Houston’s Arian Foster looks to run all over the Broncos on Sunday. (US Presswire)

Texans at Broncos -- Week 3

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver (outdoors, grass)

When: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Spread: Texans by 2

Forecast: Low-80s, partly cloudy

Records: Texans (Overall: 2-0, AFC South: 1-0); Broncos (Overall: 1-1, AFC West: 0-0)

Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 26, 2010: Broncos 24, Texans 23. Dec. 13, 2007: Texans 31, Broncos 13. Series record: Broncos lead 2-1.

What matters: The Texans have looked dominant in the first two weeks, beating the Dolphins and Jaguars each by 20 points. Now, Houston will take a step up in competition and do so on the road in a hostile environment at Denver. The Texans rank No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense (8.5 ppg) and total defense (196 ypg) but will face a bit of a different animal this week in QB Peyton Manning.

Who matters: Texans RBs Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 184 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville in Week 2. Houston’s offensive gameplan always starts with establishing the run. DE J.J. Watt was named the AFC defensive player of the week last week after registering 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and two pass deflections. Watt leads all defensive linemen with five passes defended in the first two weeks.

Key matchups: RT Derek Newton will start his third career game this week, and he will have to deal with Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller and defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Miller already has three sacks this season. Newton is in his second year out of Arkansas State, and he will need to be on his game to keep the Broncos off of QB Matt Schaub.

Injuries of note: The Texans could be without one special teams contributor but gain the services of another. LB Tim Dobbins (hamstring) will be a game-time decision. LB Bryan Braman (hamstring) could make his season debut Sunday. 

Inside stuff: Coach Gary Kubiak has not been pleased with his team’s play on special teams. Houston had three penalties for illegal blocks above the waist on punt returns last week against Jacksonville. The Texans are also allowing 21.6 yards per punt return which ranks 28th in the league.

Connections: Kubiak played for the Broncos from 1983-91 and was the offensive coordinator in Denver from 1995-2005. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison played in Denver from 1982-90 and coached in various capacities there from 1995-2009. General manager Rick Smith was an assistant defensive backs coach for the Broncos from 1996-99 before working in the personnel department from 2000-06.

Stat you should know: The Broncos are allowing just 2.6 yards per rush this season, which ranks fourth in the league. Houston will try to establish the run and keep the ball away from Manning. The Texans lead the league in average time of possession (39:01).

Record watch: WR Andre Johnson needs 204 yards to reach 10,000 receiving yards in his career. There are 36 players in NFL history who have reached that milestone.

Bulletin board quote: Watt is looking forward to playing Manning: “I’m excited about it, but I want to sack him, too. I want to have No. 18 on my sack list. That’s my goal.”

Looking ahead: The Texans return home next week to face the Titans. After that, it’s two primetime games, as Houston travels to take on the Jets on Oct. 8 on Monday Night Football. before hosting the Packers for a Sunday night game on Oct. 14.

Prediction: Texans 24, Broncos 20

Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter @CBSTexans.