The Houston Texans can clinch their second straight playoff berth with a win or tie Sunday when the Tennessee Titans visit at 1:00 pm ET.
A win would also give Houston (10-1) 11 victories for the first time in franchise history. Houston's sixth-ranked defense, which allows 319.7 yards per game, has seen its linebacking corps in particular come under siege. Brooks Reed will miss time with a groin injury suffered in the team's 34-31 win in Detroit on Thanksgiving, and Bradie James is also out with a hamstring injury.
The injuries create opportunities for first-round pick Whitney Mercilus and Bryan Braman, who have primarily played on special teams. Mercilus led the FBS in sacks last season with 16 for Illinois and has recorded three over his last five games. Connor Barwin will take over Reed's strong-side position while Mercilus will replace Barwin on the weak side.
The Titans, meanwhile, their playoffs hopes are pretty bleak.
Quarterback Jake Locker has been decent for the Titans in his six starts, the team only has a 2-4 record this season with the 2011 first round draft pick. At home, though, the second year quarterback has played especially well. In two starts at home, Locker has completed 52-of-74 passes for 607 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
On defense the line seven sacks last week against the Jaguars, while rookie linebacker Zach Brown contributed with two.
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