After sitting out a week with a shoulder injury, Geno Smith returned to practice and will start for the Raiders on Sunday.

The Texans, currently standing at 9-5, are one game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for first place in the AFC South. Currently hanging on to the seventh and final seed in the AFC, a win against the Raiders would give them a 97 percent chance of clinching a playoff berth. With a loss, that chance drops down 15 percent.

As expected, Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith will be play Sunday at the Houston Texans on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1:25 pm. PT. Raiders coach Pete Carroll announced Friday afternoon that Smith will star Sunday and for the rest of the season.

Despite a mountain of adversity, Geno Smith remains optimistic. The Raiders quarterback believes good times are ahead, telling reporters Wednesday, "I'm expecting to win a lot of games here."

Veteran quarterback delivers fiery message on podcast about blocking out noise, taking accountability, and finding salvation from within as team fights through disappointing campaign.

The Week 16 matchup for Christian Kirk and the Houston Texans has them taking on the Las Vegas Raiders at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 21. Watch Christian Kirk and the Texans vs.