RSS Texans Team Notes

[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:

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

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

 

[Houston Texans]

Weekend Musings: Should the Houston Texans prioritize health for the playoffs, or getting the win this Sunday?

This Sunday, the Houston Texans end their regular season with a tilt against the Indianapolis Colts. For a good bit of the season, this game seemed like it would hold the key to the Texans’ season. However, by virtue of Houston’s victory in LA last week, the Texans are in the playoffs and the Colts look to avoid a losing season after starting the year 8-2. While the Texans have a playoff spot locked up, they do not know who, or even where they will play. Depending on the actions on Sunday, they could play anywhere from Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Jacksonville, New England, Denver or maybe…Houston. So much is still up in the air for the Texans.

For one, the AFC South is still unsettled. Houston is looking to be the 1st team to win the AFC South three straight times since the Peyton Manning Colts of the 2000s. Historically, Houston wins back-to-back titles, but then craters and misses the playoffs. Houston has always entered the playoffs as a division champion, with the subsequent home game that tends to always be that Saturday afternoon to open the NFL playoffs. Their current 8-game win streak has the Texans back in the AFC South discussion.

However, Houston does not control its own destiny as far as the division goes. They sit one game back of Jacksonville, who has also locked up a playoff berth. If the Jags take care of business against the Titans in Nashville this Sunday, they lock up the AFC South and will be no worse than the 3 seed. Potentially, the Jags could end up as the 1 seed if the Broncos and Patriots both lose Sunday. Even if the Jags tie the Titans, the AFC South is theirs. Yet, if Jacksonville loses and Houston wins, Houston gets the division crown, the 3-seed and at least one home playoff game (probably again on Saturday afternoon).

Thus, you have an interesting predicament. The Texans have already indicated that they will play their starters this Sunday, even if the chances for winning the AFC South are only 20% (depending on which source you read). Yes, Jacksonville has derped a division crown before in Nashville (remember 2023). Of course, that Jacksonville team was in the midst of an all-time gag job, while this variation of the Glitter Kitties might be the strongest Jacksonville squad since their 1999 team. Still, by mere percentages, Houston doesn’t figure to end up any better than the 5th seed, unless the Titans play out of their minds and Jacksonville reverts to their classic form.

Not that any team wants to deliberately lose a game, but Houston might have some considerations for resting starters for the playoff run. In their last game against the Chargers, Lassiter, Al-Shaair and Stingley all had to miss time in the game due to injury concerns. Al-Shaair missed the Raiders game due to injury and Lassiter has fought various leg ailments in the latter part of the season. Any significant injury, especially to those players will likely mean they are out for the playoffs, which is not good news for team that will lean very, very heavily on its defense. Houston is already way down in the depth chart for its interior defensive linemen, and further attrition will not bode well for this squad.

Then again, Houston won’t want to pass up the chance for a home game. Under Ryans, the Texans are 2-0 in home playoff games, winning by an average of 24 points. For their two road games, Houston has lost both by an average of 16 points. If Houston could win the AFC South, they would be the 3 seed, which, depending on what happens in other playoffs games, could open the door for to host multiple home dates. Resting starters would reduce the chances for Houston to get that division crown, even if they are playing a weakened Colts team playing out the string.

Another factor to consider is that this season, the AFC lacks that truly dominant team. The traditional AFC powers are either out of the playoff race (Chiefs), or are in a weakened state (Ravens, Bills). The contenders for the top seed in the AFC (Denver, New England, Jacksonville) are having strong regular seasons, but there are questions about how their regular season performance will translate into the post-season. This season, the best thing that a team could do is just get into the dance with as strong a roster as possible, letting the chips fall where they may. If Houston can bring as healthy and strong a defense as possible, combined with a QB that can get hot, they are in as good a position to win the conference as any. If they come into the playoffs weakened due to key injuries in the final game, those chances fall significantly.

Thus, the coaching staff for the Texans finds themselves in a difficult balance. There are legitimate reasons to go all out to achieve team goals and improving the playoff positioning. However, there are some significant risks. The most recent injury report shows several key starters out of practice and their status will be closely watched coming into the Sunday regular season finale. The Colts, by starting Riley Leonard, seem to indicate they are waving the white flag, but no game in the NFL is that easy.

