News Texans Team Notes

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans statistics: Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel vs. Raiders

Welcome to week 16 of the Cyclone tracker!

This is where we follow our resident weather-themed duo in rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both out of Iowa State (hence, the “Cyclone” twins).

As always, there will be analysis, projections, commentary, and relevant updates that happen in real time.

Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel statistics vs. Raiders​

Jayden Higgins​

Position: WR

Projected Week 16 storm path: 4.0 targets, 2.5 receptions, 25.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 3.9 fantasy points

Actual Week 16 path: 3 targets, 1 reception, 17 yards (17.0 avg.), 0 TDs, 2.7 fantasy pts

Total stats through Week 16: 59 targets, 37 receptions, 414 yards (11.2 avg.), 4 TDs, 102.4 fantasy pts

Analysis: On Sunday, Higgins caught only one pass for 17 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders. This was the seventh time this season that Higgins has caught one pass or fewer in a game (they are 3-4 in such games).

Yet, the catch in question from Sunday was a clutch one. On 3rd and 5, with around 2:37 left in the 4th quarter, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud stepped up in the pocket and threw a 17-yard dart to Higgins at the 50-yard line.

The catch moved the chains and allowed Houston a chance to ice the game four plays later on an even more improbable catch (Collins).

Week 17 statistical projections: 3.0 targets, 2.5 receptions, 25.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 4.5 fantasy points

———————————————————-

Jaylin Noel​

Position: WR/PR & KR

Projected week 16 storm path: 2 targets, 1.0 receptions, 9.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 2.5 fantasy points

Actual week 16 path: 0 targets, 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 TD’s, 8 ret, 107 return yards (13.4 yd avg.), 0.0 fantasy pts

Total stats through week 16: 30 targets, 22 receptions, 225 yards (10.2 yd avg.), 908 return yards, 1 TD, 36.4 fantasy pts

Analysis: Noel has now gone back-to-back games without a single target in the passing attack. This is the first time all season that he has gone multiple contests in a row without a feature in offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s scheme (they are 2-2 in such games).

He continued to contribute in the return game, adding eight returns for 107 yards (13.4 avg). His 19 punt return yards brought his franchise record up to 325 yards on the season.

Week 17 Projections: 2 targets, 1.0 receptions, 7.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 1.7 fantasy points

All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN, RotoBaller, FantasyPros, Fantasy Data and PFF.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/gener...tistics-jayden-higgins-jaylin-noel-vs-raiders

 

[Houston Texans]

Pre-Draft Recon: Houston Texans Offensive Line Prospects

As we approach the end of the season and inch towards the NFL Draft in April, it’s time to start evaluating the Texans biggest needs this offseason. Unlike Defensive Tackle, which has become a positional need of late due to injury, offensive line has long been a glaring issue for the Texans. Sure, they’ve addressed it through the draft and free agency, but that shouldn’t stop Nick Caserio and Co. from doubling down this offseason.

In terms of priority, Houston needs a right tackle, right guard, and center. Houston’s right side of the line is manned by Ed Ingram and Trent Brown who are both on one-year deals.

With that, let’s evaluate the early slate of offensive lineman slated to be selected early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The two players most likely selected before our draft pick are Spencer Fano (Utah) and Francis Mauigoa (Miami). Both are pure right tackles, which is our biggest need and will be top-15 based on initial scouting projections.

This class appears to be excellent at interior lineman and limited in quality tackle prospects. There are plenty of underclassmen or Juniors who have yet to declare. Their additions should add depth to this top-heavy group by the end of the College Football Bowl season.

Vega Ioane, Penn State – LG​

• Current draft projection: mid-last first round
• Primary position: left guard, has played several games at right guard as a freshman and sophomore
• Houston Texans fit: extremely high
• Initial evaluation: Gritty leader on a tumultuous Penn State team. The personality, size, tenacity, and agility create an extremely high floor for Ioane. He has three years of starting experience and is a pure guard prospect. His stock could rise through the pre-draft process more than it already has.

Connor Lew, Auburn – C​

• Current draft projection: late second, early third
• Primary position: exclusively center
• Houston Texans fit: good
• Initial evaluation: Lew was slated to be the first center off the board, but tore his ACL mid-season. That’s the only blemish on his draft stock as a team captain and three year starter with elite PFF grades. Lew gets his 6’3 frame low to stunt SEC defensive tackles while still being extremely athletic in the open field. Would be an elite fit in Houston’s run scheme. Lew still holds the title of the first center in this class and should be ready mid-season.

Gennings Dunker, Iowa – Right OT/G​

• Current draft projection: second round
• Primary position: Right tackle but expected to move inside
• Houston Texans fit: extremely high (most needed position)
• Initial evaluation: Best pure right tackle on day-two, Dunker is a mauler. 6’5, but projected to have shorter arms, he’s expected to move inside at the next level. Dunker is starting to get late-first round pick press due to his quality play against BIG 10 opponents, Bleacher Report has him as a third rounder. While his technique against bigger DL needs work to regain position, his demeanor, build, and play strength are unquestionably high.

Iowa RT Gennings Dunker is about as Iowa as Iowa can get. Straight up MAULER

He’s gotta be a milk with dinner type of guy pic.twitter.com/YVXJtSz449

— LandonTengwall (@LandonTengwall) October 16, 2025

Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon – LG​

• Current draft projection: late first, early second round
• Primary position: exclusively left guard
• Houston Texans fit: extremely high
• Initial evaluation: My personal favorite guard in this class. Zero sacks allowed all year. Three-year starter. Finishes blocks with tenacity and an avid puller in the run game. Pregnon gets to the second level with fervor and punishes linebackers. At 6’5, he’s a large guard with movement skills equitable with the best in the league.

Kadyn Proctor, Alabama – LT​

• Current draft projection: late first round
• Primary position: exclusively left tackle
• Houston Texans fit: extremely high
• Initial evaluation: Generational talent and traits with middling reaction time and lateral quickness. Proctor will either be the draft’s best lineman or the next Evan Neal. While he’s only played left tackle for ‘Bama, . At 366 pounds, Proctor needs to shed 20-30 pounds to be more agile and stable. In the Georgia game this year, he was routinely late off the ball and a bit lost when pulling or on screens. His pre-snap technique also routinely tipped play calls.

Iapani Laloulu – Oregon

Blake Miller, Clemson – Right tackle​

• Current draft projection: third round
• Primary position: pure right tackle
• Houston Texans fit: high and right when Houston picks offensive lineman
• Initial evaluation: Pure RT and doesn’t have the bend or thickness to move inside. More of a shuffler than kick-slider which is more common on the left than right side. Great balanced hands that stay inside. Footwork progressed from junior to senior year in the kick-slide. Enjoys coming down on an unsuspecting DT and had a mean streak. Let up a big sack to Barron Sorrell in the 2024 playoff game.

Cayden Green, Missouri – Left OT/G​

• Current draft projection: third round
• Primary position: left guard
• Houston Texans fit: medium
• Initial evaluation: Two years of starting experience at Missouri; one at left guard and one at left tackle, but Green still is a developmental prospect with a high ceiling. A full move back inside will benefit his long-term career prospects. Green has good balance through contact. Does stop his feet in contact especially on pulls. Great at digging out a DT in the run game. Acceleration to get to the second level. Wide hands grasp to control shoulders.

Austin Siereveld, Ohio State – Left Tackle​

• Current draft projection: second round
• Primary position: guard; playing tackle out of necessity and talent
• Houston Texans fit: depends on need and desire for versatility
• Initial evaluation: the Swiss army knife of the draft class, Siereveld played left and right guard in 2024 and starts at tackle in 2025. He had to step into the starting role mid-season last year due to injuries on their line and has been dominant ever since. One of the highest PFF-graded tackles in 2025, Sierveld needs a strong playoff to cement himself as a day two prospect.

Jake Slaughter Florida – Center​

• Current draft projection: late second-third round
• Primary position: pure center
• Houston Texans fit: good – if Houston wants to prioritize center
• Initial evaluation: Three-year starter at center for Florida and only allowed four sacks in that time. He’s accepted his Senior Bowl invite and needs to show his skill and technique against NFL-level talent. A classic zone-scheme center with a shorter frame, good base, and quality duo-blocking technique. Slaughter is 6’4 and well built to be a career center in the NFL.

Honorable mentions and players who have not declared:

• Parker Brailsford, Alabama – C
• Trevor Goosby, Texas – LT
• Iapani Laloulu, Oregon – C
• Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M – LG
• Caleb Lomu, Utah – LT
• Isaiah World, Oregon – LT
• Brian Parker II, Duke – RT (should move to guard)
  

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...recon-houston-texans-offensive-line-prospects

 

[Houston Texans]

The reckoning of Blake Fisher has finally arrived

Second-round picks don’t spend two full seasons on the bench in today’s NFL. Players drafted that high are selected for a reason: to start, often immediately. And then there’s Blake Fisher.

On a woeful offensive line, Fisher remained under lock and key, buried as the backup option. He’s been hidden, veiled as the proverbial break-glass emergency backup. The media doesn’t ask why. It only wonders, quietly.

At this stage, there are only two explanations. Either Fisher isn’t good enough, or he isn’t nearly ready. Neither is encouraging.

Blake Fisher and his infamous No. 57, announced each time he checks in as an eligible receiver, has been deployed as a sixth offensive lineman in “heavy sets” to improve the Texans’ putrid run game. Houston technically averages less yards per attempt when Fisher is in, but nevertheless that has been his role. He has led the league with 52 snaps as the extra offensive lineman. The next closest player is Pittsburgh’s Spencer Anderson with 38.

On multiple occasions, Fisher could have stepped in to be a start on the offensive line. He was passed up as a starter time and time again for veterans. The second that Trent Brown came back from his knee injury, Fisher was relegated to this TE role of his.

Now, the bubble wrap is off. Brown and rookie Aireontay Ersery are both injured and expected miss the Saturday’s massively important matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fisher did step in at the end of the Raiders game to play 19 snaps at left tackle for Ersery. To hit credit, he did not allow a single pass rush or hurry while in the lineup.

#Texans Blake Fisher prepping to play left tackle vs. #Chargers 'I feel very confident' https://t.co/KPfMLzM5gs

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 23, 2025

Without enough parts to spare, Houston will finally be forced to thrust Fisher into a starting role… on primetime TV. His assignment? Stop Tuli Tuipulotu, who has the third most sacks in the NFL (tied with Danielle Hunter) at 13.

Fisher has waited in the wings long enough. This is his first real chance to start a meaningful game at his natural position: tackle.

His success and potential elevation to be the full-time starter could have major implications for the team. For one, the Texans wouldn’t need to fill the vacant tackle role this offseason after Brown hits free agency. Fisher as the tackle would leave the right guard spot as the only major role on the offense being vacated. Additionally, his fairly team-friendly deal would mean the team could invest their strapped capital in other roles this offseason. Namely, on their QB or DE entering the last years of their contracts.

