Raiders back from the bye to take on the Texans

Sunday will be a battle of two teams looking to start their next stretch of football off on the right foot. Both are coming off their bye weeks well-rested and ready to improve their records. The Texans got their first win of the season right before the bye, defeating the Jaguars, 13-6.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have had time to digest and turn the page on a heartbreaking 30-29 loss to the Chiefs. Both the Texans and Raiders have struggled early in the season and have lost multiple one-possession games. In fact, Houston has kept games close by holding its opponents to an average 19.8 points per game, ranked 13th among the league.

“They’re good fundamentally, they tackle and they force turnovers,” offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi said Tuesday of the Texans defense. “They really put stress on you as an offense in terms of focusing on your fundamentals, in terms of getting positive plays, staying true to your assignment and taking care of the ball. If you don’t focus for one second, the Texans are going to make you pay. They’re well-coached and they stay true to their assignment. They play fast and they play hard. They play hard for Lovie Smith.”