Likely Houston will be aggressive in that if key players are able to go, they will play, regardless of how banged up they are. Yet, if there are any concerns in the game, it would not shock anyone to see a quick hook. Ideally, Houston can jump out to a huge lead early and then work in substitutes as the game progresses, netting Houston a win, keeping players sharp, but also avoiding the catastrophic injury. Then again, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Should be a fun game, but more than a few fans will hold their collective breaths watching key players perform without suffering any major injury.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...h-for-the-playoffs-or-get-the-win-this-sunday

 

[Houston Texans]

Colts at Texans: How to watch, TV schedule, and more

There is one week left in the NFL regular season. No, YOU’RE getting emotional. And while the Texans punched their ticket to the playoffs last week, their slot in the playoffs is not yet certain. Depending on how the ping pong balls fall, the Texans could still win their division and, presumably a three seed with a Saturday afternoon playoff game, or fall all the way to seventh, and get a Saturday afternoon playoff game.

We won’t know until the end of Sunday Night Football tomorrow. But what we do know is who will be able to watch the Texans in the comfort of their own home. Let’s look at 506 Sports to see where.

View Link

CBS EARLY GAMES

Red: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (Announcers: Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt; Referee: Land Clark)
Blue: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (Announcers: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta; Referee: John Hussey)
Green: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (Announcers: Tom McCarthy, Logan Ryan; Referee: Alex Kemp)

And if you want to also watch the BESFs/Jaguars game, in order to see if the Texans will or will not be playing for the division, here’s what you need to know for that.

View Link

FOX EARLY GAMES

Red: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (Announcers: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston; Referee: Adrian Hill)
Blue: Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (Announcers: Adam Amin, Drew Brees; Referee: Scott Novak)
Green: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (Announcers: Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth; Referee: Ron Torbert)

Here’s what you need to know to watch the game tomorrow:

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Who: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans

Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

When: Sunday, January 4, 12:00 pm CST

Why: Because nobody knows what the future holds for any of us.

TV: CBS (Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt)

Radio: KILT Sports Radio 610 AM

Streaming: Hulu + Live TV*, NFL+*, Paramount+, YouTubeTV* (via Sunday Ticket) (*subscriptions required)

Go Texans!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...s-at-texans-how-to-watch-tv-schedule-and-more

 

[Houston Texans]

Five good Texans questions with Stampede Blue

It’s hard to say people in this business are friends. Some of us are, but most of us are casual colleagues that run into each other every now and then. I have been doing this five questions feature for four or five years now. Chris Shepard from Stampede Blue has been a constant throughout that time and is one of the nicest guys in the business. We traded questions again even though he undoubtedly is in the mood just to get this season over with.

There can be no doubt that the Colts finish to the season has been about as disastrous as one could imagine. The mortgaged the future for Sauce Gardner when they traded two first rounders for him at the trade deadline. He has been in and out of the lineup and the Colts haven’t won since the Texans defeated them the first time around. We saw a 44 year old quarterback come back from high school coaching and a comeback player of the year nominee go down with an Achilles tendon tear. As a fan of football in general, my heart goes out to any Colts fan. As unprecedented as these events were, the business of football moves on and we started on the business end of things in our conversation.

Battle Red Blog: The Colts got off to such a blistering start and faded down the stretch. Will there be in blowback for Shane Steichen or Chris Ballard?

Chris Shepard: It’s difficult to know what’s going to happen this off-season. Carlie Irsay-Gordon is making those decisions now and anyone who tells you they can get a read on her and what she intends to do, is lying.

In the past under Jim, at least one of them would be losing their job. In my opinion, as much as I respect Chris Ballard and the way he’s handled everything that’s come his way and the way he treats his people, his job is to assemble a team that wins games and he just hasn’t gotten the job done.

Steichen, with a healthy Daniel Jones (a quarterback he seemingly rehabilitated) had the best offense in the league for more than half the season. I personally don’t know what you gain by moving on from him when he has a chance to run that offense back with a hopefully healthy Jones.

I do see a possibility that Irsay-Gordon decides to move on from Ballard and Steichen and promote Lou Anarumo. Though I don’t think this one is likely, based on what CIG has said about Lou, it could happen.

BRB: What do you foresee the future being at quarterback? Have they completely given up on Richardson? Will they run it back with Jones or try to go in a different direction?

CS: When camp broke last year and Jones was named the starter, Chris Ballard had his annual pre-season press conference. Ballard is usually guarded but honest in his answers. When asked about Richardson he said they still believed he could be a great quarterback and that the competition was close.

So as of August, Indy believed in Richardson.

Then Daniel Jones played. Look, I get it. He’s “Danny Dimes” he is the guy that played for the Giants, but he was nothing short of very, very good for most of the first half of the season. You could argue he’s the best quarterback the Colts have had since Andrew Luck (I wouldn’t argue that, but it’s a fair conversation).

