Not a must win, but it is getting close.
Here are three keys to a win over the Texans:
1. Run, run and run some more: Benson (foot) is injured and possibly out for the season. The Texans have one of the stingiest rush defenses in the league. It doesn't seem like a good recipe for running the ball on Sunday. But the Packers have to do it. They need the offensive balance that the running game provides. Coach Mike McCarthy and QB Aaron Rodgers have both acknowledged that fact in recent weeks. Last week, they let the Colts back in the game in the second half because they stubbornly refused to run the ball and work the clock. After the game, a couple of offensive linemen complained about the lack of running plays. When the Packers pass on more than two-thirds of their plays, they're 6-10 since 2010 -- and 0-3 this year. But when they pass less than two-thirds of the time, they're 25-1 over than same span, including 2-0 this year. That's as cut-and-dried as it gets. Houston lost talented ILB Brian Cushing for the season last week, so Green Bay must establish the run early and stick with it the entire game. Alex Green was unremarkable his first eight carries last week, but he then broke off a 41-yarder. The second-year back has big-play potential, and the Packers have to feed him.
2. Force some turnovers: Last season the Packers had the worst pass defense in the history of the NFL, but they were able to mitigate the damage because they led the league in interceptions (31) and tied for the most takeaways (38). This season they haven't made those big plays. They've only forced five turnovers through five games and are an uncharacteristic minus-one in turnover differential. The Texans are not a careless offense; they've only given the ball away three times and have a plus-eight turnover margin. Charles Woodson, a veteran ballhawk, needs to make some plays from his safety and slot corner positions. S Morgan Burnett hasn't played poorly but he's yet to register a takeaway. Green Bay is unaccustomed to being the less-talented underdog, but they might be that against Houston. The defense will have to come up with some game-changing big plays.
3. Many happy returns: Or at least one. On the road against a Texans team ranked third in total defense, and without WR Greg Jennings and RB Cedric Benson (and possibly TE Jermichael Finley), the Packers' inconsistent offense may struggle yet again. If it does, they'll need a spark from the defense (perhaps an interception or two?) or special teams. Second-year WR Randall Cobb is a dynamic and always-dangerous returner with three return scores in the past two seasons. He took a punt back 75 yards for a touchdown in the season opener against the 49ers in a game when the offense needed help. If he takes one to the house on Sunday at Houston, it could be huge because the Packers will need all the help putting up points that they can get.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-r ... the-texans
NAME POSITION INJURY GAME STATUS
Finley, JermichaelTE Shoulder Questionable
House, Davon CB Shoulder Questionable
Jennings, Greg WR Groin Out
Raji, B.J. DT Ankle Questionable
Richardson, Sean S Hamstring Out
Williams, D.J. TE Hamstring Questionable