Who knows, if Fisher surprises us it’s all gravy. But, teams’ don’t play bad players… especially those they drafted high. There’s a reason Fisher hasn’t played much thus far in his short career, and we are going to find out shortly.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...reckoning-of-blake-fisher-has-finally-arrived

 

[Houston Texans]

2026 Pro Bowl: 4 Texans Make Team, 3 Alternates

The 2026 Pro Bowl rosters have been announced, and the Houston Texans have notched 4 spots on the starting lineup:

• WR Nico Collins (2nd)
• CB Derek Stingley Jr. (2nd)
• DE Will Anderson Jr. (2nd)
• LB Azeez Al-Shaair (1st)

This is equal to the four Pro Bowl starters that Houston sent last year, but there’s a few new names here. Both Nico Collins and Derek Stingley Jr. are making their second-consecutive Pro Bowls, but Azeez Al-Shaair is making the first Pro Bowl appearance in his seven NFL seasons. A team captain, Al-Shaair has had his best season with the Texans in his second year here, starting every game except last week (ankle injury) and tallying a team-leading 96 tackles, 8 passes defensed, 2 QB hits, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 interception, and a PFF grade of 70.3. Al-Shaair is a smart, instinctive pounder on the field, reacting quickly to opposing offenses and launching himself through the gaps on the line to meet the opposing tailback right at the line of scrimmage.

Azeez Al-Shaair on having #Texans HC DeMeco Ryans tell him he’d been selected to Pro Bowl

“I think it’s just very poetic that one way or another, we’re gonna be in San Francisco and it’s not trying to be for the pro bowl…” pic.twitter.com/2U8Evf5tJ4

— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) December 23, 2025

Will Anderson Jr. has earned his first Pro Bowl as a starter (last year he was an alternate), which is not a big surprise considering how dominant he has been all year long. Anderson has started all 15 games for the Texans so far this season, tallying 11.5 sacks, 45 tackles, 17 TFLs, 22 QB hits, 3 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and a team-leading PFF grade of 91.9! Anderson has been everything the Houston Texans could have asked for when they traded up to select him third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s relentless, powerful, and so quick you can blink and miss another one of his sacks. He’s stepped up this year, combing with fellow DE Danielle Hunter to make the deadliest pass-rushing duo in the NFL.

Speaking of Danielle Hunter, I am a bit surprised to see that he was snubbed from the Pro Bowl roster as of right now, seeing as he was arguably as great as his teammate who will be a starter in the Pro Bowl Games. K Ka’imi Fairbairn has also been nearly perfect all season for the Texans and has saved their hides on more than one occasion, and yet he has been snubbed, as well. The Pro Bowl rosters are determined by a combination of votes from fans, coaches, and players and has always been a sort of popularity contest, but I still would have liked to have seen another defender or special teamer for Houston get the nod.

In addition to the four Pro Bowl starters, three more Texans players have been named alternates, which is down from the six alternates Houston had in 2024:

• CB Kamari Lassiter (1st)
• S Jalen Pitre (5th)
• S Calen Bullock (1st)

It’s nice to see that these three defensive backs are all receiving the attention they are due after the clinic they’ve put on the past two months. Lassiter, Pitre, and Bullock are all responsible for massive tackles, pass breakups, and interceptions that have sealed games for the Houston Texans. Bullock’s forced fumble against the Buffalo Bills, Lassiter’s interception of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, and Pitre’s big hit on Chiefs WR Rashee Rice will be talked about in Texans circles for years to come, so they’ve earned their way here.

Both Jalen Pitre and/or Calen Bullock could find themselves in the Pro Bowl Games since there are only three starters on the roster: Steelers S Jalen Ramsey, Ravens S Kyle Hamilton, Chargers S Derwin James. Both Ramsey and/or James could end up opting out of the event due to injury or to the fact they’ve been here a few times before.

You can see the full Pro Bowl roster for each team here.

The 2026 Pro Bowl Games will be played the week before Super Bowl LX (60). Instead of a standard football match, the Pro Bowl Games will include a skills competition showdown and a 7-on-7 flag football game that will be played on February 3rd at the Moscone Center in San Francisco at 5:30 PM CST.

What do you think of the Pro-Bowl selections? Is there someone else on Houston’s team that should have been selected as a starter or an alternate? Like…maybe…QB CJ Stroud? Maybe… RG Ed Ingram? Let us know who you think should or shouldn’t have made it down in the comments below!

Go Texans!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/73363/2026-pro-bowl-4-texans-make-team-3-alternates

 

[Houston Texans]

The Day After the Day After: Reviewing the Houston Texans’ 23-21 escape against the Las Vegas Raiders

The Day After the Day After…when the raw, immediate emotions from the aftermath of a game diminish into the realm of clarity and the proverbial (or literal) hangover no longer haunts the mind. With that, a review of Week 17:

Attrition hitting the Defensive Line. Houston still possesses the top-ranked defense for scoring and total yards allowed. However, there were signs that some of the injury losses along the defensive interior are having their impacts. With Tim Settle and Mario Edwards out for the season, the Texans are moving further down the depth chart to man the interior of the line. Certainly, it does help to have DEs like Anderson and Hunter, but the Raiders and their limited offensive line were able to have success moving the ball up the middle of the Texans’ defense. Ashton Jeanty, who has not had the desired rookie season, looked like the dominant back he was at Boise State, especially on runs up the middle. Didn’t help that the Texans’ LBs had a less-than-stellar game (more later). However, with teams like the Chargers and Colts next up, who both lean heavily on the run game, Houston will need to shore up that interior defense.

The Most Interesting Defense in the World, continues its trend of allowing one opposing player to go off: For all of the defense firepower that Houston brings to this season, teams will usually have that one player that drives the offense against them. From Puka Nacua, Baker Mayfield, James Cook to Trey McBride, it can be one guy. Sometimes it does not make all that much difference (Trey McBride). Others, it can decide the game against Houston (Nacua). This past Sunday, Jeanty went off for over 180 combined yards and two TDs. After his 50-yard TD scamper, it appeared that the Raiders could ride him to victory. However, for Las Vegas, Jeanty’s touchdown was their last offensive snap. Still, allowing one player to go off like that could also be a potential Achilles Heel for what is normally a stout defense. Ladd McConkey and Jonathan Taylor await, to say nothing of what Houston might see in the playoffs.

TE Cade Stover’s Best Play: TE Cade Stover has had a ying-yang sort of season. Injured early in the year, he’s returned to be a sort-of-offensive knock-off Swiss Army knife. He was the primary “Tush-Push” weapon for Houston, but that has yielded mixed results. Whether he catches a ball or not can vary, as he had some big drops against Buffalo. This game, he managed two receptions for 5 yards, including a key 3rd down reception in the 4th Quarter that lead to the game-sealing TD. However, it was his stone hands that may have helped Houston out at the end of the 1st half. On a 2nd and 5 at the LV 32, Stroud attempted to hit Stover on a short pass. The Raiders’ defender was right on Stover and as Stover tried to bring the ball in, he bobbled the ball and dropped it. Another Raiders’ defender picked up the ball and ran it back for a TD. If Stover had truly fumbled, then Houston is down 14-10 at the end of the 1st half, perhaps a game-altering result. Instead, the refs upheld the incomplete pass call, which was a blessing to Houston, as they kicked a FG to end the half up 13-7. By his bobble, Stover saved a 10-point swing and did enough to allow Houston to get this struggle-win.

‘Tis better to have won and looked bad than not to have won at all: You can’t hide how meh the Texans played. The 1st half was one to forget, especially for Stroud and the offense. The Houston interior did not give Stroud all that much time, and Stroud was airmailing a ton of passes. The defense kept Houston in the lead, but then in the 2nd half, they cracked against a previously moribund Raiders’ offense, allowing Ashton Jeanty to have a career game. However, the offense did just enough in the second half to hold off the Raiders. The last two drives yielded a TD, and a 5+ min drive that killed the clock. It is all about the W. Houston got it, keeping pace with the rest of the AFC playoff field and their playoff chances above 95%.

The Decisive Play

7:50, 4th Quarter: 3rd Down and 8 @ the LV 25 Yard Line: CJ Stroud to Nico Collins incompletion, Defensive Pass Interference on LV S Lonnie Johnson Jr., 23 yard penalty, Ball placed at the LV 2

You could just as easily argue the 3rd and 20 DPI call at the 4:06 mark in the 4th Quarter that Collins drew later in the game that moved Houston out of the shadow of its own goal-line and enabled the Texans to run out the clock. However, this play was maybe more significant, as an incompletion here would force Houston to kick another FG, only increasing Houston’s lead to 19-14 vs. 23-14. Given what transpired the following Raiders’ drive, Houston would be trailing deep into the 4th. If everything held to form, Houston would have marched down the field for a GW attempt, but it is not always a given that such heroics would follow. That the call came at the expense of one-time Houston DB Lonnie Johnson Jr would not surprise many older Houston fans, as Johnson was notorious for getting cooked by other WRs. By getting the DPI call, Houston moved to the 2-yard line. While that hasn’t exactly been Houston’s best place on the field, the team’s performance in such situations has improved over the season. After another penalty by yet another Texans’ alum (Thomas Booker’s offside call moving the ball to the LV 1 yard line), Houston cashed in on a Stroud play-action TD pass to Dalton Schultz, yielding a comfortable 9-point lead..

FUN WITH NUMBERS:

3: Number of seasons that Head Coach DeMeco Ryans has won double-digit games. In all the not-completely-unwarranted handwringing about the Texans’ performance on Sunday, Houston got to their 10th win of the season. With that result, the Texans have three straight seasons with double-digit wins, a franchise record. There is still a chance for Houston to get that third straight division title and playoff berth, although the former seems less likely than the latter.

2: Number of teams that have scored over their season average against the Texans this season. The two instances: Jacksonville scoring 29 (averaging 27.1/game) in their 36-29 loss in Week 10 and the Raiders this past Sunday. The Raiders came into the matchup with the lowest point production in the league (14.0/game) and shortly after firing their highly touted offensive coordinator (Chip Kelly). The Raiders raised their points per game to 14.5 after the trip to NRG. Not what many would expect.

GAME BALLS:

CB Derek Stingley, Jr.: Getting a first ever NFL pick-six on your 4th INT this year. That works.

PK Ka’imi Fairbairn: 3/3 on FGs, to include two 50+ yarders, 2/2 on XPs. More touchbacks this week vs. last, but for the first Texan to score 1000 points in a career, all of which happened in Houston, that is game-ball worthy.

WR Nico Collins: 4 receptions for 59 yards, including the game-clinching 24-yarder. He also drew two DPIs in the 4th Quarter, netting Houston 44 yards, proving that great receivers don’t always need the catches to drive the offense.

