Texans DE Antonio Smith had two of Houston's four sacks Sunday against Baltimore. (US Presswire)

When the Texans and Ravens met in Houston Sunday afternoon, there was plenty on the line. Houston (6-1) and Baltimore (5-2) were the only teams in the AFC with a winning record entering Week 7, and the winner would emerge with the best record in the conference.

For Houston, it was also an opportunity to atone for its 42-24 home loss to Green Bay last Sunday, a loss that had many around the country questioning just how good the Texans really are. After their 43-13 throttling of the Ravens, the Texans will enter their bye week feeling good about themselves.

Offense: A

The Texans got off to a slow start, punting on each of their first three possessions. Then, the offense fed off the big plays of the defense. Houston ended the game with 420 yards of total offense and had things working through the air and on the ground. QB Matt Schaub played well, completing 23 of 37 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. WR Andre Johnson had a team-high nine receptions for 86 yards, and RB Arian Foster ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Previous game’s grade: C

Defense: A+

Houston’s defense was the difference in the game Sunday afternoon. OLB Connor Barwin provided the Texans their first points with a safety in the first quarter, and CB Johnathan Joseph returned an interception for a touchdown on Baltimore’s next possession. The Texans harassed Ravens QB Joe Flacco, sacking him four times and intercepting him twice. The Ravens managed just 176 yards of total offense. Previous game’s grade: D

Special Teams: B+

K Shayne Graham made two field goals and has now made 13 of his 14 attempts this season. P Donnie Jones averaged 48 yards on his five punts. The return game is still struggling, both covering and running back kicks. WR Keshawn Martin has assumed the return duties for the recently cut Trindon Holliday. Martin averaged just 2.2 yards per punt return Sunday and returned a kickoff for 17 yards. Previous game’s grade: C

Coaching: A

The Texans bounced back in a major way Sunday and dominated the Ravens in every phase of the game. Houston now enters its bye week 6-1 and holds the best record in the AFC. Previous game’s grade: D

Follow Texans blogger Sean Bielawski on Twitter, @CBSTexans.