It all hinges on what Irsay-Gordon decides to do but if everyone is back, it’s because Jones is coming back and they’re hoping to recapture what they had in the first half of 2025.

BRB: Everyone focuses on the quarterback, but obviously there are other positions. Where would you like to see the Colts focus their attention in free agency and the draft?

CS: Here’s the thing about Ballard, he’s incredibly predictable. Each year (save for drafting a quarterback in the top 5) he has alternated his first three picks on offense or defense by year.

Last year he took an offensive player in the first and followed it with two defenders in rounds two and three – a defensive heavy draft. The year before he took a defender first and two offensive players in rounds two and three. It goes on like this back to 2017.

This is an offensive draft per the Ballard-order and they already used their first on a defender in Sauce Gardner.

Thing is, the defense badly needs more help. The secondary, when healthy, is very good. Their defensive tackles, when healthy are very good. Otherwise, there’s just not much. Laiatu Latu will make a play or two a game but he is hardly the impact player they hoped they would get when they drafted him.

They need help on defense and after re-signing their own guys, I don’t know that they’ll have the cap space to make it happen.

BRB: This game means more to the Texans in terms of playoff positioning but all players have pride and we are seeing another starting quarterback. What can we expect from him?

CS: Riley Leonard played much better than I expected him to after Jones went down. He moved the ball well and mostly played within the offense. He’s mobile too, so expect him to scramble a bit.

That said he’s still a sixth round rookie making his first start against an elite defense. So you know, hopes are low on our end.

BRB: Fanduel has the Texans favored by 10.5 points on Sunday. How do you see the game playing out? Are there any prop bets you feel comfortable recommending?

CS: I think 10.5 is a pretty good spread but this one could get completely out of hand. The defense didn’t lay down last week but the week before against the 49ers, with everything still to play for, they just didn’t show up. Given the fact that they can’t knock the Texans completely out of the playoffs, I don’t foresee a ton of motivation for the defense to step up.

I haven’t even looked at any prop bets but if the over/under for Riley Leonard rushing yards is around 20 yards, I’d feel good taking the over.

---

We want to thank Chris for taking the time to answer our questions and to do so professionally and promptly over the years. It has been a rough finish to the season for the Colts, but they have been a thorn in the Texans side since the Texans came into the NFL in 2002. They would love to do nothing less than end the Texans winning streak at the end of the season. We want to wish Chris and the Colts the best of luck following the season and look forward to more rivalry games in 2026.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...five-good-texans-questions-with-stampede-blue

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans 2026 opponents: Home and away matchups

The Houston Texans 2025-26 regular season is over. So you know what that means.

What? No, not playoff coverage, that’s exactly what they’d expect us to do. No, we won’t go into the Texans current nine-game winning streak going into said playoffs. Instead, we’ll take a quick look at the list of opponents for next season! Next season the Texans will face the AFC North and NFC East, the second-place AFC schedule, and the Green Bay Packers.

Houston Texans 2026 opponents​

Indianapolis Colts x 2
Tennessee Titans x 2
Jacksonville Jaguars x 2
Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Buffalo Bills
Los Angeles Chargers
Green Bay Packers

2026 Houston Texans home game schedule​

Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Buffalo Bills
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants

2026 Houston Texans away game schedule​

Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
Los Angeles Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Green Bay Packers

Start planning your road trips! I’m thinking Green Bay, maybe Los Angeles.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...7/opponents-2026-home-away-matchups-afc-south

 

[Houston Texans]

Value of Things: By the Numbers

All football games have context. The context for this game blew up when the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tennessee Titans 41-7 to clinch the AFC South division. A very sarcastic thank you to the folks from Possum Holler for showing up and playing a competitive football game there. It’s good to know they weren’t phoning it in (eye roll). At any rate, the Texans clearly were not trying their best because of those results, so it is hard to reach any conclusions from this game individually.

However, we always look at the numbers because the numbers themselves can tell us a great deal about winning and losing in general. Over the course of 17 games we will see patterns from the Texans specifically and from teams that win and lose. Afterwards, we will look at the great, good, and bad as we always do in Texans victories.

The Numbers​

• Total Yards: Texans 64/339, Colts 64/354
• Rushing Yards: Texans 32/134, Colts 28/76
• Passing Yards: Texans 32/205, Colts 36/282
• Third Downs: Texans 4/13, Colts 8/15
• Fourth Down: Texans 0/0, Colts 1/1
• Sacks: Texans 1, Colts 0
• Turnovers: Texans 0, Colts 3
• Penalties: Texans 7/77, Colts 7/81
• Time of Possession: Texans 28:15, Colts 31:45

For the third week in a row, the officials played a major role in the game. Perhaps, with an officials’ labor contract looming, they felt they needed to make their presence known. In this case, they tossed Alec Pierce from the game for bumping the back judge. Technically, he did make contact with the official, but he did not intend to bump him and the ejection is one of the weakest calls I have seen in years. The Texans had no answer for Pierce throughout the day, so his ejection did more to slow down the Colts offense than anything the Texans backups were doing.