SHOULD BE FORCED TO SPORT A MARK DAVIS HAIRCUT FOR ALL OF THE FORMAL FAMILY HOLIDAY PORTRAITS THIS SEASON:

Texans’ LB unit: They did not have a particular stellar day. Jeanty’s long TD plays were aided by poor LB play. Perhaps the loss of Al-Shaair hurt this unit as well. At least the defense didn’t let the Raiders’ TEs hurt them too badly (6 receptions for 43 yards and 1 TD), although the Bowers’ TD saw him beat a LB in coverage.

With this win, Houston won its 7th straight game to move to 10-5. They travel back to So-Fi to play the ex-San Diego Chargers for a Saturday afternoon (3:30 CST) kickoff on the NFL Network. See you there.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ns-23-21-escape-against-the-las-vegas-raiders

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans NFL Power Rankings: Week 17

The Houston’s Texans victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last Sunday may have been the first time in over a month that the entire team looked completely ill-suited for the moment. Considering how this season started, it’s remarkable that they were able to establish this kind of momentum, but they now risk losing it right before the playoffs with a performance like this. Since their week 10 comeback against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans had become men possessed, outscoring their opponents in the fourth quarter 59-19. Yes, the Texans still submitted their fanbase to thrillers and heart-stopping finishes throughout that entire stretch of time, but there was no denying the Texans got stronger as the game went on. In the second half of the Raiders game, as I watched Houston’s offense flail in the wind drive after drive and gradually give up more and more yards to Raiders rookie RB Ashton Jeanty, I found myself worrying if that clutch gene had finally worn out…and against the Raiders? Yes, the 2-12 Raiders gave the Texans a very hard time, running all over that vaunted defense and forcing quarterback CJ Stroud into one of his worst games of the season, despite not getting sacked once.

Did the Houston Texans win over the Las Vegas Raiders raise more alarms about their offense? @robertmays pic.twitter.com/7SM94a0UsE

— The Athletic Football Show (@TA_FootballShow) December 23, 2025

Every team has a “trap game” at some point. Many thought last week’s match against the Arizona Cardinals would be the game Houston would “look ahead of” and play below expectations, but instead, Houston beat that team 40-20 and had one of their greatest offensive performances of the season. Then, one week later, they had the complete opposite kind of performance against an uglier team…how does that happen?

It’s still a win – Houston’s seventh in a row – but not one anyone can feel comfortable about. A two-point victory over one ofthe worst teams in football, where the offense was out scored and needed WR Nico Collins to bail them out at the very end of the game is not something you want to walk into the playoffs with. A win is a win, though, so it’ll be interesting to see where the power rankers put Houston in this week’s rankings.

Here’s where the Houston Texans are ranked entering week 17 of the 2025 NFL season:

NFL.COM​

10. Houston Texans (10-5) (Last Week: 10)

The Texans won their seventh straight game on Sunday, but the close-shave victory over the lowly Raiders induced several rounds of boos from the NRG Stadium crowd. Houston’s ballyhooed defense gave the team an early lift with Derek Stingley Jr.’s pick-six, but it also allowed Las Vegas to score 21 points and rip off a surprising number of big plays. Meanwhile, the Texans’ offense didn’t score a touchdown until midway through the fourth quarter, resurfacing concerns about the shape of that unit. The Jaguars’ win in Denver also kept the chances higher that the Texans will have to go on the road if and when they clinch a postseason bid.

– Eric Edholm

ESPN:​

13. Houston Texans (10-5)

Week 16 result: Beat the Raiders 23-21
Week 16 ranking: 13

Rookie of the year: Left tackle Aireontae Ersery

Ersery has flashed potential while replacing Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who was traded to the Commanders in March. Ersey has been the best and most available rookie for the Texans, helping protect quarterback C.J. Stroud as they make their final push for the playoffs. Ersery has given up nine sacks this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and his pass block win rate is tied for 51st out of 69 eligible tackles. But there have still been enough positives for Houston to feel it got its long-term answer on Stroud’s blind side.

– DJ Bien-Aime

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED:​

8. Houston Texans (10–5)

Last week’s ranking: No. 7
Last week’s result: beat Raiders, 23–21
This week: at Chargers

I think commemorating big life moments on a Nintendo D.S. camera should be way more normalized in today’s society:

When The Texans Social Team Filmed Their Entire Postgame Celebration On A Nintendo DS pic.twitter.com/HIPb4iQfNT

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) December 22, 2025

– Conor Orr

BLEACHER REPORT:​

8. Houston Texans (10-5)

Last Week: 6

Week 16 Result: Won vs. Las Vegas 23-21

Surprisingly, the Texans struggled against the Raiders, and the effort almost made it feel like a trap game. In some ways, it was.

Houston had everything to lose, with postseason hopes on the line. Conversely, the Raiders lost eight straight entering the contest. Las Vegas played loose and gave its best effort in over a month of play.

Surprisingly, the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense allowed the Raiders to generate over 300 yards of offense, which outgained the Texans. Running back Ashton Jeanty had himself a game, with 188 yards from scrimmage and two scores.

The Texans still found a way to escape with a victory, which is what good teams do. The effort should also serve as a wake-up call for Demeco Ryans’ squad.

– Brent Sobleski

CBS SPORTS:​

8. Texans (10-5) (Last Week: 8)

They didn’t look good in the victory over the Raiders, which is concerning as they head to play the Chargers this week. The offense has to be better.

– Pete Prisco

USA TODAY:​

7. Houston Texans (4): They escaped with a win … but better learn a lesson from what was a near-total letdown against the lowly Raiders.

– Nate Davis

YAHOO! SPORTS:​

9 (6): Houston Texans (10-5)

The Texans didn’t deserve to drop that much after barely beating the Raiders, but Jacksonville had to move ahead of them after the Jaguars continued their hot streak with a great win at Denver. Also, it was startling to see the Texans’ offense do almost nothing against the Raiders and the defense allow 21 points to a team that had just 75 yards the week before. The Texans are fine, but now that the path to the AFC South title is much harder, they get downgraded a bit.

– Frank Schwab

THE ATHLETIC:​

9. Houston Texans (10-5)

Last week: 7

Sunday: Beat Raiders 23-21

One concern: The O-line

Over the last four games, the Texans have allowed a pressure rate of 40.7 percent, which ranks 22nd in the league during that span. But they’ve found success despite that, rattling off seven straight wins heading into a big game this weekend.

Up next: at Chargers, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET

– Chad Graff and Josh Kendall

PRO FOOTBALL TALK:​

8. Texans (No. 8; 10-5): They’re good enough to sleepwalk to a win. (It helps that they were playing the Raiders.)

– Mike Florio

Average Ranking: 8.89 (Last Week: 7.67)

---

Even though I’m annoyed literally anytime the Texans fall in the rankings, I feel like their drip downwards was justified this week. That Raiders win felt a lot more like a Texans game from September than it did December, echoing all of those ugly drives Stroud & Co. had against the Rams, Buccaneers, and Jaguars in week 3. A win like that isn’t going to inspire any confidence as the greater Houston area gets geared up for the playoffs, especially when we might have a wildcard preview coming up as the Texans travel to L.A. to face the Chargers this Saturday. It would make for an ugly holiday weekend if the Texans get humbled by the same team they beat in the wildcard round exactly one year ago, so the entire team (especially the offense) will need to step their game up in a hurry to avoid losing all the momentum that has got them this far.

What do you think, though? Was this Raiders game just another bump in the road of an otherwise fantastic season, or was this close-win a harbinger for worse things to come? Let us know what you think down in the comments below!

Go Texans!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...354/houston-texans-nfl-power-rankings-week-17

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans NFL playoff picture: Week 17 scenarios to clinch a playoff spot

Another week, another UGLY win. This time, Houston inched their way past the Las Vegas Raiders in one of the more mediocre performances in the DeMeco Ryans era. The offense looked stumped and the defensive line finally showed cracks. Whether the Texans are playing like a “playoff team” or not, they’re at the precipice of extending their season.

With two games to go, Houston’s chances to make the playoffs have never been higher. They sit at a 99% chance to make the playoffs and have a clear path to the postseason.

AFC playoff standings​

Playoff Spot	AFC Team	Record	Week 17 Opponent	Playoff Probability %
FIRST ROUND BYE AFC West winner	DENVER BRONCOS	12-3	at Kansas City (Christmas Day)	Clinched playoffs
AFC East winner	NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS	12-3	at New York Jets	Clinched playoffs
AFC South winner	JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS	11-4	at Indianapolis	Clinched playoffs
AFC North winner	PITTSBURGH STEELERS	9-6	at Cleveland	94%
Wild Card Spot	LA CHARGERS	11-4	vs Houston	Clinched playoffs
Wild Card Spot	BUFFALO BILLS	11-4	vs Philadelphia	Clinched playoffs
Wild Card Spot	HOUSTON TEXANS	10-5	at Los Angeles Chargers	99%
In the Hunt	INDIANAPOLIS COLTS	8-7	vs Jacksonville	1%
In the Hunt	BALTIMORE RAVENS	7-8	at Green Bay	6%

There is only one wild card spot available at this junction. The Texans have possession of it and can clinch with several scenarios.

1. Texans win or tie OR
2. Colts loss or tie OR
3. Texans clinches at least a tie in strength of victory tiebreaker over IND

*Note: Texans needs the following to happen to clinch a tie in strength of victory with IND:

BAL win + BUF win + KC win + SF win + ATL loss + MIA loss

AFC South standings​

Make Playoffs	Win Division	FIrst Round Bye
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (11-4)	CLINCHED	80%	7%
HOUSTON TEXANS (10-5)	99%	20%	1%
INDANAPOLIS COLTS (8-7)	1%	0%	1%
TENNESEE TITANS (3-12)	Eliminated

If Houston wins one of the next two games, they’ll knock the Colts out of the playoffs. That’s incredible considering the Colts were 8-2 and had a 98% chance to make the playoffs.

The Texans clawed their way to a Wild Card spot, but a chance at the AFC South title remains elusive. That’s because the Jacksonville Jaguars are the NFL’s hottest team. They’ve scored over 25 points in eight straight games including three four over 34 points. Jacksonville needs to lose one of the next two games against either the Colts or the Titans. Neither are quite likely to pull off an upset.

Texans at Chargers Playoff Implications​

Texans can clinch a playoff spot with a win or tie over the Chargers. They’d jump from the 7th seed to the 6th seed, which could mean they would likely face the Jaguars in the first round. The Bolts clinched last week due to the Colts loss against the 49ers.

