polar opposite directions. Green Bay is in win-now mode and its roster depth and talent far exceeds what Houston will throw onto the field in the first year of a rebuild. With advantages across multiple positions, the Texans vs Packers contest shouldn’t be close.