Tennessee Titans (2-9) at Houston Texans (5-6)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at NRG Stadium, Houston – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon

*Keys to the game: Arian Foster might spend extra time in the trainer’s room this week to return from a two-game absence because of a groin injury. His history against the Titans, including 173 total yards and three touchdowns in a 30-16 win on Oct. 26, should be ample enticement to play this week. The Texans need their stabilizer with Ryan Fitzpatrick returning as the starter in place of Ryan Mallett (torn pectoral), but lead the league in rushing attempts per game (32.2) and will pound the ball with Alfred Blue should Foster sit again.

With two starting offensive linemen out, the Titans are in a bind, especially if they fall behind big in the first half. QB Zach Mettenberger’s bravado can be applauded, though the obvious preference is to get more from a stable of running backs that showed much more in the first month of the season.

*Matchup to watch – Titans TE Delanie Walker vs. Texans S D.J. Swearinger: Walker has 43 receptions for 667 yards and is the emergency raft for Mettenberger when blocking crumbles. Swearing is physical and aggressive, which leads to him being caught peeking in the backfield and giving up vertical passes.

*Player spotlight – Texans DE J.J. Watt: Teammates thought Watt got “into Mettenberger’s head” in the first meeting. Watt had two sacks and pantomimed a “selfie” shot in response to Mettenberger posting self-portraits pregame. “My goal is to get in people’s head with my play,” Watt said.

*Fast facts: Houston is 4-1 in the past five meetings. … Fitzpatrick started nine games for the Titans last season. … Foster averages 131.1 yards from scrimmage in seven games in the series.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Houston gets back to .500 by playing field position and waiting to catch the Titans’ mistakes.

*Our pick: Texans 26-22