Week 17 NFL Matchups to Watch​

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1:05 EST)

Major implications for both sides of the coin. If the Jags win, they all but secure the division, but essentially get the Texans in the playoffs. However, a Colts win would give Houston the three seed in the playoffs… if they beat the Chargers. Either way, Houston gains something with a win. If Houston does lose to the Chargers, the Texans will want the Jags to win so Houston can clinch the playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills (Sunday, 1:25 EST)

Huge implications. If Houston beats the Chargers and the Eagles beat the Bills, then the Texans would jump all the way from the seventh seed to the fifth. That would be the most ideal matchup as the 4th seed Pittsburgh Steelers are far-and-away the optimal opponent in the first round. Of course, this game only means something if the Texans can actually beat the Chargers on Saturday.

Houston Texans’ Remaining Schedule:​

at Chargers (11-4)

vs Colts (8-7)

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...re-week-17-scenarios-to-clinch-a-playoff-spot

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Injury Report

The Houston Texans are riding a seven-game winning streak and will look to keep it alive on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.

These two teams met in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season, a game Houston controlled from start to finish in a 32–12 win. The Texans’ elite defense led the way, forcing Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert into four interceptions.

Much like last year, Houston’s offense has been inconsistent, and they’ll need a strong, disciplined game plan if they want to leave Los Angeles with another victory.

Here is a look at Thursday’s injury report:

Did Not Participate​

-LB Jamal Hill (Calf / Wrist) OUT

-OT Trent Brown (Ankle / Knee) OUT

Full Participation​

-LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Knee / Ankle)

-CB Kamari Lassiter (Knee / Foot)

-CB Derek Stingley Jr. (Oblique)

-RB Woody Marks (Ankle)

-DE Darrell Taylor (Ankle) OUT

-WR Justin Watson (Calf) OUT

-TE Dalton Schultz (Knee)

-DT Sheldon Rankins (Knee)

-DE Dylan Horton (Hip)

Limited Participation​

-LT Aireontae Ersery (Hand) QUESTIONABLE

-DE Denico Autry (Knee)

If the Texans can go into Los Angeles and beat the Chargers, they will officially clinch a playoff spot. Houston can also punch their ticket if the Colts lose to the Jaguars.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...-texans-vs-los-angeles-chargers-injury-report

 

[Houston Texans]

Weekend Musings: The playoffs start now for the Houston Texans

Sitting at 10-5, the Texans find themselves square in the playoff race. Sure, they are at the 7-seed, but they’ve notched victories over the Bills and Jags (two teams at higher seeding). They lost a close one to the Broncos, but that was as much about a hot Denver team and Houston dealing with a mid-game QB switch. This Saturday, they get the Chargers in a game that had playoff implications for both teams. Right now, Houston is in about as ideal a position as could be hoped for a squad that opened the season 0-3 and sat at 3-5 after 9 weeks.

To make a trip to the playoffs official, all Houston needs to do is win one of its last two regular season games. Granted, neither a trip to face the surging Chargers, who likely still have some bad memories of their last duel, or a season-ending clash in Houston, where the Colts may still have a pulse for a playoff bid, are “gimmies”. It is entirely possible for Houston to back into the playoffs by losing their last two games, if the Colts drop their game against Jacksonville. Even if the Colts win out and Houston loses out, the Colts will still need a myriad of results to go their way to a degree that you would find better odds navigating an asteroid field.

Not that Houston wants to merely back into the playoffs. They still harbor legit dreams of winning their 3rd straight AFC South crown, and with it, a 3-seed home game that, if things play out right, could see Houston hosting more than just their usual Saturday afternoon Wild Card Weekend matchup. However, the Texans would need to see the Jaguars drop games against the Colts at Indy and against bottom-feeding Tennessee. The percentages say that Houston will enter the playoffs as a wild card for the 1st time in franchise history, meaning that they will open on the road. You know their 0-6 record in road playoff games.

Still, for the Texans, who have effectively been in win-out mode since dropping their home matchup against Denver, the playoffs effectively start now. They will face playoff-type teams from now until the end of their season. The intensity is ramping up, especially with “easy” wins no longer present on the schedule. Then again, they were projected to have an easy win against the dead-last Raiders, and…well…yeah, on any given Sunday. Yes, they could lose one, or even both of their remaining regular season games, but backing into the playoffs does them no good at this point.

For Houston, that means they must play smart. While the offense has been fair to meh over the past few games, they have only 1 turnover since CJ Stroud returned to the lineup. Yes, we’ve seen some stretches of not great play (3rd Quarter at Kansas City, the 1st half against the Raiders), but we haven’t seen the backbreaking mistake. The defense is generally playing up to its reputation and stats as the best in the league, even if they’ve seen some offensive opponents to put numbers (Trey McBride, Ashton Jeanty) that allowed teams to hang around on the scoreboard. Some of the play calling might get conservative (more field goals vs. going for it on 4th down in scoring position), but that would also mean leaning into the strengths of the team (allowing its defense to dictate the flow of the game and giving Stroud the chance to win the game with his arm). [Aside: I know, I know. Relying on the “play calling” of Caley, but while far from perfect, the offensive performance has improved over the season, and you aren’t seeing quite as many poor offensive mistakes/bad calls as we did early in the year].

Of course, the team must juggle the scourge of injuries at this time of year. Attrition at the DT spot is already impacting the defense and if Ersery and Brown must miss any significant time, then an already suspect offensive line will be that much more vulnerable to the better defensive fronts that Houston can expect to see the rest of the season. The running back spot is also concerning, as Mixon is not available to provide the tough running he did last year, and the current options are either an injured rookie (Marks), a former power-back on the down-side of his career (Chubb) and a practice-squad call up (Jordan). While Ogunbowale is a solid 3rd Down/special teams back, if he becomes a primary ball-carrier, that’s not good news for Houston.

However, the Texans have advantages. They already have playoff experience, no small thing at this time of year. Stroud and Ryans have been in this position before, and in their respective road playoff games, the team showed improvement. The defense can travel just fine and while Stroud hasn’t been an MVP player this season, he is more than capable of getting hot and leading the team to victory. With the AFC, if not the NFL, devoid of a dominant squad, Houston is in just as solid position as any team to go on a run, should they get into the playoff dance. A hot QB plus a hot defense, and you have a chance for glory.

Still, one step at a time. Houston must finish the regular season, ideally 2-0, but realistically, no worse than 1-1. Hopefully, they can avoid the big injury, as that is likely to be a season-ending one. The likely road game will not be an easy test (likely a cold weather game for a warm-weather team that plays most of its home games inside). However, the Texans do have the makings of a team that can go on a run. Shouldn’t be boring, if nothing else

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...the-playoffs-start-now-for-the-houston-texans

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans win eighth game in a row

A season that started 0-3 and sat at 3-5 at one point is now ending with a guaranteed playoff appearance. The Houston Texans officially punched their ticket the NFL postseason with a 20-16 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Furthermore, they give themselves the tiebreaker over the Chargers for wild card positioning and leave a division title still within their grasp if they can get some help from the Indianapolis Colts.

The Texans offense got off to a blistering start as the Chargers defense was struck by a cyclone of touchdowns from Stroud and the two Iowa State rookie receivers. The 14-0 lead would turn into a 14-3 half time lead because of two C,J. Stroud interceptions. In fact, they would gain nearly as many yards on those first two drives as they would for the rest of the game.

Ultimately, this game was about the Texans defense. They allowed only 16 points and three of those came from a turnover deep in the Texans territory. Obviously, they were helped along the way by a missed field goal and missed extra point. All good teams need a little luck here and there to get them over the top and the Texans are no different. Ryans’ signature is now coming into focus as the Texans move to 6-5 on the season in one score games.

Maybe more importantly, they move to 5-3 on the road for the season with the last game being at home against the aforementioned Colts. They’ve won in all kinds of conditions as teams with strong defenses usually do. The only thing holding them back is a lackluster offense that has turned in only one or two brilliant offensive games where they have played well for four quarters. We will certainly tackle more of that this week in our coverage and commentary.

This is a proud moment for your Texans. They can tie their franchise record for wins and consecutive wins next week against the Colts. It also might help them elevate from the sixth seed in the conference to the third seed if they get a little help. Let’s hear from you. What did you think of the Texans eighth consecutive victory?

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-analysis/73410/texans-win-eighth-game-in-a-row

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans at Chargers live game discussion thread

American Hero Case Keenum. | Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The bad news for your Houston Texans at this point is that they’re mathematically eliminated from the top seed of the AFC playoffs. Class, let’s all thank the Denver Broncos for being useless against the Jaguars last Sunday and then winning on Christmas to make this a reality.

The good news is the Texans are still in the fight for the division title and are almost guaranteed a playoff spot as a wild card.

The Texans have today’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers and a game against Indy in Indy next week. The Jags face Indy this week and that team in Methopotamia next week. The Texans need to win out and the Jags need to lose at least one game to get the division title. To get a wild card spot the Texans need to win just one game.

What better time to do that than today against the Chargers? Speaking of which (segues!) that’s today’s game on NFL Network.

Here’s what you need to know to watch tonight’s game:

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Who: Houston Texans (10-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)

What: NFL Week 17

Where: SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

When: Saturday, December 27, 3:30 p.m. CST

Why: Because we’ll get to see if the Texans have, finally, put it all together.

TV: NFL Network (CBS locally)

Radio: Westwood One

Streaming: Fubo*, SlingTV*, YouTubeTV* (*subscription required)

Enjoy the game, y’all.

Go, Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/general/73403/texans-at-chargers-live-game-discussion-thread

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: Lean into it

Obviously, there is a theme over the last week and throughout the whole season. The theme is that the offense sucks and many people still think Nick Caley needs to be shown the door. I came out a little over a week ago and argued that Caley should stay even though I had been banging the drum the loudest to get him out of town earlier in the season. I’m certainly not going to throw any pity parties if he does get canned because he does more than enough to be relieved of his duties. However, I think it is important to make the case for him staying because that is the most likely result.

Simply put, Caley is running the offense that DeMeco Ryans wants him to run. Ryans wants to run a smash mouth offense and that is what Caley is doing. What we see is an offense that doesn’t match what the team is built to do. Some of that is by design and some of that is because of unforeseen events. Either way, at a certain point you need to either lean into what you are trying to do or you need to look at what you actually have and run the offense in a way that maximizes your talent.

The funny thing is that we were sold on Caley because we were told he would do that when he was hired. We were told that Bobby Slowik had not done that and that the biggest difference was that Caley would ask players to do what they were capable of doing. The only difference is that Caley is more conservative than Slowik was, so they get sacked less often, turn the ball over less, and are slightly more efficient passing the ball. Those are good things. The offense just looks clunky at times and it is always good to look at why.

It starts up front. Nick Caserio drafted only one lineman even though they jettisoned three starters from the 2024 offensive line. Granted, two of them were terrible. So, one could predict you would be better there by sheer accident and I suppose that has partially been true. Ed Ingram has been much better than Shaq Mason. Unfortunately, they probably whiffed at center and whiffed at left guard. It should be noted that they have been whiffing at left guard and center for several seasons now.

