The Texans are fourth in the league in total offense and rank second in the NFL in points per game (29.3), behind only the league-leading Patriots (35.8).
How do you stop a team that ranks in top 10 in both passing and running?
"Great question," defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said.
There's no secret formula, and fans of the New England Patriots should know that better than most since they've spent the whole season watching opposing teams struggle with that conundrum. Monday night, the Houston Texans will hold up a mirror and show the fan base what it's like having to deal with such a force.
No, the teams aren't exactly the same. Houston is more of a running team than a passing team, while the inverse is true for New England. But whatever the method, both units can gain yards in bulk and possess the ability to turn any mistake into quick points.
"They're a very well balanced team. They can run; they play action with the running game," coach Bill Belichick said of Houston, which ranks fourth in total offense and second in points per game (29.3), behind New England (35.8). "If you're stopping the run, you're light on the play-action. If you're stopping the play-action, you're probably light on the run.
"They do a good job of tying those plays together, complementing each other and making you defend all of it."
The knot begins to weave with running back Arian Foster, who has for 1,102 yards and an NFL-leading 13 touchdowns working behind a zone-blocking scheme that is similar to the one Mike Shanahan used to employ in Denver with the Broncos.
And when they go to the air, the Texans have efficient quarterback Matt Schaub, who has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 3,062 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and wide receiver Andre Johnson, who is quickly re-establishing himself as a top receiver and ranks third in the NFL in yards (1,114).
Alone those forces are enough to cause problems for a defensive coordinator, but the Texans complicate matters by blending both attacks with the deadly play-action attack Belichick mentioned. And when that happens, defenses are often helpless.
Stay back and call Houston's bluff, then Foster will have plenty of room to work. Commit to the run, and it creates opportunities for the receivers.
One play that Houston likes to run is a boot throwback where Schaub drops back, fakes a handoff to Foster that gets the defense leaning the other direction, rolls out the other way and hits a receiver moving the same direction as him. Often it results in a huge gain for Johnson.
There's plenty of tape showing how the Texans operate and how they lure defenses into their trap, so why aren't teams better prepared to combat the attack?
"Everything looks the same," cornerback Aqib Talib explained.
The Patriots have been showing growth over the last three weeks against the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts. But this contest will be the first time that the defense faces a truly elite unit. Any good will could be quickly crushed or solidified on Monday night.
A win would put the Patriots within a game of the AFC lead and set things up nicely for a playoff run. A loss could put a first-round bye out of reach. The stakes, at least during this portion of the season, are as big as it gets.
"Coach always tells us, 'Don't even think about the playoffs; they're so far away," quarterback Tom Brady said. "That's the truth. This game is hugely important to our season. It's an AFC opponent that's 11-1. They lost one game to an NFC team in Green Bay who played great that night."
While Brady won't have to tackle Foster, his point remains true. Looking ahead won't help. All the Patriots can worry about right now is playing a great game.
Practice report: Tight end Rob Gronkowski (forearm/hip) and offensive lineman Nick McDonald (shoulder) were the only players not to participate Thursday.