Houston Texans vs. New York Giants: Live Score and Analysis for Houston

It seems too cliche to even mention: Run the ball, play good defense and don't turn the ball over. If there was a Football 101 class, that would be on the lesson plan for Day 1.

While it may be a basic outlook and preaching that philosophy often over-simplifies a difficult game with complex strategies involved, executing each of those bullet points will lead to success as the Houston Texans have shown through their first two games of the 2014 season.

Standing in their way of reaching 3-0 is a New York Giants squad that has embodied a "what not to do" example during its 0-2 start in terms of the three keys to success that I mentioned previously.

Currently the Giants rank 29th in rushing yards per game, 30th in rush yards per carry, last in turnover differential and 27th in points allowed per game. Stats may be deceiving at times, but in this case they do accurately tell the story of why the Giants are winless through two games.

If the Texans are able to take care of business and get to 3-0, their odds of making the playoffs will greatly improve in comparison to a 2-1 start. 

"

Some players talked about game 3 being pivotal. Since 1990, 75.2% of teams that started 3-0 made playoffs. Drops to 52.8% for 2-1. #Texans

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) September 19, 2014"

Despite what the stats seem to say, this game likely won't be easy. The Giants are at home, their stadium can be a tough place to play with the crowd noise and disruptive wind gusts, the Texans have several starters coming into the game at less than 100 percent and the Giants' veteran players will be desperate to avoid 0-3.

The Giants aren't close to being great or even good. Obviously they likely won't make the playoffs, but they still should provide the Texans with their best "measuring stick" matchup to this point.

Win this game and the occupancy of the bandwagon will increase.