In order for the Texans to win this game the defense is going to have match the number of turnovers the Bears get. There’s a chance that only represents a one turnover game as the Texans don’t turn it over much, but if the Bears are their usual selves the Texans defense needs to step up just as big.

Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) runs on the field against the Buffalo Bills before the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Front Seven

If the Texans see the same offensive gameplan that the Bears used against the Cowboys in which they run plays away from DeMarcus Ware, then Antonio Smith will have to take over. They will obviously try to neutralize the MVP candidate J.J. Watt, and thus it will be up to everyone else to match his productivity.

Jared Crick is the guy to keep an eye on in this game as he will probably see a lot of time at nose tackle tonight as Shaun Cody will sit with broken ribs. If Crick can do what he’s done so far this season and get after the quarterback, it could be a long night for Cutler.

Secondary

Charles Woodson said it best “We don’t need luck, Jay will throw us the ball.” Jay Cutler may be the best quarterback Chicago has had since the 80′s, but he is still unbelievably inconsistent and tends to lock onto receivers and not look away. I would be shocked if he doesn’t throw at least one interception while trying to force something to Brandon Marshall, but if he is able to throw it to his own receivers they may be unbeatable tonight.

I look for Danieal Manning to have the biggest game for the secondary as it is his first game against his former team and he wants to show that he deserves the big money he signed for last offseason.

Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) runs between Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (left) and outside linebacker Justin Durant (right) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Special Teams

Last week was the first time that the Texans had a field goal blocked in a very long time. The Bears also had a blocked punt. The Texans have given up two returns for touchdown this year. The  Bears have Devin Hester. In order for the Texans to stand a chance they need to make all of those things non-factors. If the Texans give up big plays in the special teams game it will be very difficult to come away with a W.

Prediction: I think it will be 24-21 and the team with the least turnovers will win.

The Offense for the Texans needs to shed the title of slowstarters and come out swinging early. The key to beat a defense like the Bears is to get some semblance of a running game going unlike what they did against the Packers, so that they have to respect the play action.

Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) and running back Arian Foster (23) celebrate a score against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bills 21-9. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub has been great this year. He has done exactly what the Texans need of him and if the season ended today he would have to be their most valuable offensive player. In order for him to continue to gain praise he’s going to need a strong showing again tonight.

If the Texans stand any chance whatsoever tonight it will fall on Schaub’s shoulders. The Texans won’t abandon the run and Foster will almost assuredly get 20 carries for 70 or so yards. If Foster can shred a Bears defense that has been stout against the run then Schaub should be in his comfort zone, however if he doesn’t Schaub will have to step up and lead us to a victory.

My surprise of the week is that Matt Schaub will have his first 300-yard game of the season and lead the Texans to a close victory against the Bears.

NamasTate

Ben Tate is out again this week meaning Arian will have a lot more of the running duty on his shoulders. He does good in pressure situations though as proven by last year against Baltimore in the playoffs when he knew he was really our only offensive threat and took the pressure in stride.

The Texans could really use big numbers from Foster today, but against a stout Bears defense it isn’t likely that Foster will see another 100-yard performance.

The most interesting thing to watch will be if Foster is able to have another rushing touchdown and extend his streak to nine games this year.

Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) attempts to catch a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Wide Receivers

The wide receivers will have their hands full this week as they face a secondary that features the player with the most forced fumbles in this season in Charles Tillman and most interceptions in Tim Jennings. Andre has come on strong this year but against this cornerback group I would be happy to see five catches for 50 yards so long as it leads to no turnovers.

Because that group is so good at forcing turnovers I expect to see Schaub do what he does best: check down to the tight ends. The Bears sit in the cover two almost every play and the Texans have one of the best sets of tight ends in the league at finding the holes in the zone.

In order for the Texans to win this game they don’t need big days from their receivers, they just need efficient ones without turnovers.

Offensive Line

The offensive line had another pretty good game last week against what is supposedly a good pass rush in Buffalo. They will need to show up in a big way today and prove that they are one of the best in the league. If the Texans want to beat the Bears the offensive line will need to create holes for Foster and keep Schaub upright.

Prediction: I think it will be 24-21 and the team with the least turnovers will win.