Playoff Future In Balance For Houston Texans As They Face Rams

NFL News - December 15th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

As far as playoff implications are concerned, not much is on the line when Houston and St. Louis meet this Sunday. Do not expect either team to pack it in, having given up on the season. For Houston, they still have a slim chance for post season play, though they must win each of the remaining three games on their schedule. At 1-12, St. Louis has not been able to find any answers so far this season, but will try and find some this week against the Texans.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub had a career first half last week against Seattle, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns. He cooled off significantly in the second half, as he had finished the game with 365 yards on 29 of 39 completions, with two touchdown and one interception. It was the second most passing yards by a quarterback in one half this season, impressing Texans head coach Gary Kubiak.

"That's the most explosive half of football I've ever been around," said Kubiak to the Associated Press following the game. "I've never been around that. That's what we're capable of and if we find a way to bottle that someday for four quarters, it will be a real happy day."

The win snapped the Texans four game losing streak and gives them an outside chance at a wild card berth in the playoffs.

On the other sideline, the St. Louis Rams are trying to salvage anything they can out of this season. This past Sunday they suffered another embarrassing defeat, losing to Tennessee 47-7.

In the loss, RB Steven Jackson was held to a season low 47 yards rushing. Jackson has been the lone threat on offense for the Rams this year. Without him, the Rams don't pose a threat to any defense.

The Rams are also waiting to hear if they will get starting quarterback Kyle Boller back this week. He was limited in practice all last week leading up to the contest with the Titans and was unable to go.

This game is far more important for Houston.

The Texans will need some help from other teams if they hope to make a playoff spot, but that won't be possible if they do not beat the Rams this week. After the game at St. Louis, the Texans then close with New England and Miami.

Good news for the Texans, the NFL Betting Lines have them favored by 12 1/2 points to win on Sunday, against the Rams. Courtesy of Sportsbetting.com, the total for the game is set at an over/under of 43 1/2 points, combined.

Kickoff for this game is set for 1 pm EST and is to be broadcast regionally on FOX.