3 Will Ray Rice be the X-factor?

( Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun / October 14, 2012 )

This may be the time to increase Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice's workload.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron doesn't want to wear him out, though, keeping in mind they'll need Rice fresh for later in the season and for cold-weather games.

However, this may be a game where quarterback Joe Flacco lacks time to throw due to the Texans' pass rush.

If that's the case, Rice could control the football and keep the Texans' offense on the sideline.

Rice rushed for 101 yards on 23 carries in a 29-14 win over the Texans last October in Baltimore.