It continues with what I sometimes lovingly call the one footed Joe Mixon. No one knows what happened to him and it somehow took the entire organization by surprise. I find that very hard to believe. At any rate, they had designed an offense where Mixon would take a bulk of the carries, Nick Chubb would spell him and gain more tough yards, and then Woody Marks would develop into a change of pace back that could help out in the passing game.

Two of those three actually developed into what they were supposed to. Chubb was never going to be the 1400 yard back he was in Cleveland, but for a guy that was supposed to average between five and ten carries a game he hasn’t been terrible. Marks has turned out to be better than expected. However, neither is really a featured back in an offense that is supposed to be a run first offensive attack.

Like I said, I have to assume that they knew that Mixon was likely out long before we knew. If they didn’t know then that’s a serious problem. However, the bigger problem is not that Mixon was lost to them. I get the fact that if they found out in August or September then their options were severely limited in what they could do to compensate. However, one of those things you can do is alter the offense to become what your personnel says you are. Your personnel did not say you were a smash mouth football team. It said you were a pass first offense with a diverse group of receivers, tight ends, and running backs that could all contribute in the passing game.

So, it becomes important to realize what we are watching and why we have to watch it. We are watching an offense that is literally fighting with itself. It is fighting its own nature and its own identity. When you try to be something you aren’t you are going to struggle at times. When you try to be something you are not you will look clunky. However, it is important to understand that this is what DeMeco Ryans wants. He wants a team that will score between 20 t0 25 points and not turn the ball over. If they do that then his defense can carry you the rest of the way,

In that universe there is really only one thing you can do. It isn’t to fire the offensive coordinator. It is to give him the pieces he needs to run smash mouth football. That requires at least a new center and new left guard and an additional running back. You cannot count on Joe Mixon because there is no actual proof he even exists at this point or that he has both of his feet. You have a first rounder and two second rounders. If you don’t come out of that with at least one lineman and a running back or two linemen then Caserio and Ryans are not aligned. That is the bigger problem.

I know some people say you don’t need a first or second round running back and I certainly respect that, but this team desperately needs a bell cow back. Marks has been great, but he isn’t that guy. He ie best cast as a change of pace back that can catch passes out of the backfield. He is not a 20 carry per game guy and shouldn’t be cast in that role. It is time to lean into smash mouth football and actually give Nick Caley the pieces he needs to run that before we talk about letting him go.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-analysis/73381/value-of-things-lean-into-it

 

[Houston Texans]

The Day After the Day After: Revisiting the Houston Texans’ 20-16 playoff-clinching win over the LA Chargers

The Day After the Day After…when the raw, immediate emotions from the aftermath of a game diminish into the realm of clarity and the proverbial (or literal) hangover no longer haunts the mind. With that, a review of Week 17:

The totality of Special Teams decides games, if not seasons: In match-ups between teams with similar strengths (strong defenses) and weaknesses (offensive line issues), how a team executes on special teams can be the difference between victory and defeat. In this one-score game, the superior play of Houston’s special teams proved that difference. Just look at the punting game. For the Texans, Tommy Townsend averaged 50.4 yards/kick, placing four of his punts inside the Chargers’ 20. Additionally, Houston limited LA’s punt returns to only 2 for 13 yards, neutralizing a dangerous player like Ladd McConkey. As for the Chargers, JK Scott only 39.0 yards per punt on 7 attempts. More importantly, Scott had two of his worst punts in the 2nd half. A 22-yarder in the 3rd Quarter and a 34-yarder in the 4th Quarter set Houston up with great field position, both leading to FGs, which were the only 2nd half points Houston scored and enabled Houston to maintain its wire-to-wire lead. Not all was perfect for Houston’s special teams, but they far-outplayed LA.

A much needed-bounce-back games for the Texans’ LBs: Most of the attention for Houston’s defense goes to the DL (especially the NFL’s version of Scylla and Charybdis, Hunter and Anderson) and its secondary (where Stingley, Lassiter, Bullock and Pitre run some of the best air-defense this side of a totalitarian capitol). However, on a day when Houston needed its defense to step up to counter a run-first squad, the LBs stepped up big-time. After allowing Ashton Jeanty to gash them for over 120 yards the last game, Houston held the Chargers to 74 yards on 22 carries, even factoring Justin Herbert’s team-leading 33 yards on 6 scrambles. You do that to a Greg Roman offense, you are likely gonna win. In particular, Al-Shaair proved how much Houston missed him defensively. He tormented Chargers’ backs and made life difficult for the Chargers’ TEs. To’oTo’o and Speed also did their part to limit the offensive options for the Chargers.

Yet, the defense does have a weakness, the scrambling QB: It is probably not a coincidence that the Chargers’ offense started to show signs of life when Herbert made some big plays with his legs. This was highlighted when Herbert unleashed a 28-yard run on a 3rd and 14. This put the Chargers deep into Houston territory, which in turn allowed them to score their first TD. For most of the game up to that point, Houston had limited Herbert’s scrambling. However, a guy like Herbert can go off at any moment, and such was the case in this game. Unfortunately, mobile QBs can and do give this defense fits (see Mayfield, Allen, Nix). Even as the defense can keep them mostly in check, a good QB scramble can undermine much of the good work that unit usually performs during the game.

Big Road Game, Big Flag Numbers: Another staple of the Ryans’ regime: In big road games, the Texans putting up big flag numbers. 8 penalties for 70 yards, and many of them proved particularly impactful. The ill-timed Schultz Personal Foul that stymied another good 1st half offensive drive, the tripping penalty that wiped out an Autry sack, back-to-back defensive penalties that allowed the Chargers to score their 4th quarter TD…all of these proved especially frustrating in a game that Houston did much to control. Ironic that they got bailed out by a couple of Chargers’ penalties in the 4th quarter, but as Houston looks to progress in the playoffs, they can’t afford to make those kind of mistakes.

The Decisive Plays:

• 1:12, 2nd Quarter, LAC Ball at HOU 14, 1st and 10; Herbert pass deflects of TE Gadson and intercepted by Al-Shaair at the HOU 1.
• 0:14, 2nd Quarter, LAC Ball at HOU 14, 4th and 13; Dicker misses 32-yard FG attempt wide right

The Chargers will rue those two plays run from the HOU 14. Despite Houston jumping out to a quick 14-point lead, the Chargers seized momentum in the 2nd quarter. They turned one Stroud INT into points, and inside the 2-minute warning, converted a massive 60-yard bomb to Quentin Johnson to set up the Chargers with a prime opportunity. With the Chargers getting the ball back to start the 2nd half, they realistically envisioned themselves getting the led by the mid-point in the 3rd quarter. On the 1st decisive play, Herbert received the snap and found a wide-open Chargers TE Gadsden running across the field at the HOU 2. The pass was a touch behind him but catchable. Unfortunately, the ball deflected off his hands and right into the arms of Al-Shaair, who went down at the HOU 1. A major missed red zone opportunity for the Chargers.

Yet, they found themselves given a late Christmas present. On the subsequent drive, Stroud produced the second INT of the quarter, giving the Chargers a second chance to at least cut into the Texans’ lead. Even after given a gift of a tripping penalty, the Chargers could not get any closer than the HOU 14. So, on a 4th and long, LA could at least set themselves up to cut into the Houston lead, but with the knowledge they would start the 2nd half with the ball. Then, the Pro Bowl selected kicker missed a virtual gimmie kick, keeping the Houston lead to 11. Given that the Texans won by 4, those two plays loom incredibly large. Two Red Zone visits, ZERO points. In a playoff-type game, that type of ineptitude costs you games, if not seasons. The Chargers get points on one or both of those drives, this is a different conversation.

FUN WITH NUMBERS

2: Times Houston started 0-3 and still made the playoffs. Only 7 teams since 1990 have started a season 0-3 and made the postseason. Houston has done it twice. The 2018 and 2025 Texans are the only teams to do this since 2000.

8, 6: Active Houston streaks (winning overall, winning one score games). Houston started the season 0-3 and 0-5 in one score games. You know about the 8-game win streak, but after Saturday, Houston has won its last 6 one-score games.

GAME BALLS

LB Azeez Al-Shaair: Welcome back Mr. Al-Shaair. We’ve missed you. 6 total tackles (2 solo), 1 PD, 1 INT. He brought back the fury to the LB position that Houston sorely lacked last week.

PK Ka’imi Fairbairn: 2 for 2 on XPs and PKs. Appreciate the troll of the Pro Bowl Alternate vs. the selectee Dicker.

ISU Alum WRs: This game should be part of the Iowa State WR recruiting video, or at least WR coach Noah Pauley, whether he stays at Iowa State or goes to Penn State. Between Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson, they combined for 7 receptions/163 yards/2 TDs.

SHOULD BE FORCED TO LISTEN TO ALL OF JIM HARBAUGH’S PRESS CONFERENCES AND HIS INANE COMPARISONS ON REPEAT WHILE PRESSING HIS ENTIRE COLLECTION OF WALMART KHAKIS

TE Dalton Schultz: Good thing Houston won this game, otherwise his gaffes could have been far, far worse. His needless personal foul in the 2nd Quarter turned a potential scoring drive into another drive to nowhere. (Sure, the Chargers’ player was acting dumb, but Schultz needs to know better.) Then, on the Texans’s second offensive snap of the 2nd half, he almost had a game-changing turnover. Fortunately for him and Houston, that ball was fumbled out of bounds.

Chargers Special Teams Coach Ryan Ficken: This was a bad, bad day for the 1st year Chargers coach. We’ve discussed the punting woes, but then you factor in Dicker’s day from [KITTEN] (a missed FG and XP in a 4-point loss). It may not be enough to fire him, but the Chargers’ special teams haven’t been consistent all season, and this game might been the nadir.

With that win, Houston moves to 11-5, with one more game in the regular season. The division is still in play, but at a minimum, Houston must beat the Colts next week at NRG, along with a Jacksonville loss against the Titans. Kickoff slated for noon CST at NRG on CBS. Might want to have two screens ready, as Jacksonville goes to Nashville for a noon CST game on Fox.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...16-playoff-clinching-win-over-the-la-chargers

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans Seven-Round Mock Draft

It’s been over one month since the inaugural Houston Texans Mock Draft for the 2026 class, and things are starting to shape up around the league. The Texans are jockeying for position in the AFC playoff race. Meanwhile, The Washington Commanders, who the Texans have their 2nd and 4th round picks, have fallen to a 4-12 record.

In this mock, Houston goes a different direction than offensive line with its first pick. Why? We all need to come to terms with the fact that Nick Caserio doesn’t enjoy going OL with the first pick.

2025: Higgins (WR), then Ersery (OT)

2024: Lassiter (CB), then Fisher (OT)

2023: Stroud (QB), Anderson (DE), then Scruggs (OG)

2022: Stingley (CB), then Green (OG)

While I think the other safety position is more of a need than DT, this would be a huge add. Caserio has neglected DT youth and opted for vets.

