Predicted Score: Texans 21, Broncos 17

Houston: Despite leading the league in players on injured reserve (17) the Texans managed to thump the division-leading Buccaneers last week 28-14. Sage Rosenfels will continue to fill in for the injured Matt Shaub who's sidelined with a shoulder injury. Rosenfels is averaging around 190 yard per game but may be called on for more production, as it appears Ron Dayne may miss this game with a sprained ankle. Darius Walker and RB Adimchinobi Echemandu are expected to share time at the running back position. Denver's soft spot on defense is against the run so expect head coach Gary Kubiak to give Walker every opportunity for success before turning Rosenfels loose against the Broncos secondary. A game between two mediocre teams with no obvious matchup advantages usually trends toward to a tight finish. I'll give a slight nod to the Texans for being at home in primetime.

• Start: WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels
• Consider: RB Darius Walker, QB Sage Rosenfels
• Sit: RB Ron Dayne, WR Kevin Walter

Denver: It's been difficult trying to figure out the Broncos this season. Wins against Pittsburgh and Tennessee had fans thinking playoffs but blowout losses to San Diego, Detroit and Oakland have others looking forward to the draft. So, which team will show up Thursday night is anybody's guess. Offensively Denver is hurting at the wide receiver position. Brandon Stokley missed practice for the second consecutive day, and is now a game-time decision. Javon Walker did practice fully both days work this week, but remains questionable and is also a game-time decision. The running back situation remains jumbled with Travis Henry battling multiple injuries but still likely to get the start. Selvin Young received 17 carries to Henry's 10 last week against KC.

• Start: WR Brandon Marshall
• Consider: QB Jay Cutler, RB Selvin Young, K Jason Elam
• Sit: RB Travis Henry, WR Brandon Stokley, TE Tony Scheffler, WR Javon Walker, TE Daniel Graham