Obviously, that is a little bit of commentary in a feature that should be about the numbers. The numbers have shown what they have shown all season. The key to winning football games is winning the turnover battle. Take away those turnovers and the Colts win the game and win it easily. The strip sack in the first half led directly to an easy touchdown and the interception in the second half led to a field goal. Throw in a meaningless touchdown at the end and the Texans defense was responsible for 16 of the team’s 38 points.

The Great​

Give DeMeco Ryans and his staff some credit. Trying to win a football game while resting key players is a tightrope that most teams are unable to manage. It is a difficult decision as well. Regardless of wins and losses, you want to feel like you have momentum going into the playoffs. I’m not sure if the Texans can feel great about the win, but they have had numerous games in this nine game winning streak that didn’t feel fantastic. So, in a lot ways this game was not much different than most of the games in the nine game winning streak.

If you want to chalk this game to anything it is a game won by culture. Ryans has set up a culture of winning he calls SWARM. The next man up philosophy has its limitations. You cannot rest as many guys as the Texans did without feeling some effects. The defense was not nearly as crisp and the offense was not quite as explosive. Still, winning football is about making plays when you need to make them and the Texans had enough guys make enough plays to win the football game.

The playoffs bring all kinds of cliches’ and the biggest one is that every team starts 0-0. Everyone in the playoffs is good and everyone in the playoffs got there because they had players make key plays when they needed them most. So, this game means little for us, but the continued confidence of playing winning football can only help as the real season begins.

The Good​

When you are a playoff team, you usually have good starters. The Texans may not have Pro Bowl players at every position, but just about every starter is solid. No team has quality backups at every position. The salary cap won’t allow it and even if there were no cap, it is very difficult to be two deep at every single position. These kinds of games reveal that in ways big and small. On the positive end, players like Xavier Hutchinson and British Brooks weren’t supposed to play huge roles this season and they didn’t in most games. They were huge in today’s game and exist as quality depth for the future.

On the negative end, Nick Caserio and Ryans likely discovered that they need depth in the secondary. Riley Leonard beat the Texans repeatedly. Some of those were good plays, but most of them were just blown coverages. Obviously, the game serves as vital experience for those players who will hopefully do better next time. It will also serve as valuable information when we get to February and the team is beginning the process of building their 2026 roster.

The Bad​

Given that this was a game for the backups, there is no single player or facet I want to harp on. So, this is more of a commentary surrounding those that follow the team. The Davis Mills mafia needs to retire. Since C.J. Stroud retook the reigns they have been squawking about Mills being the better quarterback. Every Stroud hiccup is followed up by another longwinded rant on social media and the internet. It is getting tiresome and the performance today from both should be enough to put that issue to bed.

Maybe Mills makes it someday as a starting quarterback somewhere. That place should not be Houston. Personally, I have seen enough of Mills to know exactly what he is. He is a guy that can play a few games a season and keep the season from going in the crapper. Those guys are valuable, but we shouldn’t mistake them with starting quarterbacks. They also are not incredibly rare. Mac Jones did the same thing in San Francisco. Cooper Rush did the same thing when he was in Dallas. Gardner Minshew has done that in multiple locations. The Colts own Riley Leonard looks like one of those quarterbacks too.

None of those quarterbacks is a legitimate starter for a playoff team. What’s more, most of them know that. I suspect Mills does too. He can continue to go to the stadium and can keep getting paid to do it. He can probably do it for the next ten years if he wants to. I salute him for finding himself and developing into a quality backup. Not everyone can do that. Let’s just not make the mistake of thinking he is more than that.

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houston-texans-analysis/73518/value-of-things-by-the-numbers

 

[Houston Texans]

Opening Odds: Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers for Wild Card Weekend

It’s playoff time! The most exciting time of the year, when we get rid of the pretenders of the NFL and get down to the teams that actually might get to the Super Bowl. As part of Wild Card Weekend, we get the Houston Texans, the #5 seed in the AFC, travelling to the Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, the AFC #4 seed and winners of the AFC North. Set for a Monday Night kickoff, here is the opening line for the game:

HOUSTON: -3.5

As you can see from the link above, the sports bettors like Houston (12-5) in this matchup. Mainly riding the strength of their defense, even as it had its struggles against the Colts, Houston is seen as one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs. Riding a league-high 9-game winning streak also helps the Texans in this opening line. Pittsburgh (10-7), even coming in as the home team and having overcome their bitter division rival at home this past Sunday, is not seen as strong a team. Houston is not a huge favorite, but given that most home teams get a default of -3.0, this indicates confidence that the road team will prevail.

