AFC south

HOUSTON TEXANS

RB Domanick Davis always has pot together his best games at the end of the season, and he has even more motivation to do it this season. With so much talk about the Texans drafting Reggie Bush, Davis is trying to prove the team already has a top-flight running back. He is seeing the field more clearly and remains a valuable receiving threat.... RG Fred Weary has taken over as the starter for Victor Riley, who was cut. Weary has good strength and footwork. He has less experience than Riley, and his arrival won't change the chemistry of performance of the offense.... CB C.C. Brown has taken Marcus Coleman's starting job. Brown is smart and sees the field well. Coleman has struggled all season and doesn't make big plays. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The decision to have three first-year starters--Antwan Peek, Shantee Orr and DaShon Polk--at linebacker is paying off for the Texans. Each has a chip on his shoulder and is motivated to prove he belongs as a starter. The linebackers have provided steady pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially in the past few weeks.--Megan Manfull

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The team usually doesn't make big free-agent signings, but DT Corey Simon has been worth the investment, stabilizing the line's play against the run. Simon has the strength to shed blockers and the quickness to penetrate the pocket. He also has been a positive influence off the field, providing leadership for a young unit.... WR Brandon Stokley's role in the offense suits him perfectly. He is an outstanding slot receiver who benefits from the outside presence of WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.... The Colts have secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, and there has been much debate about whether the team should rest its starters or try to finish the season undefeated. The starters want to play; coach Tony Dungy has said he will do whatever gives the Colts the best chance to win the Super Bowl. Pulling the starters too early could throw them out of rhythm, especially on offense. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The pregame ritual of QB Peyton Manning, Harrison and Wayne contributes to their uncanny chemistry. They meticulously go over the game's routes, while most players are jogging, stretching or chatting with friends on the other team.--Mike Chappell

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

C Dennis Norman made his first start last Sunday, replacing Brad Meester (triceps), who had season-ending surgery. Norman (6-5, 312) has good size and is intelligent enough to handle the demands of the position.... CB Rashean Mathis' play has slipped the past few weeks. He hasn't received as much help from the safeties as he should in a cover 2 scheme, but Mathis hasn't played like a No. 1 corner. He has faced talented receivers such as Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Braylon Edwards and Marvin Harrison and has been unable to slow them down.... RB Fred Taylor now has to worry about his production as well as his ability to stay healthy. He returned to the lineup against the Colts last week but was ineffective, and the team turned to backup Greg Jones, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The offense made little use of play-action passes the past two years because the Jaguars rarely threw downfield, but play-action has been an effective weapon this season under first-year coordinator Carl Smith. David Garrard also has had success on quarterback keepers and bootlegs off of play fakes.--Bart Hubbuch

TENNESSEE TITANS

DT Albert Haynesworth (6-6, 320) is beginning to look as dominant as he did before his knee injury early this season. He wins battles because of his strength, but the key to his improvement has been his pad level. When he stays low, he can drive his opponent into the backfield and disrupt the running game. ... The club has taken advantage of CB Pacman Jones' athletic ability by using him as a return man and at wide receiver. Jones is great at making would-be tacklers miss.... The Titans would like to get second-year OL Jacob Bell some work to help evaluate him for next season. They like Bell because he doesn't get rattled, is athletic and adjusts well. He is most comfortable at right tackle, where rookie Michael Roos plays. At some point, Tennessee plans to move Roos to left tackle. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Because they lack offensive weapons, the Titans have gotten their running backs more involved in the passing game. RB Chris Brown has been especially active lately catching screen passes. Brown has good hands and excellent speed, making him a tough matchup. He is a smooth runner who changes directions almost effortlessly.--Jim Wyatt

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