In Brief
Texans DE Mario Williams hopes to add to his sack total vs. the Raiders.
(Greg Trott / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
Oakland's Johnnie Lee Higgins took a punt back 80 yards for a touchdown as the Raiders beat the Texans, 27-16, in Week 16 last season.
Streaks:
The Texans have won three of the four meetings in this relatively new series.
Last week:
The Raiders could not get anything going offensively in a 23-3 loss to the visiting Broncos. ... Houston was unable to contain Maurice Jones-Drew, who scored three TDs, and lost 31-24 to the Jaguars.
Keep your eye on ...
Darren McFadden's fumbling woes: The Raiders' second-year rusher has not only failed to produce a big statistical game this season, but he has also struggled to hold onto the ball. He had three fumbles in last Sunday's loss to the Broncos and now has seven fumbles in just 16 career games.
Mario Williams' speed off the edge: Oakland struggled to protect QB JaMarcus Russell from Broncos pass rusher Elvis Dumervil last week and the challenge gets no easier vs. Williams. Houston's Pro Bowl defensive end has only one sack so far this season, but he is a constant threat with his rare combination of quickness and strength.
Matt Schaub's roll: Over the last two weeks, Schaub has been nothing short of sensational. He has thrown for 657 yards with seven touchdowns and only one interception during the stretch. His task gets tougher against a Raiders defense that shut him down last year and ranks 14th in the NFL.
Did you know?
Since 2006, Oakland's Thomas Howard is tied for second among NFL linebackers with seven interceptions. ... As a starter on the road, RB Darren McFadden averages 5.1 yards per carry. ... Houston RB Steve Slaton has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in the fourth quarter during his career. ... Texans LB Brian Cushing leads all rookies with 26 tackles.
