Where: Reliant Stadium, Houston (turf, roof expected to be closed)
When: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Spread: Texans by 3.5.
Records: Texans (Overall: 5-0, AFC South: 2-0); Packers (Overall: 2-3, NFC North: 1-0)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 7, 2008: Texans 24, Packers 21; Nov. 21, 2004: Packers 16, Texans 13. Series record: Tied 1-1.
What matters: The Texans are off to their best start in franchise history, but they will be facing their toughest test of the season Sunday, despite the Packers record. Houston lost its leader on defense Monday night when LB Brian Cushing tore his ACL. Now, the Texans have to regroup defensively against one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Aaron Rodgers.
Who matters: Heading into Week 6, RB Arian Foster had 19 more carries than any other running back in the NFL. The Packers will see a heavy dose of Foster as Houston tries to keep the ball away from Green Bay’s offense. DE J.J. Watt is second in the league with 7.5 sacks and could have a big night against a Packers offensive line that has given up 21 sacks this season.
Key matchups: Houston is playing seven players along the offensive line with Antoine Caldwell splitting time with Ben Jones at right guard while Derek Newton and Ryan Harris share the right tackle duties. That unit will have its hands full with Green Bay’s front seven and LB Clay Matthews, who leads the league with eight sacks. The Texans will have to run the ball effectively to keep the offense out of predictable passing situations.
Injuries of note: S Quintin Demps (forearm) was out last week and has not been practicing. RB Ben Tate (toe) missed last week’s game with New York, but he has practiced this week and is on track to play Sunday.
Inside stuff: Coach Gary Kubiak said this week that TE Owen Daniels is physically the best he’s been since making the Pro Bowl in 2008. Daniels leads the team with 23 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
Connections: Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers was the first head coach of the Houston Texans from 2001-05.
Stat you should know: The Texans have allowed an NFL-low three sacks this season. Defensively, Green Bay is tied for the league lead with 18 sacks.
Record watch: WR Andre Johnson can tie the Texans franchise record with his 128th game played. Johnson is also 61 yards shy of reaching 10,000 receiving yards for his career.
Bulletin board quote: Watt, who grew up in Wisconsin, on facing the Packers: “Yeah, I grew up a Packers fan. You have to grow up a Packers fan in Wisconsin. Otherwise, they’ll run you out of the state. I grew up a Packers fan, but I am no longer a Packers fan.”
Looking ahead: The Texans have a tough two-game stretch beginning Sunday night against the Packers. Next week, the 4-1 Baltimore Ravens pay a visit to Reliant Stadium before Houston has its bye week.
Prediction: Texans 27, Packers 24
Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter @CBSTexans.
