AFC south.(National Football League)

HOUSTON TEXANS

DaShon Polk has made his mark with the Texans on special teams, and he showed he also can hold up against the run on defense when he replaced lib Jay Foreman (neck) against the Titans. Polk is in his first season with the Texans, but he played in a similar 3-4 scheme with the Bills. Foreman, who should return Sunday, is instrumental in making calls for the defense, but Polk at least is capable as a fill-in.... Marlon McCree replaces rookie SS Glenn Fad at strong safety in passing situations. McCree, who also is the top reserve at free safety, has decent range, good instincts and even better hands. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The offense needs to find a bigger role fore Billy Miller, who is coming off a strong outing in Week 12. Opponents have used a lot of cover 2 to try to take away the big play from the receivers, and they also have used their safeties to double-team WR Andre Johnson on the outside. Miller is a threat because few linebackers can run with him, and if he's making catches over the middle, teams can't be so liberal in dispatching safeties to help with the outside receivers.--Carlton Thompson

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The young secondary is getting its act together. Rookie CB Jason David is playing with confidence and consistency after struggling early, and third-year CB Joseph Jefferson has been a physical presence.... WR/PR Troy Waiters might make his first appearance of the season this Sunday after breaking his arm in the preseason. He won't play much as a receiver but should make an immediate impact as a punt returner-a position that needs a boost. Brad Pyatt and David have averaged just 5.8 yards on 14 returns. Waiters brings experience and explosiveness to the position. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Coordinator Ron Meeks finally is getting difference-making plays from defensive linemen other than RE Dwight Freeney. Freeney, with seven sacks, has been key, but second-year E Robert Mathis, who rushes from the left side in the nickel, has 10 sacks. With offenses forced to concentrate on the pressure coming from the outside. Ts Montae Reagar and Josh Williams and E Raheem Brock, who rotates to tackle in the nickel are facing single blocks. All are quick off the ball and relentless ...