OVER/UNDER (O/U): 39.5

The oddsmakers also see this as a lower scoring affair. The over/under is set at 39.5. Given that Houston brings the #2 scoring defense, and Pittsburgh is known for playing tough defense at home, this should not shock observers of either team. Also, neither team is a consistent offensive juggernaut, even with their offensive fireworks this past weekend. Especially if both offensive lines struggle to contain the formidable defensive fronts they will face, a low-scoring game does seem in order.

Overall, the oddsmakers expect a low-scoring/close affair that will feel so, so stressful, and so, so familiar to fans of both franchises. Of course, as we get closer to game-time, you might see some shifting of the line, based on weather, injury and other factors that might impact what the oddsmakers sense will happen. However, given the way both teams play, it does not seem likely that there will be that big a shift in either the spread or the over/under.

As always, this information is for entertainment purposes only. We are not an actual gambling operator, nor are we financial experts. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to make sure that you are following state and local laws related to any form of sports betting. NEVER gamble if you can’t afford to lose that money financially or emotionally. If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, please reach out to resources such the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700).

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...ans-pittsburgh-steelers-for-wild-card-weekend

 

[Houston Texans]

Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Wildcard Preview

After one of the most thrilling regular season finales ever, the Houston Texans have found their wildcard opponent in the 2025 NFL Playoffs: the Pittsburgh Steelers. For many Texans fans, this was the preferred matchup of all opponents in the playoffs since the Steelers seem to be the most compromised team, squeaking into the postseason via a missed field goal as time expired. But, for me, this matchup is uniquely difficult, given that I am a Texans fan living deep in the middle of Steelers country. I’ve grown up in Steelers country, my entire family supports the Steelers, and I grew up with them as my childhood team. Now, the team that I fell in love with in college and have been covering for years is going to be facing my childhood team in the playoffs? In a community full of ride-or-die fans, how is a displaced, somewhat polyamorous Texans fan supposed to manage?

Well, by writing a preview post, of course! I’ve consumed every Texans and Steelers game of the 2025 season, so why not use this opportunity to see how they stack up against each other?

Between the Ravens and the Steelers, despite my personal connections to them, I believe the Steelers are the preferred opponent for Houston to face, and for reasons we all witnessed in that Sunday Night Classic. The Steelers aren’t exceptionally good at running nor passing, and have had to rely heavily on field goals and turnovers to tilt the game in their favor. They relied on third and long completions, penalties, and a big game from DT Cameron Heyward to keep Baltimore’s offense down, and they still needed a field goal to veer wide right as time expired to win the game. In an odd sort of way, the Steelers are the 2025 Houston Texans, but without the great defense. So, how do the Texans really stack up to them? Well, let’s start with Houston’s offense:

OFFENSE:​

Next week, the Texans offense will have the pleasure of facing a menacing front seven that will remind them very much of their own defense, but without the multitudes of ball-hawks in the backfield to scare QB CJ Stroud. Pittsburgh’s #1 CB, Joey Porter Jr. is a decent and lanky defender that should have some success covering Texans WR Nico Collins, but after him…the depth falls off quickly. The only CBs left on the team after Porter are James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr., who have both had multiple games they’d rather forget about while on the Steelers. Pierre has improved down the stretch, but when Stroud drops back to pass, he should find an open Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, or Dalton Schultz on almost every attempt. At some point or another, either Porter, Pierre, or NB Brandin Echols is going to leave someone wide open downfield, and all Stroud will have to do is stay upright long enough to make the throw.

At safety, where Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger claim the starting spots, things will be a little more interesting. Dugger was a mid-season acquisition from the New England Patriots, filling in for the injured S DeShon Elliott and excelling on the Steelers with his reckless approach to the game. Although, Dugger isn’t quite the do-it-all secondary player: that honor belongs to Ramsey, who’s ranginess and instinct for the ball has made him Pittsburgh’s version of Jalen Pitre. Stroud avoided throwing toward Ramsey in their lone previous meeting in 2024, when he was a safety for the Miami Dolphins, and I’m curious how Stroud will handle him this year on a new team. Ramsey (and multiple other Steelers DBs) have made a nasty habit of paying too much attention to the line of scrimmage and letting opposing receivers find massive gaps in coverage behind them, which is exactly what almost cost Pittsburgh the game against Baltimore. No doubt, Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley and the offensive staff noticed those long completions to Ravens WR Zay Flowers, so I’ll be expecting Stroud to dial up a few long passes to Nico Collins or Jaylin Noel – maybe in play-action – where they’ll hope to catch Ramsey sleeping.