This four-round mock draft comes after Houston’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The offensive line looked much improved, but still could use serious investment.

Biggest needs: OT, OG, S, DT, RB, TE

Round 1, Pick 22: Kayden McDonald. DT – Ohio State​

Analysis: In this mock, both offensive line prospects Vega Ioane from Penn State and Miami’s Francis Mauioga went just before Houston’s pick. Instead, they fill a growing need up front on defense as they have FIVE DTs on injured reserve.

McDonald has started one year and played another in a rotational role for Ohio State. While McDonald doesn’t provide much in the pass rush game, he’s arguably the best run stopper in the 2026 class. The 6’3”, 326 pound stud has brought a level of consistency to the Buckeye’s front line and is NFL-ready from a technique aspect. With the turnover and injuries abound in Houston, McDonald would provide be the biggest, long-term addition to the DT group in year.

Round 2, Pick 39: Austin Siereveld, OT/G – Ohio State​

Analysis: While Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon another option, Austin Siereveld is the right choice. His versatility and experience playing left guard, left tackle, and right guard lends itself well to the reviving door that is Houston’s offensive line. Siereveld has near identical pass blocking and run blocking grades on PFF and competes with a mean streak that Houston desperately needs on its front line. While Houston could start Siereveld at multiple positions, the most urgent role to fill is right guard… where he’s played the least.

Round 2, Pick 54: Dillon Thieneman, S – Oregon​

Analysis: The Big 10 run continues as Houston bolsters their defense. The Texans desperately need another safety after releasing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and losing Jaylen Reed, M.J. Stewart, and Jaylin Smith to injury. Thieneman isn’t only an aggressive, instinctive, and downhill safety, he is a perfect compliment to Calen Bullock. Thieneman had an absurd game against JMU in the first round of the playoffs with seven tackles, a pass defended, and a tackle for loss. Adding another elite safety to the group brings another young, talented tackler in the secondary.

Round 3, Pick 65: Jadarian Price, RB – Notre Dame​

Analysis: The steal of this draft class, Price is a revelation ready to happen to the NFL. While he’s the backup option to Julian Love at Notre Dame, Price has workhorse back written all over him. He will immediately compete for the RB1 role and help relieve the Texans of Joe Mixon and his injuries.

Price is shifty and decisive in the hole. His style is patient, then hits with a fervor NFL teams will covet. A strong fit for the Texans offense, Price can also catch passes out of the backfield and return kicks. Plus, he enters the NFL fresh as the backup behind Jeremiyah Love.

Round 4, Pick 106: Josh Cuevas, TE – Alabama​

Analysis: Cuevas has dealt with a string of foot and leg injuries his senior year at Alabama, but when he’s healthy, he was the focal point of an impressive Bama offense. Cuevas plays on the offensive line as much as he’s split out wide, which is exactly what the Texans need in a tight end.

While he has a ways to go as an in-line blocker, Cuevas would bring another X-factor to the tight end room and eventual replacement for Dalton Schultz once he ages out of his contract. Cade Stover and Brevin Jordan are too-often injured or ineffective in the offense and could use some competition. Watch for him in the second round of the College Football Playoff to get open over the middle of the field and demand attention from a strong Indiana secondary.

Round 4, Pick 118: Anto Saka, DE – Northwestern​

Analysis: More defense? Yes. A defensive end? Yes. From Northwestern??? Absolutely.

Saka is as raw as they get but has undeniable upside. A team like Houston could stash Saka, develop him in their system, and have him ready to take over for 31 year-old Danielle Hunter. Until then, he can rotate in on special teams and contribute on third down pass rush situations. If he can take that 6’4 frame and convert it to a run-stopping force, he’ll be an immediate contributor on the defense. My comparison is Josh Uche.

Coming to a backfield near you.

5 minutes of Anto Saka highlights pic.twitter.com/Z2dHiTnZHA

— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) July 1, 2025

Round 5, Pick 162: Kyle Louis, LB – Pittsburgh​

Analysis: Two-year starter at Pitt with seven sacks last season, Louis moved to a linebacker role his junior year where he racked up over 80 tackles. Louis has a strong coverage and pass rush background, making him a versatile prospect in DeMeco Ryans’ system. He made two interceptions this season and was a second-team All American his sophomore year. His junior season wasn’t as productive as that sophomore year, and if Houston can find what worked last season can turn Louis into another LB gem.

Round 7, Pick 236: Dametrious Crownover, OT – Texas A&M​

Analysis: Houston waits until the last pick to address the tackle position and look for a fairly well-known prospect in Crownover. Three years of starting at right tackle for the Aggies, he is a tenacious run-grating tackle who lead their offense for multiple seasons. It will be interesting to see if he can retool some of the compensations he’s put into place as a blocker, but his size and experience could be a salve for the Texans looking for any solution at the tackle position. Crownover decided to join the Senior Bowl and could use a strong showing to illustrate his pass protection, which could use serious cleaning up.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-draft/73006/houston-texans-seven-round-mock-draft

 

[Houston Texans]

Grading Pro Football Network’s Seven-Round Houston Texans Mock Draft

Draft season is upon us. With six picks in the first four rounds, Houston is going to fill some of its major holes this offseason. Namely, offensive and defensive line, safety, and running back. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings’ delivered one of the first 7-round mock drafts of the season. It helps set the stage for April’s draft and puts into context what Houston will be prioritizing.

Below is my analysis on the picks and grades for each selection, but you can find Cummings’ analysis and full picks here. My final analysis is at the end wrapping up the class as if it were Houston’s true class.

Round 1, Pick 20: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

• Grade: A+
• Analysis: Love is the preeminent weapon in this year’s class. There’s no chance he’s around at pick 20… or even later considering Houston is 99% chance to make the playoffs. Love may be the safest bet to be a breakout star and focal point of the Texans offense for a decade. Make no mistake, this is the best-case scenario for Houston.

Round 2, Pick 39: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

• Grade: C
• Analysis: A 6’5”, 315 pound guard is one of the best pass protectors in the nation, but lacks athleticism. Bisontis would be a reach at this point, which is unnecessary with Gennings Dunker, Austin Siereveld, or Blake Miller on the board. Bisontis has middling PFF grades, but should step in to take over Ed Ingram’s role at right guard immediately, even if he played on the left side.

Round 2, Pick 52: Isaiah World, OL, Oregon

• Grade: B+
• Analysis: World is an all-world, prototypical left tackle. At 6’8, 318 pounds, World has the attributes it takes to make it as a left tackle. Problem will be the transition to right tackle; World has only played RT 12 snaps in his career. World is a fairly good mover for his size and certainly is a developmental prospect with top-end potential.

Round 3, Pick 65: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

• Grade: A
• Analysis: Goldman has the prototypical frame for a modern day linebacker. His sideline to sideline range is what Houston needs in their linebackers. Outside of the two elite talents from Ohio State, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, Golday possesses the greatest athleticism in this class. He blitzes off the line, plays in the box, and helps guard in the slot. That versatility would be a world class fit in Houston’s defense.

Round 4, Pick 107, Sam Hecht, OC, Kansas State

• Grade: D
• Analysis: A tad overkill to draft a third lineman in five picks. Sam hits good run grades but average pass blocking grades. He’s a massive center at 6’4 with two years of starting experience at Kansas State. He did not face much elite talent in the Big 12 this year and will be interesting to see how he plays against stouter defenders who can get under his big frame at the Senior Bowl.

Round 4, Pick 120: Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss

• Grade: C+
• Analysis: four years of production split between Virginia Tech and Ole Miss, Wright is an athlete playing tight end. More in the Brevin Jordan mold than Cade Stover, Wright played more in a seven-on-seven offense than a Shanahan-style system that Houston plays. In blocking, Wright was used as a weak-side blocker rather than a lead blocker. He’d be competing in a crowded room with Jordan, Stover, and Dalton Schultz.

Round 5, Pick 160: Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

• Grade: B
• Analysis: While Barrett is a quality choice this late, defensive tackle is a much bigger need than a fifth round pick can provide. Barrett had a transcendent senior year after an injury-filled junior year. He is well built, primarily an A-gap defender, and has improved his pass rush abilities his senior year.

ROund 6, Pick 205: Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke

• Grade: C-
• Analysis: Vincent Anthony Jr. will be attending the East-West Shrine game and will be a major candidate to improve his draft stock as the winter continues. At 6’6”, he’s a third-down pass rusher only. An extremely low run defense grade, but quite productive as a wide-9 rusher. Houston needs more support on run defense to replace Derek Barnett and Dylan Horton eventually.

Round 7, Pick 235: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

• Grade: C+
• Analysis: Man, they really wanted to address the defensive line at the end of this class… Durant spent four years at Penn State, but had a tumultuous senior year. He had four sacks in two-straight years as their starting B-gap technique DT. However, Houston has not had a good track record of successful, low-end defensive tackles (Marcus Harris and Kyonte Hamilton)

Overall Analysis​

Once again, Houston will have an entirely new offensive line. Most likely, Bisontis and World will need to shift from the left side of the line to the right. That will take time and development, two things Houston isn’t great at utilizing. The addition of Love will bring a generational-talent to Houston for the first time since DeAndre Hopkins and take the pressure off Stroud to run the offense. Easily and unequivocally the steal of the 2026 NFL Draft.

On defense, Jake Golday is the key addition that will work his way into a starting role. He will need to fit in either as a situational rusher or full time linebacker. Where DeMeco Ryans puts him to start will in as intriguing as any development with this class.

The big issue is the lack of improvement the defensive line and secondary received. Three backup DTs don’t move the needle and will require Houston to find more free agent leaders. Zero additions to the secondary for the first time since 2021 will leave a sore spot open next to Calen Bullock. Hopefully the front office is relying on second-year Jaylen Reed to bounce back from his forearm injury.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...networks-seven-round-houston-texans-mock-drat

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: By the Numbers

This is usually something reserved for the day after, but Saturday football always throws a wrench into everything. The good news is that the Texans now have an extra day to recover for the season finale at home. As I write this, I still do not know whether it will be their last home game of the 2025-2026 season. Obviously, once they were 3-5 they did everything they possibly could to give themselves a chance to win the division. Of course, that is not what we come here to talk about. We are here to look at what happened this last Saturday.

Like most games this season, there were some really good things that happened, but there were also some questionable things that happened. In victory, we look at the great, good, and the bad. It is in honor of not overlooking in victory what we would harp on in defeat. Before we do that, we should take a look at the numbers from the game to see if we can find any nuggets that could help us look at future battles.

