Photo: Karen, used via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

While the Phillies and Astros are knotted at two games apiece, their respective cities’ football teams are set to battle at NRG Stadium in Houston. World Series Game 5 and Eagles-Texans will be happening at pretty much the exact same time on Thursday night, so if you don’t want to split your viewing between two screens – or if you can’t – the guys are going to tell you what’s going to happen in the football game.

Joe won last week, so he goes first.

Joe (3-4-0): I put literally zero thought into last week’s pick, and it was pretty spot-on. In fact. all of my wins this season have been incredibly accurate. Unfortunately, the losses have been significantly less accurate.

So what to do? Roll the dice on throwing something against the wall and seeing what sticks for the second time in a week? Do some research?

Okay, we know that isn’t happening. Also not happening: me watching any of this game, because I’ll be at the World Series. True story: I’ve been to two playoff games this year; the Phillies won both games, and then proceeded to win the series in the next game.

And while I hope those trends continue, one trend I’m confident will continue is the Eagles’ unbeaten start to the season. One thing is for certain: the Birds will at least collect a few hits. Houston’s going to have a problem on Thursday night; let’s just hope they have two. Eagles 23, Texans 10.

Offensive Standout: DeVonta Smith

Defensive Standout: James Bradberry

John (4-3-0): Writing this in the aftermath of watching a team being no-hit in the World Series keeps me feeling anxious about sports dreams being shattered. Thursday evening football has historically been rough. This year has been epically bad. This game… could get ugly.

The Eagles will again put up points early. Once again, they’ll dominate the first half… and once again they’ll let a few points from their opponent come on the board in the second half. By then, the game will be out of reach, but the higher-scoring affair will be a sloppy mess. Look for Jalen Hurts to rely on his core targets on the short week. That means another round of Smith and Brown, but A.J. Brown will dance in the end zone once again this week. Eagles 38, Texans 20.

Offensive Standout: A.J. Brown

Defensive Standout: Darius Slay