Scouts Inc. via ESPN
1. Raiders need to play smart football: Sometimes the Raiders can be their own worst enemy. They have been penalized more than any team in the NFL, and the flags often seem to come at the worst of times, killing their own drives while sustaining their opponent's. Look for an emphasis on playing smart football as Oakland continues to make a run for the AFC West lead.
2. Continue to provide help: Since losing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to free agency, the Raiders have lacked a shutdown corner. He was one of the few corners that could match up with receivers like Andre Johnson and hold his own. But with Johnson out, don't expect the Texans to completely abandon the idea of stretching the field. Expect at least some two-deep zone schemes with help over the top if the Texans try to take some shots.
3. Protect the pocket: What was supposed to be a weakness for the Raiders has turned out to be a strength. The offensive line has given only two sacks this season to lead the NFL and will be looking at a strong blitz package with the Houston Texans' new 3-4 defensive front, with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips loving to bring pressure. If they can continue to protect quarterback Jason Campbell with minimum protection, the more receivers they can send out to challenge a questionable secondary.
4. Run the ball: The Raiders' ground game has steadily improved during the past few years, and this year it appears to have reached maturity. They are leading the NFL in both rushing yards per game and yards per carry. They have a dynamic duo of ball carriers with Darren McFadden carrying the load and Michael Bush coming in on short-yardage and goal line situations. The more Oakland can control the line of scrimmage and the game clock, the longer it can keep the ball out of the hands of Houston's explosive offense.
5. Matchup to watch: Oakland left tackle Jared Veldheer vs. Houston linebacker Mario Williams: Veldheer has established himself and looks like a keeper. He does an excellent job of protecting Campbell's blind side as well as creating movement for the running game. He will be facing one of the league's most dynamic edge rushers in Williams, who has successfully made the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker.
6. Force the Raiders to play catch-up: The Texans can be one of the most explosive teams in the NFL with their ability to attack the secondary, not just with Johnson, but through the seams with tight end Owen Daniels. They also possess a strong ground game. They know that the Raiders are most effective when running the ball and lack the quick-strike ability needed to come from behind and beat a solid opponent.
7. Get the ground game going: Oakland struggles on defense when it comes to stopping the run. The Raiders are ranked 26th in the league against the run -- allowing 120 yards per game -- and are dead last in yards per carry at 5.8. Houston head coach Gary Kubiak is not afraid to stick with the run as his Texans are averaging nearly 140 yards a game, fifth best in the NFL, and 4.06 yards per carry, 15th best.
8. Win the kicking game: The Raiders have two of the strongest legs in the NFL in kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. Unfortunately, they lack great coverage units on special teams and have not been explosive with their own return specialists. Oakland has given up one touchdown on a punt return while the Houston has recorded one of its own via the punt return.
9. Look for run the run blitz: While most recognize Phillips' ability to bring pressure on the pocket with his variety of blitzes, he also does a great job of designing run blitzes that allow his defense to fill all the running lanes and force the opponent to run laterally rather than north and south.
10. Matchup to watch: Houston running back Arian Foster vs. Oakland linebacker Rolando McClain: Foster returned to relatively full strength this past Sunday as he carried the ball 30 times for 155 yards against the normally stingy Pittsburgh Steelers. He is a workhorse ball carrier who wears defenses down and consistently gains two or three extra yards after contact. McClain has a great nose for the ball and is a solid tackler both in the hole as well as in space.
Oakland 17
Houston 27