The Numbers​

• Total Yards: Texans 62/362, Chargers 59/275
• Rushing Yards: Texans 34/118, Chargers 22/74
• Passing Yards: Texans 28/244, Chargers 37/201
• Third Downs: Texans 3/11, Chargers 6/15
• Fourth Downs: Texans 0/0, Chargers 0/0
• Sacks: Texans 5, Chargers 0
• Turnovers: Texans 2, Chargers 1
• Penalties: Texans 8/70, Chargers 3/25
• Time of Possession: Texans 30:21, Chargers 29:39

Obviously, you’d have to watch this game to get a true sense of it. You would be forgiven if you believed the Texans did a good job of protecting Stroud based on only these numbers. That’s why you have to watch the games as they say. This was a unique game in the fact that the Texans did not win the turnover battle. Otherwise, these numbers look pretty normal for a Texans victory. Let’s take a look at the great, good, and bad.

The Great​

The five sacks don’t tell the whole story. There were at least two or three sacks that were taken off the board because of penalties. One came on a Denico Autry tripping penalty. Another came on a bogus illegal contact where the wide receiver initiated contact. Furthermore, the Chargers’ rushing output included a 30+ yard scamper by Justin Herbert. These types of runs seem to happen on a weekly basis whether the QB be mobile or not. I suppose it is just one of those things we should accept with the swarming defense.

This is a unit that held the Chargers to one field goal and one offensive touchdown through three quarters. The field goal was completely due to the fact that Stroud threw an interception deep in Chargers territory. The two Chargers touchdowns came with several penalties (including the tripping and illegal contact) flags that were questionable at best. There was a third sack on the second drive where the Chargers got first down and goal for reasons I still have not ascertained. I suppose it was illegal competence.

The Good​

The Texans got off to a good offensive start, but this was not a good game overall for the offense. Seemingly, the plan is to get to 20 points and hang on for dear life. Having a good running game helps out that plan and this is the second week in a row they have wobbled down the stretch, but kept the defense off the field by running out the clock. You need good backs to get that done and both Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan had some good runs on that final drive and throughout the game.

I still think this team needs another running back next season to run the kind of offense Ryans obviously wants to run. However, Marks has put in yeomen work and become the de facto featured back on a roster that really doesn’t have one. He had 19 carries and 71. That’s not quite four yards per carry. Jordan chipped in eight carries and 36 yards. Combine both of those and it is almost exactly four yards per carry. Nick Chubb added his customary one yard on one carry. No one is sending this film to NFL films for a tutorial on great offense, but it was good enough to win.

The Bad​

The stat line will say this was not a good game for Stroud. Two touchdowns and two interceptions is not good. 16 for 28 is also not good. He did get those two big play touchdowns and he got a couple of big throws to Nico Collins in key moments. However, this performance is wrapped up in how the Texans handle pressure. They still don’t handle it well. Some of that is undoubtedly on Stroud. He has more responsibilities at the line of scrimmage and can change plays or protections when he sees pressure. Some of that is on Nick Caley as team after team after team after team has beaten him with pressure. You’d think you’d come up with something different at some point. Some of that is on the linemen upfront that need to win a little more often. Some of that is on wide receivers that need to give Stroud a hot target when there is pressure. So, pick your poison.

I’ve stated my piece on Caley. I think he comes back and he should get an opportunity to grow into the role. The league has him figured out and he needs to make that counter adjustment. That might involve some new personnel or some wrinkles in the scheme. I’ve stated my piece on Stroud. I think he is not quite a top ten quarterback. He is one of those guys in the middle that can win ballgames with a good defense and a good supporting cast. The question will be whether they can reach a deal with Stroud that accurately pegs him in the marketplace.

What I know is that those answers will not come now or in January. They will come in the offseason when DeMeco Ryans evaluates his staff and he and Nick Caserio work together to add to the roster. The only question is how far they can go with a truly dominant defense and a shaky offense. We’ve seen that model work before and it could work again. The Texans have been playing playoff football since week ten. Let’s see if they can do it for another month.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-analysis/73413/value-of-things-by-the-numbers

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: A different look at the Texans defense

One of the things I have brought up in passing is that the Texans defense makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Unfortunately, I have not taken the time to lay that out statistically and that is completely on me. This is a space where we dedicate ourselves to the data side of things. So, we will go through a systematic game by game approach to look at the Texans defense and what this means for the next round of the Texans 2025 season.

The NFL is a quarterback driven league by design. As a business model, professional sports only get money if they get eyeballs. That includes clicks, views, subscriptions, ticket sales, and ratings. The powers that be have figured out that chicks dig offense. Fans like scoring and so the rules have been skewed to encourage that most of the media attention goes to the quarterbacks.

In many ways, the Texans are bucking the system. They have built their entire 2025 persona around scoring 20 points and holding on for dear life. The narrative would say that it is impossible to sustain that model because quarterback play improves in the playoffs. Assuming that the Bucs do not make the playoffs, we can divide the Texans season to date completely in half. Let’s see how they fared with playoff quarterbacks versus non playoff quarterbacks.

Playoff quarterbacks​

Com	ATT	PCT	YDS	TD/INT	RTG
Matthew Stafford	21	29	72.4	245	1/0	109.1
Trevor Lawrence	20	40	50.0	222	0/1	56.5
Sam Darnold	17	31	54.8	213	1/1	73.7
Mac Jones	19	32	59.4	193	2/1	84.5
Bo Nix	18	37	48.6	173	2/1	68.9
Trevor Lawrence	13	23	56.6	158	1/1	74.2
Josh Allen	24	34	70.6	253	0/2	67.4
Justin Herbert	21	32	65.6	236	1/1	84.9
Total	153	258	59.3	1693	8/8	77.4

Now, there was some editorializing here to some degree. Brock Purdy is the quarterback for the 49ers, but Mac Jones performed likely as well as Purdy would have. Furthermore, the Bucs and Ravens may be playoff teams. However, there is no universe where Cooper Rush is comparable to Lamar Jackson, so we leaned into the narrative and considered him a non-playoff quarterback. As you can see above, the Texans made some playoff quarterbacks very unhappy this season.

We point this out because the narrative will likely be that the Texans beat up on some bad teams and padding their stats against some bad quarterbacks. Before we give into some lazy narratives we should look at the stats to see if there is any validity to this claim. As it stands, we have it perfectly set up with another eight quarterbacks.

Non-Playoff Quarterbacks​

COM	ATT	PCT	YDS	TD/INT	RTG
Baker Mayfield	25	38	65.8	215	2/0	98.0
Cooper Rush	14	20	70.0	174	0/3	58.1
Cam Ward	10	26	38.5	108	0/1	35.4
Cam Ward	24	37	64.9	194	1/0	87.0
Daniel Jones	14	27	51.9	207	2/0	101.0
Patrick Mahomes	14	33	42.4	160	0/3	19.8
Jacoby Brisset	27	40	67.5	249	3/1	98.9
Geno Smith	16	23	69.6	201	2/1	107.3
Total	144	244	59.0	1508	10/9	75.7

I simply love statistics. It often cuts through the laziness and helps crystallize what is actually going on. There have been good performances against the Texans defense, but in the aggregate they perform just as well against non-playoff teams as they do playoff teams. There are minor differences, but the completion percentage is nearly the same, the quarterback rating is nearly the same, and the touchdown to interception ratio is nearly the same.

We can talk about rankings all day long, but the simplest way to look at this data is to look at it through the prism of a team evaluating its quarterback. If a team played 16 games and their quarterback put up the following numbers what would likely happen.

2025: 297 completions, 502 attempts, 59.2 PCT, 3200 yards, 18 TD, 17 INT, 76.6 Rating

I don’t know about any of you, but if that were my quarterback I’d probably be spending the offseason looking for a new quarterback. That is essentially what the Texans have done to quarterbacks. Of the three quarterbacks to have ratings 100 or higher, two of them are not in the playoffs. Two others had ratings over 90 and it is highly likely that neither of them will be in the playoffs either. So, this is not a case of the Texans beating up on weaker opponents.

The second way to look at this moving forward is to compare C.J. Stroud with a fictional quarterback putting up the numbers above. Obviously, he missed three games with the concussion, so his counting stats will not look as good as the ones above, but let’s see what happens with the percentage and rating statistics.

C.J. Stroud: 259 completions, 400 attempts, 64.8 PCT, 2872 yards, 18 TD, 8 INT, 92.6 rating

If the point of the postseason is to determine which quarterback is better than the Texans have seemingly put their thumb on the scales by making the opposing quarterback look awful. I don’t think Stroud’s performance is going to get him into Canton at this point, but these numbers are far better than what Texans opponents are putting up. Those numbers by themselves could explain how they have gotten to 11-5 even with their offensive struggles.

The blueprint is easy to see. They have executed the blueprint flawlessly throughout the last eight weeks. The question will be whether that blueprint holds up in January and February. Based on what we see here, there is no reason to believe it can’t work. It already has worked against the likes of Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, and Patrick Mahomes. Statistically it worked against Bo Nix as well. Will it work against Drake Maye or a Lamar Jackson led Ravens team? That remains to be seen.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...things-a-different-look-at-the-texans-defense

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans statistics: Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel vs. Chargers

Welcome to week 17 of the Cyclone tracker!

This is where we follow our resident weather-themed duo in rookie receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both out of Iowa State (hence, the “Cyclone” twins).

As always, there will be analysis, projections, commentary, and relevant updates that happen in real time.

Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel statistics vs. Chargers​

Jayden Higgins​

Position: WR

Projected Week 17 storm path: 3.0 targets, 2.5 receptions, 25.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 4.5 fantasy points

Actual Week 17 path: 4 targets, 2 receptions, 88 yards (44.0 avg.), 1 TD, 16.8 fantasy pts

Total stats through Week 17: 63 targets, 39 receptions, 502 yards (12.9 avg.), 5 TDs, 119.2 fantasy pts

Analysis: The reception heard around the NFL world happened in the 1st Quarter of the Texans vs. Chargers contest this past Saturday afternoon.

With only about 1:30 of game clock having passed, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud launched a rainbow ball 75 yards downfield to a streaking Higgins on 3rd and 1 for an opening drive touchdown and 7-0 lead.

8. Jayden Higgins 75-yard TD (Week 17)
+14 fantasy points

Higgins had been coming off three straight games under 5 fantasy points, so nobody in the fantasy championship was starting him, but this long TD was good news for his dynasty managers at least!pic.twitter.com/qbYcYW1zDd

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) January 1, 2026

It was the highlight of Higgins’ season thus far, as the opportunity finally presented itself for the former Iowa State Cyclone to demonstrate more thoroughly why he was Houston’s 1st selection in the 2025 Draft.

His 88 yards in a game were the most of his career thus far, and his touchdown reception gave him five on the season and the second-most on the team (behind wide receiver Nico Collins).

If offensive coordinator Nick Caley is now more willing to feature Higgins in a larger capacity in the passing attack, opposing defenses in the postseason should be on high alert. This makes the Texans’ offense a higher-level threat on a down-by-down basis, which bodes well for their Super Bowl chances.

