The Houston Texans (2-1) rustle their way to Oakland to take on the Raiders (1-2). Both teams are looking to bounce back after losses in Week Three. The Texans lost decisevly 27-13 to the Dallas Cowboys, while the Raiders lost by 24-23 as a 32-yard kick from Sebastian Janikowski sailed wide left as time expired.
This game will feature two of the NFL's best in WR Andre Johnson and DB Nnamdi Asomugha possibly going head-to-head. Johnson is slowed by a high ankle sprain, however, and may not play. Stay tuned, right here, for all injury updates regarding this matchup.
It also features the leading rusher (Arian Foster) and the third leading rusher (Darren McFadden) in the NFL.
Given these things, this game will likely come down to which team can establish its running most effectively. The Texans would look to have the advantage in that regard as they bring in the NFL's second ranked rush defense. The Texans are allowing 54.3 yard per game on the ground. The have given up 133 yard per game on the ground, which is good enough to be ranked 24th in the league.
Passing Defense is another story. With or without Andre Johnson the Texans may have a hard time getting their 8th ranked passing attack going. The Raiders, allowing 127.7 passing yards per game, bring in the second leading passing defense.
The Texans will try to defend the Raiders 19th ranked passing offense, with their last ranked passing defense. The Texans have surrendered 368.7 yards per game through the air.
Check back for a more in-depth analysis of the matchups that will likely determine the outcome of this game.