NFL Preview: Eagles, Texans Tangle on Thursday Night Football

Houston Texans (5-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-4)

Texans Notes:

— The big story to come from Houston’s 20-0 win over Tennessee yesterday was the all-out brawl between WR Andre Johnson and Tennessee CB Cortland Finnegan. They ripped the helmets off each other and were ejected. Johnson landed two solid punches to Finnegan’s face before being pulled away. After the game, Johnson apologized, but Finnegan refused to comment; all told, Johnson had his way with Finnegan in every facet (he caught nine passed for 56 yards and a TD).

— RB Arian Foster continues to make his mark on the NFL. An undrafted free agent who started last year on Houston’s practice squad, Foster rumbled for 143 yards against the Titans on Sunday — his sixth 100-yard game of the year. He now leads the NFL in rushing yards (1147), rushing TDs (12) and rushing yards per game average (104.3) . If the Texans had a better record and were in position for a playoff spot, Foster would be a legit MVP candidate.

Eagles Notes:

— For all the great stuff Michael Vick has done within the Eagles offense this year, converting inside the red zone is not one of them. The leages have converted just two of their last 10 red-zone opportunities and went’ 1-for-5 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. That included a costly end-zone interception thrown by Vick — the pass was tipped by DT Tommie Harris and then picked off by cornerback Chris Harris. That play was viewed by many as the turning point in the game.

— CB Asante Samuel missed Sunday’s game against the Bears with a knee sprain. The Eagles are hopeful he’ll be able to play Thursday against Houston, and they’ll certainly need him when it comes to shutting down Johnson, who has been outstanding for the Texans this year.

Washington Redskins (5-6) at New York Giants (7-4)

Redskins Notes:

— Washington needs to figure out how to string some wins together. The ‘Skins have only won two games in a row wince in the last 35, and that happened in Week 3-4 of this year (Philly, Green Bay).

Giants Notes:

— Huge win for the Giants on Sunday over Jacksonville. With the Philadelphia loss, the Giants are once again tied atop the NFC East. They need to be as close to the top as possible given how their season will finish. The Giants play three of their final four on the road, including two huge games in Green Bay (Week 16) and Washington (Week 17). Philadelphia, meanwhile, finishes the year with two home games against teams with losing records: the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys.