Diving Into the Texans Final Four Games of the Season
The Houston Texans are nearing the end of a surprising but disappointing season. However, their playoff aspirations face significant challenges in the final stretch. The Texans are looking to make the playoffs after an impressive last season. With matchups against the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans, each game holds weight in determining whether they can capture the AFC South crown.
Miami Dolphins
The Texans will first host the high-powered Miami Dolphins in Week 15. Miami, led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, boasts one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses, especially with Tua being back. Their quick-strike ability will test Houston's improving but young defense. C.J. Stroud must outduel Tagovailoa while navigating Miami’s aggressive defensive scheme. A win here would boost Houston’s confidence, but a loss could set the tone for a difficult stretch.
Kansas City Chiefs
In Week 16, Houston travels to Arrowhead Stadium to face the defending Super Bowl Champions. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, combine offensive creativity with a defense that has surprised many this season due to all their injuries. The Texans’ offensive line must hold strong against Kansas City’s fierce pass rush to give Stroud a chance. A defeat here could weaken Houston’s hold on the division, especially with tougher games ahead.
Baltimore Ravens
Week 17 pits the Texans against the Baltimore Ravens, a team with the reigning MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson, and a defense getting healthier at the tail end. Baltimore's multifaceted attack will stress Houston’s defensive depth. Stroud must rise to the occasion against an aggressive Ravens unit. Losing this game could push the Texans out of a playoff spot entirely.
Tennessee Titans
The season concludes with a divisional showdown against the Titans, who remain a thorn in Houston’s side; they shockingly beat the Texans in Houston. Slowing Stroud and Joe Mixon will be pivotal, as Tennessee thrives in being a trap team. This game could decide the AFC South for the Colts, the potential division winner, and whether Houston reaches the postseason. They can't afford to lose to them again, considering what's on the line.
Can Houston Survive the Gauntlet?
The Texans’ resilience will be tested in these final four games. Losses to Kansas City and Baltimore could cost them the division title and, potentially, a Wild Card spot. For a team led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud, the next four weeks are an opportunity to prove they belong among the AFC's elite. Although Stroud has been in a major sophomore slump, the talent is there and has been displayed. A strong finish will carry this team into the postseason.
