The 8-5 Houston Texans currently sit atop the AFC South Division, with a two-game lead in the standings over the Indianapolis Colts. Barring a total meltdown, Head Coach Demeco Ryans and his squad should return to the postseason after reaching the NFL Divisional Playoff Round in 2023. However, for the Texans to truly secure their spot, they will have to play well down the stretch – and some impressive opponents are looming in the weeks ahead.
Texans Face Daunting Road to Playoff Berth
Dolphins on Deck for Texans in Week 15
It is generally accepted by fans and pundits that the Texans are one of the better teams in the AFC. But it has been a bit of a rocky road for the team in 2024. They’ve battled injuries, as well as an inconsistent offense, at different points through their first 13 games. Notably, they also lost superstar wide receiver Stefon Diggs for the season. The 30-year-old former Pro Bowler tore his ACL in Houston’s 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8.
However, Coach Ryans says he is excited about his team’s prospects the rest of the way.
“It’s great to be playing meaningful football in December,” Ryans stated. “Our guys have earned their right to be here.”
Houston will host the Miami Dolphins (6-7) at NRG Stadium in Week 15. The ‘Fins are coming off a 32-26 overtime victory over the Jets. Moreovers, they are still in the hunt to make the postseason, themselves.
“When the Dolphins play well, they have a really good quarterback play,” Ryans said this week. “[Dolphins QB] Tua [Tagovailoa] when he is on, getting the ball our fairly quickly and there is a lot of speed on the field. Whoever he gets the ball to whether it’s [Dolphins RB De’Von] Achane or its [Dolphins WR Tyreek] Hill, [Dolphins WR Jaylen] Waddle, [Dolphins TE] Jonnu [Smith], all those guys play extremely fast.”
“[Dolphins Head Coach] Mike [McDaniel] has done a great job of putting those guys in spots that allows a lot of motions, a lot of things that messes with defenders’ eyes. And they do a good job of just distributing the ball to different players, and those guys have exceptional run-after-catching ability. They have the ability to take a five-yard pass and turn it into an explosive. That is where we have to do a great job on the perimeter, of tackling and making sure we are where we are supposed to be defensively. We are going to have to make plays and attack the football.”
Texans Have Rough Road Rest of Way
On Dec. 21, the Texans travel to Kansas City to play the Chiefs. The defending Super Bowl Champions are now 12-1 following their 19-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers in Week 14.
Then, a purple and black Christmas gift awaits the Texans on Dec 25th. They go head-to-head with reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens (8-5). Notably, Houston has a five-game losing streak against the Ravens.
The Texans will then close out the regular season against division rival Tennessee. The Titans are currently 3-10, but they defeated the Texans 32-27 in their prior match-up this season.
Main Photo: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
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