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Two 2012 playoff teams will try to avoid falling below .500 today the Houston Texans travel to face the San Francisco 49ers. Join us for live scores and updates from 11.30am AEST.
Both teams are a surprising 2-2 coming into NFL week 5, and both have experienced bitter losses at the hand of the Seattle Seahawks.
Last week, Houston hosted the undefeated Seahawks and managed to get up 20-3 at halftime, before being held scoreless in the second half.
Quarterback Matt Schaub had an ill-advised interception in the fourth quarter which was returned for a touchdown to tie the game, which led to an overtime 23-20 loss.
Schaub has now gone three consecutive games with a pick-six and was the subject of much discussion this week around the NFL.
Backup TJ Yates could be named the starter sooner rather than later if Schaub has a repeat poor performance.
Two weeks removed from a blowout loss to Seattle, the 49ers got back on track in Week 4 with a solid division win against the Rams last Thursday night.
Running back Frank Gore had his first 100-yard game of the season and the 49ers returned to their old-school method – running the ball, and solid defense (five sacks).
Both teams struggle holding onto the ball, coming into the week with a -4 turnover ratio, and both teams have a defense that can expound upon that.
Texans safety Ed Reed leads all active players with 61 interceptions, although he is looking for his first as a Texan.
49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is another star, being the only player since 2007 to record more than 17 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and 7 interceptions.
Houston are currently a game behind AFC South leaders Indianapolis and Tennessee, and haven’t had a losing record since 2010.
San Francisco are essentially two-and-a-half games behind NFC West leaders Seattle and although it’s still early, a wildcard spot could be all they can hope for.
On the injury front, Texans starting left guard Brandon Brooks couldn’t practice and is out for the game, and wide receiver Andre Johnson is questionable.
For the 49ers, only backup corner Nnamdi Asomugha is questionable.
Houston’s game plan will likely be to spread the ball out more in the passing game (DeAndre Hopkins leads all NFL rookies in yardage, but can still contribute more) and try to clamp down on the 49ers running game with 2012 defensive MVP JJ Watt.
The 49ers need to follow the same plan as last week – keep the ball churning on the ground with Frank Gore, and sprinkle in some play action to Vernon Davis.
The 49ers all-star defense should do the rest.
Join us on the Roar for live scores and commentary from 11.30am AEST.
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