Week 18 statistical projections: 4.0 targets, 2.5 receptions, 35.5 yards, 1.1 TD, 12.5 fantasy points

———————————————————-

Jaylin Noel​

Position: WR/PR & KR

Projected week 17 storm path: 2 targets, 1.0 receptions, 9.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 2.5 fantasy points

Actual week 17 path: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD, 3 ret, 45 return yards (15.0 yd avg.), 14.6 fantasy pts

Total stats through week 17: 34 targets, 25 receptions, 279 yards (11.2 yd avg.), 952 return yards, 1 TD, 51.0 fantasy pts

Analysis: Higgins wasn’t the only former Cyclone who had a big game on Saturday afternoon, as Noel joined the bomb brigade only one offensive possession later.

On 1st and 10 from Los Angeles’ 43-yard line, with 9:24 left in the 1st quarter, Stroud again launched a deep shot to a curling Noel for 43 yards and a 14-0 lead against the Chargers.

How fitting that Jaylin Noel catches a touchdown pass on Christmas weekend: pic.twitter.com/rXtK1vrsgo

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 27, 2025

It was the most impactful reception in Noel’s young career, as his other contributions have been in either losing efforts (Seattle Seahawks) or in games already secured (Baltimore Ravens).

This time, he followed the example of his teammate and took the top off a Charger’s defense that didn’t know what hit them the first time.

His 54 yards were the third-most in a game of his career, and the 43 yards on the touchdown reception was the longest for a score of his career.

Similar to Higgins, if this means that Noel has now positioned himself to be called upon come postseason time, opposing defenses beware. Noel has game-breaking abilities akin to fellow diminutive dynamo Tank Dell. With that secret weapon in tow, things may finally be looking up for Houston’s offense.

Week 18 Projections: 3 targets, 2.0 receptions, 12.5 yards, 0.1 TD, 9.7 fantasy points

All stats and projections provided courtesy of ESPN, RotoBaller, FantasyPros, Fantasy Data and PFF.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...istics-jayden-higgins-jaylin-noel-vs-chargers

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Stats: Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans

Out with the old, in with the new.

There was a time when the Indianapolis Colts ruled the AFC South. Peyton Manning was torching all the division rivals and the Texans were still trying to find their identity.

In that same era, quarterback Philip Rivers was gun slinging for the then San Diego Chargers, prior to retiring.

This week, the youthful, energetic, pack-of-wild-dogs that are the Houston Texans 2025 defense are taking on Philip Rivers and the no-longer-on-top Colts.

If you caught last weekend’s Colts game against Jacksonville Jaguars, you saw an un-retired Philip Rivers look as if he might need a walker to keep standing behind that Colts line under the pressure of the Glitter Kitties front 7.

As currently formidable as the Kitties’ D might seem, it’s not at the level of Matt Burke’s unit in H-Town.

As odd as the storyline has been for Rivers’ return to the NFL – and kudos to him for coming back in his 40s and not totally sucking against some lofty competitors – it’s very likely to end like General Custer at Little Big Horn.

Now, Rivers is clearly the “old” in the opening statement. Up next: the “New”.

Now, I’m not remotely close to the biggest fan of AI, and shame on anyone who uses it for the arts, but it has proven to be pretty accurate at times when it comes to parsing data and spitting out predictions.

Personally, this is my favorite so far:

We NEED to see Joe Burrow in Minnesota pic.twitter.com/uOZ2Lb9ZXY

— BetMGM (@BetMGM) December 30, 2025

Think of this for a moment. For Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to be the best player in the NFL in 5 years, and still a Texan, there’s likely one or more Super Bowl Championships to back the #1 claim. And for that to happen, the Texans are going to have to stomp the Baby Horses, Glitter Kitties and BESFs an awful lot. I see nothing wrong with this.

And, all that starts this weekend as the Texans go for 9 in a row. If they do go on to defeat the Colts, and the Glitter Kitties somehow manage to ineptly lose to the 3-13 BESFs, Houston will 3-peat as AFC South Champions and jump to the #3 playoff spot.

Indianapolis Colts week 18 stats​

• QB PHILIP RIVERS passed for 147 yards & TD in Week 17. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Hou. with 65+ comp. pct., 225+ pass yards, 2+ TD passes & 100+ rating. Completed 22 of 28 atts. (78.6 pct.) for 228 yards & 2 TD passes with 124.4 rating in his last game vs. Hou. (12/20/20).
• RB JONATHAN TAYLOR led team with 84 scrimmage yards (70 rush, 14 rec.) & had rush TD last week. Leads NFL in scrimmage TDs (20) & rush TDs (18), ranks 2nd in rush yards (1,559) & ranks 3rd in scrimmage yards (1,924) this season. Became 4th player ever with 18+ rush TDs in 2+ career seasons (2). Became 6th player all-time with 9,000+ scrimmage yards (9,028) & 75+ scrimmage TDs (76) in 1st 6 seasons. Has rush TD in 3 of his past 4. Had 121 scrimmage yards (85 rush, 36 rec.) in Week 13 meeting.
• WR JOSH DOWNS had 34 rec. yards in Week 17. Had 4 catches for 109 yards & TD in last meeting at Hou.
• WR MICHAEL PITTMAN has 5+ receptions in 10 of his past 11 on road.
• TE TYLER WARREN had 5 catches for 43 yards last week. Ranks 2nd among rookies in receptions (71) & ranks 3rd in rec. yards (791).
• TE MO ALIE-COX had 1st TD catch of season in Week 17.
• LB ZAIRE FRANKLIN had 5 tackles last week. Has 5+ tackles in each of his 7 games on road this season. Had 13 tackles in Week 13 meeting.
• LB GERMAINE PRATT had 7 tackles, 2 PD & INT in Week 17. Has PD in 7 of his past 8. Had 9 tackles, FF & PD in Week 13 meeting.
• DE LAIATU LATU had sack & PD last week. Aims for his 4th in row with sack.
• CB SAUCE GARDNER had 3 tackles & PD in Week 17. Has PD in 6 of his past 7 games.
• CB KENNY MOORE had 10 tackles & 2 TFL last week. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Hou. with 5+ tackles.
• S CAM BYNUM had 4 tackles in Week 17. Had 6 tackles, TFL & INT in Week 13 meeting.
• S NICK CROSS led team with 12 tackles & had TFL last week.

After failing to win a single game in his improbable return, the Baby Horses announced this week that “Old Man” Rivers will ride the bench this weekend in favor of “new” rookie QB Riley Leonard.

Leonard is not likely to strike fear in the Texans defense based on his formidable career stats:

• QB Riley Leonard has played in 4 games for the Colts. Completing 18 passes on 33 attempts for 145 yards, 8 first downs, 2 interceptions and 0 touchdowns. Riley has been sacked 1 time for a 9-yard loss and compiled an overall QB rating of 40.6

Meanwhile, this is the line Leonard has to work with going up against the worst defense in the NFL:

The Phillip Rivers of this era takes 6 sacks to the worst defensive line in the NFL? pic.twitter.com/JV5hNC5jqJ https://t.co/WuZ3URV5iV

— (@MIKEYSAINRISTIL) December 28, 2025

Granted, Riley is far more mobile than Rivers… which isn’t saying much.

Houston Texans week 18 stats​

• TEXANS became 5th team since 1990 to begin 0-3 & qualify for playoffs. Need win & Jaguars loss to secure 3rd consecutive division title. Lead NFL in total defense (272.4 yards allowed per game) & scoring defense (16.6 points allowed per game) in 2025.
• QB C.J. STROUD passed for 244 yards & 2 TDs in Week 17. Has 240+ pass yards & 2+ TD passes in 2 of his past 3. Is 4-1 in 5 career starts vs. Ind. with 1,443 pass yards (288.6 per game) & 7 TDs vs. INT with 103.8 rating.
• RB WOODY MARKS (rookie) rushed for 71 yards last week. Has 65+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his past 5. Rushed for 64 yards in Week 13 meeting.
• WR NICO COLLINS had 57 rec. yards in Week 17. Aims for his 10th in row with 55+ rec. yards. Has 5+ catches & 90+ rec. yards in 4 of his 5 games vs. division this season. Had 5 receptions, 105 scrimmage yards (98 rec., 7 rush) & rush TD in Week 13 meeting.
• WR JAYDEN HIGGINS (rookie) had 88 rec. yards & 5th TD catch of season last week. Had 5 catches for 65 yards in Week 13 meeting.
• WR JAYLIN NOEL (rookie) had 54 rec. yards & TD catch in Week 17.
• DE DANIELLE HUNTER had 4 tackles & sack last week. Aims for his 5th in row at home with sack. Had PD in Week 13 meeting.
• DE WILL ANDERSON had 3 tackles, 2 TFL & half sack in Week 17. Ranks 5th in NFL with 19 TFL this season. Had 4 tackles & TFL in Week 13 meeting.
• DE DEREK BARNETT had 2 sacks last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with sack.
• DT DENICO AUTRY had sack & FF in Week 17.
• LB AZEEZ AL-SHAAIR had 6 tackles & INT last week. Has 6+ tackles in 4 of his past 5. Had 8 tackles in Week 13 meeting.
• LB HENRY TO’OTO’O led team with 12 tackles & had TFL in Week 17.
• CB KAMARI LASSITER had 6 tackles & PD last week. Aims for his 5th in row with PD.
• CB DEREK STINGLEY had 3 tackles & PD in Week 17. Has PD in 3 of his past 4.

Now, it’s pretty obvious glaring something wild – like a meteor strike on NRG stadium – that the Texans defense is going to dominate the Baby Horse offense.

But what about future #1 player Stroud and the oft-inept Nick Caley, OC of the Texans?

Once our offense gives us 7 points, it should be a mentality that that’s enough for us to go win the football game.“ – Demeco Ryans

Combine that with one of the recent talking heads to call a Texans game dropping this “well duh” comment:

The Texans are not a good red zone offense.

And you get this season full of nail-biter games where the defense looks absolutely elite while the offense seems like Caley can’t decide if he gets paid by the Texans or the opponents.

But, so far in 2025, the Texans offense has had a few games where the stars align and they pop off for a pile of points.

Seems like this weekend is due time for that to happen again.

Maybe I’m wrong and we get an ugly, low scoring affair. Maybe. But there’s something in the air… out with the old…

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans prediction​

Indianapolis Colts 12

Houston Texans 37

Count on at least 1 if not 2 defensive touchdowns, and a few big plays for the offense, wrapped up in a lot of stop-start offensive momentum that finally sees the dam burst late in the game.

Welcome to Houston, Riley Leo0nard – you have a problem.

The Indianapolis Colts have been eliminated from playoff contention with the Texans win over the Chargers pic.twitter.com/3BDt28s3SP

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) December 28, 2025

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ns-stats-indianapolis-colts-vs-houston-texans

 

[Houston Texans]

Poll: Will the Texans finish the regular season strong?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Texans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 18, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...l-the-texans-finish-the-regular-season-strong