Dan Pompei’s look: In Sunday’s 27-16 loss to the Raiders, the Texans looked like a disinterested team that had packed it in for the season. But they had won their previous four games. Clearly, if the Texans come to play, they have the ability to end the Bears’ season with a thud. But if they give it another half-hearted effort, the Bears should slaughter them.
The Texans are 5-2 at home, and they have the NFL’s third-ranked offense. They will score points on the Bears, especially if shifty Steve Slaton gets a good share of running attempts and Andre Johnson gets the ball thrown his way.
Key stat: The Texans are 7-1 at Reliant Stadium in December under coach Gary Kubiak.
Key matchup: Texans right end Mario Williams vs. Bears left tackle John St. Clair. Williams has 11 sacks and may be the most gifted defensive end in the league. The Bears likely will have to give St. Clair some help.
Early pick: Texans 28, Bears 26.
