Game Seven Matchup: Steelers vs. Texans
When the Texans have the ball...
Key performers: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, WR DeAndre Hopkins, LT Duane Brown, C Chris Myers, P Shane Lechler
Who's hot: Foster is second in the AFC in rushing behind Le'Veon Bell with 513 yards on 106 carries (4.8 average). He also has a league-best five rushing TDs. Like Bell, he is also a multi-dimensional threat who has 16 catches for 131 yards.
What's been working: Fitzpatrick is one of 23 free agents signed in 2014 and is a short-term solution for coach Bill O'Brien's offense. He is Harvard-smart and rarely makes mistakes, though he has thrown six interceptions and been sacked 10 times.
Game plan: The Texans want to start faster after trailing in the first half of every game but one. They've outscored their opponents, 80-57, in the second half, including rallying from a 24-0 halftime deficit against Indianapolis before losing, 33-28.
Keep an eye on: Johnson is 11th all time with 961 receptions and has averaged six catches a game in 12 seasons, best in NFL history. He is one of only two players to have three seasons with at least 100 catches and 1,500 yards receiving. Johnson leads the Texans with 34 catches and 419 yards.
When the Steelers have the ball...
Key performers: DE J.J. Watt, DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney, LB Brian Cushing, LB Brooks Reed, CB Johnathan Joseph
Who's hot: Watt is the most disruptive defensive player in the league. He leads the NFL with 20 QB hits and has 4 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, 6 batted passes and a blocked PAT. He also has an 80-yard interception return and 45-yard fumble return for touchdowns.
What's been working: The Texans are tied for the league lead with 14 takeaways -- six interceptions, eight fumble recoveries. Nine takeaways have occurred inside their 20, one of the reasons they are third in the league in red-zone defense (77.3 percent).
Game plan: The Jaguars and Browns rushed four and dropped seven in coverage predominantly against Ben Roethlisberger. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel might try the same because he likes his secondary to keep the ball in front of them and limit big plays.
Keep an eye on: The Steelers have one scrimmage play of 30 or more yards in two games after getting 10 in the first four. That could change against the Texans, who have allowed seven passes of 30 or more yards in the past two games and have trouble with small, fast WRs.
Special teams:
Shane Lechler, the league's all-time leader in gross punting average (47.6 yards a punt), was signed in 2013 in free agency after 13 years in Oakland and remains one of the best in the NFL. His 48.4-yard average ranks second in the AFC to Baltimore's Sam Koch (48.9), but the Texans allow an average return of 11.8 yards -- fifth worst in the league.
To win, the Texans must ...
1 S-t-r-e-t-c-h the run. The Steelers historically have problems with the stretch play, something Arian Foster runs to perfection.
2 Get Brown on the ground. The Texans had trouble with Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton, who emulates the style of Antonio Brown, pictured at left, the AFC's top receiver.
3 Not slight the tight. TE Garrett Graham has been under-utilized, but the Steelers have allowed tight ends to catch 27 passes for 403 yards and four TDs.
To win, the Steelers must ...
1 Not be so offensive. They are sixth in total offense, but 23rd in scoring and 31st in red-zone TD percentage.
2 Dim Watt. At one point or another, every offensive lineman will have to block the league's best defensive player.
3 Blitz Fitz. The Steelers have to do something to get pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was sacked five times in his most recent outing.
--GERRY DULAC
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