Here’s what to watch for:

Oct. 14, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end (94) Mario Williams on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bills defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Mario Williams vs. Duane Brown

Houston’s 2006 #1 overall pick, defensive end Mario Williams, will play his first game at Reliant Stadium for an opposing team. Williams signed to a 9-figure contract this offseason with Buffalo, the most expensive signing in Buffalo history. Super Mario, not to my surprise, has been pushed around all season, but he should be motivated this game. Duane Brown has given the AP every reason to upgrade last season’s second-team All-Pro selection to a first-team pick. This will be the most high-profile facet of Sunday’s game.

Arian Foster vs. Buffalo’s Run Defense

The Buffalo Bills are dead last in some very important categories. They are allowing 6.0 yards per carry and have given up 13 rushing touchdowns, the worst marks in the NFL by a big margin. Their 32.4 points allowed per game is also a league worst. That doesn’t bode well for Buffalo with Arian Foster, arguably the league’s best ground weapon, facing off against the Bills this week. Gary Kubiak has come out with mind-boggling offensive gameplans before, but he has no reason to stray from the run this week.

Wade Phillips vs. Chan Gailey

Wade Phillips, the last Bills head coach to take the Bills to the playoffs, will butt heads with Chan Gailey’s creative offensive mind. The Bills have allowed the third-least sacks in the league and recorded the second-best yards per carry in the NFL. On paper, Houston’s defense doesn’t match up well against Buffalo, but only a fool would bet against J.J. Watt and the gang.

Prediction

Don’t expect a lot of stops in this game. The clock will continue to run all day, as the teams pound the rock successfully over and over. The solid Texan run defense will be the difference against the league-worst Bills run stuffing unit.

HOU 34, BUF 20

Johnathan Joseph

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) runs on the field against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Packers won 42-24. Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Joseph was making an argument for being the best cornerback in the NFL through September. However, he’s been slowed by a groin injury the past two weeks, and it’s shown as Houston has struggled mightily against opposing #1 receivers. Gary Kubiak expects Joseph to play on Sunday, but if he does, it’s worth keeping an eye on him to see how healthy he looks.

Bobbie Williams vs. Houston’s Defensive Line

The Baltimore Ravens have been excellent at run blocking this season for Ray Rice, which has been a major reason for their success. But left guard Ramon Harewood has just lost his starting job to veteran Bobbie Williams. Williams appears recovered enough from his ankle injuries to replace Harewood, but isn’t a standout even when he’s 100%. See if Wade Phillips targets him.

Ed Reed

“Throw at me,” is what Reed said this week when asked about playing through a torn labrum in his shoulder. Expect Houston to do a bit of that on Sunday. Considered one of the best defenses in the league entering the season, and for about a decade, Baltimore has been average against both the run and pass this year. With the two major injuries last week, they appear even more vulnerable.

January 15, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed (20) following his interception in the closing minutes of the 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at M

Prediction

Two of the best teams in the NFL face off Sunday in a game certain to have playoff implications. Both are capable of lighting it up on offense, and both have a lot of talent on defense. But with both hurting in their stop unit, expect a high-scoring game. The Ravens are hurting more, so don’t expect Houston to lose back-to-back home games.

HOU 28, BAL 24

September 23 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak on his sidelines during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Texans defeated the Broncos 31-25. Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Houston’s Focus

The Texans are undefeated coming into Sunday night’s matchup, coming off of a surprisingly close victory against the Jets on Monday night. The Packers, one of the best teams in the NFL, stand at 2-3 after losing by 3 to Indianapolis. The Texans need to be focused if they expect to beat the Packers.

Andre Johnson vs. Tramon Williams

Green Bay’s defense was up in 2010. It was down in 2011. This year has been a bit of both, but Green Bay’s biggest weakness is against opposing #1 receivers, to whom they’re allowing the second-most yardage in the league (105.8/game). Tramon Williams, a former Texan and one of the biggest reasons for Green Bay’s big season in 2010, missed 2 potential interceptions last weekend en route to giving Reggie Wayne one of the biggest games of his career. This week, he faces Andre Johnson, who hopes to have a big week for his fantasy owners.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Houston’s Defense

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) carries the ball during the 2nd half against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 14-12. Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Rodgers is being blamed by many observers for Green Bay’s slow start. As he’s on-pace for 4000+ passing yards and has a higher completion rate (68.6%) than he did last year, I’m not sure why. One of Rodgers’s greatest talents is his ability to release the ball quickly. In spite of this, Green Bay has allowed 21 sacks, second-worst in the league. Houston may not need to bring a lot of extra pressure on the edges, but they’ll still get to the quarterback. They’ll need to, or Rodgers will do some damage in the secondary.

Prediction

It wouldn’t be wise to pick against the undefeated Texans, but Green Bay is certainly capable of knocking them off, even at Reliant, if they come out strong. Look for a big day from Andre Johnson and a good showing from the defense, but don’t expect Rodgers to roll over. It should be a good one.

HOU 23, GB 20