Scouting the Eagles and Texans

The Eagles put together another solid rushing performance last week, when they averaged 4.2 yards per carry, their third straight game with at least 4 yards per carry after struggling during a two-game stretch in September. The running game will be bolstered this week with the likely returns of center Jason Kelce and running back Darren Sproles. It's unknown how right tackle Todd Herremans will hold up while playing with a torn biceps in his left arm. LeSean McCoy rushed 21 times last week and sounds eager to shoulder the load for the offense. McCoy's 83 rushing yards against the Cardinals were his second-highest total of the season. He has not run for a touchdown since Week 2.

The Texans have the No. 12 rushing defense in the NFL and allow 108.3 yards per game. They have improved throughout the season, though, and held Tennessee to 2.8 yards per carry last week. The strength of their defense is the front seven, where lineman J.J. Watt threatens as one of the NFL's best players. Watt's work against the pass receives much attention, but he's also elite against the run. Inside linebacker Brian Cushing missed last week's game with a knee injury but could return.

Nick Foles threw 62 times last week, the most attempts of his career. It resulted in his first 400-yard performance of the season, but he completed less than 60 percent of his passes for the third time this year, and he threw two costly interceptions. Foles must play better against the NFL's No. 29 passing defense. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin thrived last week with 12 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns, and he could have another big week. Indianapolis' T.Y. Hilton had 223 receiving yards against the Texans earlier this season, and he lined up on the right side just like Maclin. The Texans also have been hurt by running backs catching the ball, so McCoy and Sproles could thrive on high-percentage screens. Kelce could also help in this area. It is another way of trying to neutralize the Texans' pass rush.

When facing Houston's pass defense, it's the rush that is most worrisome. Watt can wreck games, and he lines up in different areas, so he's not just one player's assignment. Watt has seven sacks.  No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney, who has missed most of this season with a knee injury, is unlikely to play because of an unspecified illness. That's a break for the Eagles; it would have been a challenging assignment for left tackle Jason Peters . Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus is also a capable pass rusher. The Texans' top cornerback is Kareem Jackson. Johnathan Joseph is experienced. Safety D.J. Swearinger is a big hitter.

The Eagles rush defense draws a difficult assignment in trying to stop Arian Foster. The Texans running back has recovered from an injury-riddled 2013 and has thrived this season, rushing for 766 yards and 5.2 yards per carry in seven games. In the last four games, he has averaged more than 6 yards per carry. Center Chris Myers is playing at a high level, and Duane Brown is one of the league's better left tackles. The Texans like to play two-tight-end sets, putting extra blockers on the field.

Look for the Eagles to stay in their base defense more often. That means Cedric Thornton will get more snaps, which will help against the run. Inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans returns to Houston, where he started his career, and will need to help in run support. Mychal Kendricks is healthier and should be able to play on running downs, too, after playing only in passing situations last week. The Eagles have the NFL's No. 21 rushing defense, although they have kept opponents under 4 yards per carry in four of seven games this season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is a journeyman quarterback who has been solid this season but has not excelled. His passer rating (87.6) is actually better than Foles' (80.7), and he's completing 63.4 percent of his passes. Fitzpatrick has nine touchdown passes and seven interceptions, and has been sacked 16 times. He has two strong wide receivers in veteran Andre Johnson and 2013 first-round pick DeAndre Hopkins. Both present major challenges. Johnson has been targeted 75 times this season and has 10 catches of 20 yards or more. Hopkins leads the team with 15.8 yards per catch. Former Eagle Damaris Johnson is their No. 3 wide receiver, and their tight ends are not big factors in the passing game. Foster can also help out of the backfield.

The Eagles secondary might not have safety Nate Allen, who is questionable with a hamstring injury. Earl Wolff likely will start if Allen is absent. The Eagles pass rush could present a challenge for Fitzpatrick, although it will have fewer rushers on the field in its base defense. The Eagles did not record a sack last week after totaling 16 in the previous three games. Former Texans linebacker Connor Barwin will have an advantage against right tackle Derek Newton, who has struggled.

Sproles' return will bolster the Eagles' punt-return unit. Look for Josh Huff to remain the kick returner. Kicker Cody Parkey continues to thrive. The Texans do not have dangerous return units. Punter Shane Lechler has long been one of the best in the NFL, although his numbers are not as impressive this season. Kicker Randy Bullock has connected on 15 of 17 attempts, including two from more than 50 yards.

The Eagles have not lost two consecutive games since October 2013. The Texans have won two of three at home. This is Texans coach Bill O'Brien's first season after leaving Penn State. Seven former Texans are returning to Houston with the Eagles, who will be playing with a healthier roster than in previous weeks.

Predictions