Nico Collins has been selected to his 2nd career #ProBowlGames!@HoustonTexans | #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/yWpJWZpi5S

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) December 30, 2025

At linebacker is where Houston will find the Steelers’ weakest spot on defense. Starting linebackers Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Malik Harrison have all struggled to carry the torch of Pittsburgh’s most cherished position. Wilson has been caught flat-footed against the run and pass so often that Malik Harrison has taken snaps from him, who hasn’t been much of an improvement. But, the leader of the group, Patrick Queen, takes the cake by having his worst season in Pittsburgh and as a pro. Missed tackles have haunted him all season long, although the Steelers fans I’m surrounded by cry out Queen’s name in despair not because of missed tackles, but because he seems to always be out of place or behind the action. He’s deeply unreliable in coverage and too slow to make up for mistakes, and that can kill an otherwise solid front seven. Now, Queen has been responsible for a few impressive tackles when he’s hit the right gap at the right time, but those moments are few and far between, which should have Woody Marks and Nick Chubb salivating.

But, if Nick Caley and the Houston offense have any hope of establishing a rhythm, they’ll first have to run through Pittsburgh’s beefy defensive front. Led by longtime stars Cameron Heyward and OLB TJ Watt, the Steelers d-line has smashed and bashed its way to another sack-filled season, finishing fifth in the NFL this regular season with 48 sacks (Texans: tied-sixth with 47) and ninth in tackles-for-loss with 89 (Texans: fifth with 91). Behind Heyward and Watt is a new generation of tenacious pass-rushers finally coming into their own: OLBs Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig (who lead the team with 9.5 and 7.5 sacks, respectively), DT Keeanu Benton, and rookie DT Derrick Harmon. They’ve been able to pressure the opposing quarterback nearly every game this season, so Texans RT Trent Brown and LT Aireontae Ersery will have their hands full keeping Stroud clean. Houston may try to avoid this rush by handing the ball off to their tailback, but, if their name isn’t James Cook, Chase Brown, or Derrick Henry, they likely won’t get far. Simply put, this won’t be easy for CJ Stroud, and it can ugly in a hurry if he allows the pass rush to throw off his timing or accuracy. Hopefully, Texans RG Ed Ingram and LG Tytus Howard will able to scrounge up some rushing lanes in the middle to give the Texans some ground game to operate off of, but it’s not coming to come easy.

DeMeco Ryans on Woody Marks' ability to close out the game with a first down run on an injured foot. pic.twitter.com/uJOOmWztxJ

— Seth Payne (@SethCPayne) December 1, 2025

Like the Texans, the Steelers defense thrives off of turnovers, so protecting the football will be paramount for Stroud & Co. Against a front like this, I believe Nick Caley will want to take the pressure off of the Texans offensive line and get the ball out of the pocket and on the perimeter, similar to the Chiefs game. The Steelers pass-rush may be fast, but their linebackers are bad tacklers and DBs prone to miscommunication, so Houston’s TEs and WRs should be able to find enough yards after the catch to keep drives going. For the ground game, the Texans may be able to find the production they’re looking for by bringing out the various screen pass plays Woody Marks made a career out of in college while at USC and Mississippi State. Let Marks or Chubb leak out of the backfield with a few tight end or offensive linemen and target Pittsburgh’s linebackers, and through that, the Texans may be able to dink-and-dunk their way to the end-zone. If Stroud is lucky, he may even find some of his receivers wide open downfield, just like Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. However, if Stroud takes some ill-advised sack or Heyward sticks his bear paw up to create a deflection, the entire game can flip upside down in a hurry.

DEFENSE:​

Houston’s offense may offer some intrigue in this matchup, but the defense will be what decides the game. Finishing the regular season second overall in points and first overall in yards, the Texans defense was historic in dominance. It took until the season finale for opposing offenses to pass for more touchdowns (20) than interceptions (19) against Houston, absolutely incomparable by most modern NFL standards. They’re one of five teams to hold opposing RBs to an average of under 100 yards per game, only one of four teams to hold opposing QBs to an average completion percentage under 60%, and ranked second in the league in turnover differential at +17 (1st: Chicago Bears with +22). They are just about as complete of a defense as you could ask for…so, how will the Steelers go about attacking them?

