The Houston Texans have a two-game lead in the AFC South and the second-best record in the conference heading into a road game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Yet various injuries and inconsistencies on offense have Houston wide receiver Tank Dell wanting the team to fire on all cylinders. “Once everyone came back and everyone clicked at the same time,” Dell said, “I feel like the sky’s the limit.” Houston (5-1) looked mighty again last week in a 41-21 blowout win over New England that extended the Texans’ winning streak to three games. Quarterback CJ Stroud sparked the offense again, passing for three touchdowns, including one to Joe Mixon, who ran for 102 yards and a touchdown. Stefon Diggs and Dell also caught scoring passes from Stroud, who has 10 touchdowns against four interceptions this season, for a completion rate of 68.3 percent. “I think he’s super talented,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “Obviously he has the ability to make the moment not be too important to him. He can process very quickly and he’s a very good anticipation pitcher, which I think is a little bit a lost art.” Green Bay (4-2) should challenge that balance on Sunday. The Packers defense is the best in the NFL with a plus-9 turnover differential. Safety Xavier McKinney leads the league with five interceptions. “Very good group of defensive backs. Very physical. We knew that coming in,” Dell said. “They’re ready to play. (McKinney) leads the NFL in interceptions, so we know he wants to play with the ball. It’s a really good group coming in and we feel confident. I know that They “I’m going to feel confident, so it’s going to be a good battle.” Green Bay reached a record point total last week in a 34-13 home victory over the Arizona Cardinals Jordan Love. tied his career-best four touchdown passes in the rout. Roméo Doubs caught two touchdowns, his first two of the season, after serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. said after the game that he “was able to return to his usual self.” It’s also a position that new Packers kicker Brandon McManus also aspires to. Green Bay signed the veteran this week after releasing rookie Brayden Narveson. , who missed five of 17 field goal attempts this season, McManus spent 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars after playing for the Denver Broncos from 2014 to 2022. He has made 81.4 percent of his career field goal attempts. , with a length of 61 yards. “Every day you have to prove yourself,” McManus said. “Kicker is such a black and white position.” Houston’s depth on the D-line fluctuates. Mario Edwards Jr. was suspended this week for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but Denico Autry is expected to return from a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug-enhancing policy. performance. Green Bay leads the all-time series 4-1, including a 1-1 mark at home. The Packers have won three straight against the Texans, including two games decided by at least 15 points. LaFleur began his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Texans in 2008 and 2009. The Texans ruled out five players for Sunday: wide receiver Robert Woods (foot), linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair (knee ) and Henry To’oTo’o (concussion), cornerback Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin). Receiver Steven Sims (back) and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) are questionable. The Packers will be without defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle), while receiver Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) and defensive lineman Colby Wooden (knee) are questionable. Starting left guard Elgton Jenkins (knee), who missed Wednesday’s practice and was limited Thursday, was a full participant Friday and carries no injury designation for the game. –Field level media
