Houston Texans: 3 factors to watch against the Oakland Raiders

The Houston Texans are hoping to improve their 4-3 record after losing to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 of the regular season.

The Houston Texans are coming off a disappointing 30-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts to put them in second place of the AFC South with a 4-3 record. The Texans will be hosting the Oakland Raiders in NRG Stadium after being on the road for the last two weeks with a 1-1 record. Texans are currently 2-1 at home with wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons and their only defeat going to the Carolina Panthers.

Houston has a lot to look forward to with recent additions of cornerback Gareon Conley and wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. after injuries occurring to their starting rotation. Will Fuller is expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the second half of their game against the Colts, and cornerback Phillip Gaines placed on the injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter.

Texans have been a recipient of injuries as of late with Tytus Howard, Greg Mancz, and Fuller not practicing this week. Head coach Bill O’Brien and the front office have done an excellent job of addressing the holes on the roster up to this point, and there is optimism they can persevere despite the growing number of injuries.

The Raiders are second in the AFC West and are coming off a defeat of their own against Green Bay Packers. This week will be a good measuring stick for both teams as they are vying for the first spot in their respective divisions.