Backups have played a front-line role in Houston's run of success and the Oilers will be counting on them again in their Christmas Day confrontation with the San Francisco 49ers.
"Really, that's been our salvation," Houston coach Jack Pardee said. "All year long, when we've lost someone, we've had their backup come in and do a good job. Not just play, but do a good job."Houston (10-4), which secured the AFC Central title by beating Pittsburgh 26-17 last week for its ninth straight win, has seen Gary Brown rush for more than 100 yards in four of six starts for the injured Lorenzo White.
But the Oilers face another challenge this week in trying to replace the lost production of Webster Slaughter. He was leading the club with 77 receptions for 904 yards and five TDs when he suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Pittsburgh game.
Gary Wellman and Pat Coleman will fill in for Slaughter.
"They've been here three or four years. They know the system. They haven't been regulars, but they have to do it now. They've got to come through," Pardee said.
In the secondary, Bo Orlando and eighth-round pick Blaine Bishop have come on for free safety Marcus Robertson and cornerback Darryll Lewis, both out with season-ending knee injuries.
With strong safety Bubba McDowell hobbled by a knee bruise, left cornerback Cris Dishman may be the only starter Saturday from the four-player unit that began the season. If McDowell can't play, he'll be replaced by Terry Hoage, added to the Houston roster following his release from San Francisco three weeks ago.
Despite the injuries, Houston comes in with the league's third-ranked offense and a defense that has helped drive the club's longest winning streak since 1961.
"I don't think there's any question Houston is the class of the AFC," San Francisco tight end Brent Jones said. "They're so aggressive blitz-wise and their secondary has really laid some hits on people. It seems like there's an ultra-intensity to the way they play."
The defensive unit has been especially effective in recent weeks, forcing 22 turnovers in the last five games, including two interceptions by Orlando against Pittsburgh.
Maintaining that kind of defensive productivity will be critical against a dynamic San Francisco offense that tops the league in scoring (30.9) and yards (401.5).
The 49ers (10-4) humbled a strong Lions defense last week, winning 55-17 at Detroit. Steve Young had 354 yards passing and four touchdowns, including separate long-distance strikes to Jerry Rice and John Taylor, as San Francisco clinched its 10th NFC West crown in 13 years.
"It was an awesome show," Pardee said.
"We have a lot of respect for them. Hopefully, we're going to keep them under the 55 points they scored at Detroit," Dishman said.
Houston is anxious to keep winning to get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Oilers are mindful of road playoff losses on last-minute field goals in each of the past two seasons, including last year's agonizing 41-38 defeat at Buffalo in which they blew a 35-3 lead.
"We sure don't want to be going back to Buffalo. We don't want to go to Kansas City. We want to stay in familiar surroundings," Dishman said.
The 49ers already have clinched a first-round playoff bye and a home date for the divisional playoffs Jan. 15-16. They're looking to maintain their edge heading into the postseason.