Thread: Up next for Bears: Texans

Battle of Super Bowl hopefuls set for 'Sunday Night Football'

By Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune reporter

November 5, 2012

Quick look: Finally, the Bears get a true test against a Super Bowl contender.

The Texans might be the best team in the AFC. They would like to prove they can beat one of the elite teams from the NFC after losing to the Packers earlier this season.

The Texans are a little like the Bears in that they win with an overpowering defense led by a strong front. Their defense would be even better if the Texans hadn't lost inside linebacker Brian Cushing for the season.

Offensively, the Texans are keyed by running back Arian Foster, who is one of the best runners in the league, and an effective offensive line. The Texans came into Week 9 leading the league in time of possession.

The Texans have committed only six turnovers, so it will be a challenge for the Bears to come up with takeaways against this team.

Key stat: The Texans have not allowed a rushing touchdown all season. The Bears have allowed only two.

Key matchup: Texans defensive end J.J. Watt versus Bears right tackle Gabe Carimi. These two know each other well from their days at Wisconsin. The Bears will have to give Carimi help on passing downs, as Watt has been impossible to block this season. On run downs, this will be a good matchup of two power players.

Dan Pompei's early pick: Bears 17, Texans 16.




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