Well, against other highly ranked defenses that Pittsburgh has faced, they’ve relied on a very specific trio of playmakers to get them out of binds: RB Kenneth Gainwell, RB Jaylen Warren, and WR D.K. Metcalf. Warren is the quick and powerful, albeit short lead back, Gainwell is the Swiss army knife scatback, and Metcalf is the big #1 receiver that Rodgers considers his favorite target – at least, when he’s on the field. Metcalf missed the last two games of the season due to a suspension he incurred after engaging in a fight with a Detroit Lions fan during their week 16 matchup. Possibly the worst time of the entire year for Metcalf to lose his cool as it nearly cost the Steelers their season, but here they are, 10-7 and in the wildcard round, just as the football gods intended. Houston will need to have a plan for Metcalf’s return to action, but their first priority will be stopping Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.

Warren and Gainwell have been the motor to Pittsburgh’s most dominant victories, gashing opposing defenses that didn’t have the speed to deal with either of them blasting upfield. In fact, I think that both player’s short stature may help them on inside rushes occasionally, as they can be easily lost in the mass of humanity that piles up along the line of scrimmage immediately after the ball is snapped. On top of that, RG Mason McCormick, C Zach Frazier, and LG Isaac Seumalo have pushed enough people around to get both tailbacks over 1,000 scrimmage yards. Stopping this won’t be a cakewalk for the Texans, but with a smart and physical defense like theirs, it’s very possible. Both the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills showed a disciplined defense can keep the two tailbacks contained, and even though “disciplined” isn’t the first word I would use to describe the Texans defense this year, I think they are up for the task. It will fall on LB Azeez Al-Shaair, LB Henry To’oTo’o, and S Jalen Pitre’s shoulders to seal the edge or shoot through the right gaps, and if they fail, hopefully either CB Kamari Lassiter or S Calen Bullock can clean up after them.

.@minakimes when talking about the Texans defense on @ESPNNFL :

“Dan & I are All-Pro voters and I put I think 4 or 5 Texans defenders on my list. Kamari Lassiter, he might be the best tackling corner in the entire damn NFL. Aaron Rodgers, you’re going to have to push the ball… pic.twitter.com/cAU7suFCAC

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) January 6, 2026

And then, there was Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers. He still has an arm that can kill and the awareness to quickly catch a defense in bad coverage, so, even at age 42, he cannot be taken lightly. His efficiency, however, is highly reliant on the previously mentioned Metcalf, the Steelers best receiver. As seen in the last two games, Rodgers is a much more pedestrian quarterback without the big-body receiver to target. Unfortunately, Metcalf will return for the Texans wildcard game, but it’s just as well since it may give Derek Stingley the chance to bait Rodgers into an interception. As MacGregor Wells of Gang Green Nation stated in 5 Questions with Gang Green Nation: What’s the Aaron Rodgers experience like? by Ryland Bickly,

“He no longer is mobile. He is afraid to take a hit, resulting in a bunch of rushed throws. His arm strength, accuracy and ball placement are all diminished. He is simply no longer a top talent at the position” – Wells

This may be a quote taken all the way back in June of last year, but I think it continues to ring true even now. Rodgers cannot escape incoming rushers, and his rushed throws are usually off the mark. This is where the Texans, specifically DEs Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson, can win the game. Houston’s best two defensive linemen have the acumen to beat Steelers tackles and get to Aaron Rodgers, and if they can do that a few times next week, the Texans should come away with a win. The real wildcard of this matchup could be Steelers LT Dylan Cook, though. Cook has been starting in place on an injured LT Broderick Jones for Pittsburgh, and, despite being an undrafted free agent in 2022 that hadn’t received any significant playing time until his first career start in week 15, Cook has been one of the highest graded blockers since taking the starting job. Because why not? I guess the Steelers just attract starting-quality lineman like a magnet, or something.

The Steelers are most effective when they are able to run an offense that mixes plenty of runs and passes together during a drive. They want to keep the defense guessing and both mentally and physically tire the opponents out. Again, are they a copy of the Texans or what? Regardless of these remarkable similarities between the two teams, Houston has the defensive stars capable of keeping up with Pittsburgh’s best playmakers, and the pass-rushers that will give Rodgers nightmares. When he is pressured, Rodgers is prone to mistakes, and if the Texans can take a lead on the Steelers, they can force them into passing situations – exactly where they want them. Rodgers is no longer in MVP form, but in game-manager form, and if they’re able to get him to start forcing passes to D.K. Metcalf, the Texans secondary should be able to feast on a flustered Rodgers. Metcalf will certainly give Texans CBs Derek Stingley and Karmari Lassiter some trouble thanks to his speed, but as long as the d-line is able to close in on Rodgers quickly enough, it shouldn’t matter how many routes Metcalf wins. There isn’t much after him on the depth chart, anyways, with Pittsburgh’s #2 receiver, Calvin Austin III, only tallying 3 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown last week.

