TEXANS NEWSLETTER: Premier matchup in the frozen tundra

Hey guys, it’s Ari Alexander with your Texans newsletter ahead of one of the biggest games of the season. The Texans are facing the Packers, who are 4-2 despite missing starting QB Jordan Love for a couple of weeks.

JUST HOW GOOD ARE THEY?

Good. Jordan Love is good. The Packers are good. DeMeco Ryans said Love is the “best QB” the Texans will have seen so far this season - that includes Josh Allen, who the Texans shut down to the tune of 9-30.

• Texans Pep Talk Week 7: Young star QB showdown as the Texans head to Lambeau to take on the Packers

Love is flanked by one of the top running backs in the league in Josh Jacobs and three to four very legit factors at receiver. Jayden Reed is a player to watch for the Packers working in the slot. Reed will be matched up against Jalen Pitre much of the game, and slot receivers have found some success vs. the Texans this season. Christian Watson, the Packers’ best deep threat, is healthy. Romeo Doubs is no longer upset about his role and scored a touchdown last week. Dontayvion Wicks is questionable but did get in limited practices and tight end Tucker Kraft is also a solid option.

Defensively, Xavier McKinney leads the NFL in interceptions with 5 and he might not even be their best cornerback as Jaire Alexander is still patrolling the Packers secondary.

This is a balanced, deep team who will challenge for the NFC crown.

HOW’S THE INJURY REPORT LOOKING

Not great, Bob! Aside from the obvious - Nico Collins being on IR - the Texans are missing both starting linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’o To’o (not to mention Christian Harris, who is still on IR). Kamari Lassiter and Jimmie Ward are out, so there goes 40% of the starting secondary again.

Essentially, half the defense is injured as they enter a week where they face one of the most talented and dangerous offenses in the league.

• Read more: Texans make plans on defense with Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Kamari Lassiter, Jimmie Ward sidelined

DEFENSIVE TACKLE ROTATION

Good news on the defensive line is that Denico Autry is back after a 6-game suspension. Autry was one of Houston’s top offseason signings and should elevate a defensive line that has been largely terrific this season, especially at getting pressure on the quarterback. Autry’s return comes at the expense of Mario Edwards, Jr., who had been playing well. Edwards, Jr. is suspended for 4 games of his own, so Autry’s return comes at a perfect time.

• What you need to know: ‘Immediate impact, toughness, unique rusher, ready to go,’ Texans excited about return of Denico Autry from suspension

FANTASY CORNER

Watch for Tank Dell on the Texans and Jayden Reed on the Packers to have dueling big games.

WHAT’S NEXT

Noon, Sunday, the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field! The Texans and Packers match up for the best game of the weekend. Enjoy the game!

Read more on the Texans:

• ‘I’m happy, I’m overwhelmed,’ how Texans’ Dameon Pierce handled injury process for most explosive touchdown in a year
• Next man up for Texans’ defense: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, Kamari Lassiter, Jimmie Ward all out for Packers game
• Texans lineman-fullback Kendrick Green showcases versatility: ‘He jumps off the tape with how he moves, really tough’
• Source: Texans’ British Brooks underwent successful knee surgery Thursday to repair torn meniscus
• ‘Super proud of Will’: How Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. creates mutual admiration with C.J. Stroud, J.J. Watt
• Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after career-high three sack performance
• Sources: Texans’ Kamari Lassiter expected to be out a few more games, Jimmie Ward to miss Packers game