Expert Picks – NFL Week 10

Nov 3, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) runs with the ball during the third quarter as Indianapolis Colts defensive end Cory Redding (90) pursues at Reliant Stadium. The Colts defeated the Texans 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Line: Houston Texans +3 at Arizona Cardinals — O/U 42

I believe this is one of the under the radar match-ups this week in the NFL. The Houston Texans have lost six straight after starting the season off with two wins. Their head coach, Gary Kubiak, collapsed during halftime on Monday night and will not be able to coach the team on Sunday, leaving them in the hands of the always bumbling Wade Phillips. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals are going to be fresh off of a bye week and have one of the best defenses in the league. The Cardinals also tend to play better at home, with some of their more impressive wins coming in Arizona (Panthers & Lions). All signs seem to point towards this being an easy win for the Cardinals, but I think the x-factor will be at quarterback. Call me crazy, but I absolutely loved what I saw from Case Keenum on Sunday night against the Colts. I also think the Texans defense is finally rounding into form, despite blowing the lead against a very good Colts team in their last game. On the other side of the coin, I just can’t trust Carson Palmer who trails only Eli Manning in interceptions (14) on the season. Don’t be surprised if Palmer’s carelessness with the football costs the Cardinals the game, much like Matt Schaub was doing to the Texans earlier in the season.

Predictions: Texans 21, Cardinals 20