FOUR THINGS TO WATCH

Good Brock or bad Brock? 1

Will the Texans get the Brock Osweiler who was outstanding on the last three series of the overtime victory over Indianapolis or the Brock Osweiler who threw for only 131 yards in Monday’s loss at Denver? He has played better at home than on the road. In four games at NRG Stadium, Osweiler has connected on 91of-144 (63.2 percent) for 1,022 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He didn’t throw an interception at Denver for the first time this season.

Detroit’s weak link: defense 2

Opposing quarterbacks have feasted on Detroit’s defense, which is ranked 25th, including 23rd against the pass. Opposing QBs have completed 74 percent of their passes for 18 touchdowns with only three interceptions and a rating of 117.3 rating. The Lions allow 8.2 yards per pass attempt. Brock Osweiler’s 5.7 average per attempt is the league’s worst. If Osweiler can’t get the ball down the field to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, something’s horribly wrong.

Texans need better defense 3

The Texans rank eighth in defense, including second against the pass. Expect those statistics to drop after the defense has to try to contain Detroit’s passing game with quarterback Matthew Stafford, who’s off to a terrific start with 15 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 105.7 rating. The defense has forced only six turnovers, three over the last six games. It’s not shortening the field for the offense or scoring a touchdown on a return every now and then.

Texans must stay grounded 4

In the loss at Denver, the only thing the Texans did well was run the ball. In the last two games against Indianapolis and Denver, the Texans have averaged 25.5 carries, 149 yards and 5.6 a carry. The offensive line has done an excellent job of run blocking. Lamar Miller has been splendid. Alfred Blue ran well against the Broncos but lost a key fumble. To keep the Lions’ offense off the field, the running game has to be consistently productive.