DK Metcalf basically says ‘no comment’ five times about the situation in Detroit. Was later asked if he had any ‘feelings of responsibility’ while the offense struggled at times the last two weeks.

Here’s the full sequence of those questions: pic.twitter.com/qyTw6UGa2U

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 5, 2026

SPECIAL TEAMS:​

This is one of the few games you’ll watch where the special teams for both squads has been a major component to their success. The Texans have literally had their season saved multiple times this year alone thanks to K Ka’imi Fairbairn and his golden leg. He’s made 44 field goals on 49 attempts, Fairbairn is tied for the most field goals made in a season EVER (David Akers, 2011), and fourth most field goal attempts EVER in an NFL season. He probably would have broken the record if he hadn’t been injured in the middle of the season! With that many field goal attempts, Fairbairn is now up on the leaderboard bumping shoulders with the likes of Curt Knight and Chester Macrol, kickers from the 1970s! And yet, he will probably face the toughest opponent yet in the gusty Acrisure Stadium. The unpredictable wind that bursts into that stadium makes it a highly difficulty location to kick in, and the Texans will need him to make it work, as the other best kicker in the NFL, Chris Boswell, is on the other side of the field.

Steelers K Boswell may have missed an extra point in the regular season finale, but he’s been nearly automatic the entire season besides that miss. Boswell has made 27 field goals on 32 attempts, and he’ll probably have made two or three more by the end of the wildcard round. Along with the kicker, the Steelers special teams also sports a pro-bowl gunner in Ben Skowronek. Texans PR Jaylin Noel will need to keep an eye out for him, and if he’s able to do so, Noel might just find himself making a huge return. One of Houston’s gunners, LB Jamal Hill, continues to hang on the injury report and may not play on Monday, which could end up being a serious loss on that side of the ball if the Texans’ luck takes a bad turn.

Texans K Ka’imi Fairbairn has TIED the NFL Record for most FGs made in a single season.

Fairbairn made 6 FGs today including a FG to take the lead with 17 seconds left. pic.twitter.com/vCuUDBcDcW

— Jacob (@TexansJacob) January 4, 2026

---

And that’s my big preview of the Texans vs. Steelers wildcard game. I’ve watched a whole lot of football from both of these teams this year, so I’m highly interested (and highly nervous) to see the result of this upcoming playoff match. Despite the difference in talent between both teams that leans in Houston’s favor, I think the Steelers are a kind of odd, spunky team that can take a lead on a similarly odd and spunky Texans offense and stubbornly hold onto it. CJ Stroud has played better than Aaron Rodgers this season and has better receivers, but one fumble or interception falling into the hands of T.J. Watt can change everything, just ask the Ravens! Pittsburgh’s team, made up of hired guns and spare parts from other teams, has molded into Frankenstein’s football team, and could give nearly any opponent the heebie-jeebies. But, I have belief that the Texans defense will be able to keep Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and D.K. Metcalf from breaking off a big gain, and I believe that Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter have the power to make it an ugly day in the office for Aaron Rodgers. As long as Stroud plays a clean game, he should be preparing for his third playoff win in three years!

Oh, but, there is…something else I should mention of this Steelers team. Something undefinable, and infuriating to opponents. It flashed by in their first matchup against the Ravens a few weeks ago when Lamar Jackson failed to convert the would-be game-winning touchdown on 4th down. It showed its face again when the Steelers held Jared Goff and the Lions at bay on their final drive, which required two separate game-winning touchdown receptions to be negated by OPI penalties. Even tonight, we all witnessed a miraculous interception that practically fell into Steelers’ OLB TJ Watt’s hands in the third quarter, and the dramatic missed field goal that faded wide right at time expired. Call it luck, divine intervention, or some other third thing, but whatever it is, the Steelers have it. Just take a look at that field goal miss from Ravens K Tyler Loop, again. Clearly, the gods wanted the Steelers to win (apparently a priest even doused that end of the field with holy water before the game) and Houston will have to find a way around that without being struck by lightning.

My prediction is…. Houston Texans: 24, Pittsburgh Steelers: 21

GO TEXANS!!!!

Source: https://www.battleredblog.com/houst...exans-vs-pittsburgh-steelers-wildcard-preview