How Far Can the Texans Go in the NFL Playoffs?
The Houston Texans are back-to-back AFC South champions, clinching the division title with a win over the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts’ loss to the Denver Broncos. After an explosive 2023 campaign, second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has delivered a solid, albeit less electrifying, performance in 2024. Despite occasional struggles, the Texans’ well-rounded roster has proven capable of competing with the best in the league. The question now is: How far can Houston go in the playoffs?
Stroud Steady but Searching for More
C.J. Stroud has taken a step back statistically compared to his standout rookie season. Against Miami, he showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 131 yards and two touchdowns, but also missed opportunities in key moments. While Stroud remains a capable leader, the Texans need him to regain his explosive form if they hope to make a deep playoff run. His chemistry with wideouts Tank Dell and Nico Collins has been reliable but not game-changing this season.
As it stands, they are slated for a playoff matchup from last year's divisional round game. The Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans. In two weeks, this matchup will occur, potentially a playoff preview. The Texans’ defense has held strong recently; if they can dominate the Ravens at the line of scrimmage and push the reigning MVP, Lamar Jackson, into uncomfortable situations; they could see an upset victory. They have the firepower on offense and defense to compete among the AFC's best teams and elite QB talent. The offensive line, healthier in recent weeks, has helped stabilize the passing game, but Houston’s offense still lacks the dynamic spark that carried them last year. Playoff defenses will force Stroud to elevate his game to recapture the magic from his rookie season.
Defense Leads the Charge
The Texans’ defense has become the team’s backbone in 2024. Demeco Ryans is proving time and time again how strong his defensive scheme is. With the addition of Pro Bowl pass rusher Danielle Hunter, Houston now boasts a dominant duo in Hunter and second-year standout Will Anderson Jr. Their ability to collapse the pocket has helped the Texans control games, while the secondary, led by Derek Stingley Jr., has been one of the league’s most consistent units. Against Miami, the defense delivered crucial stops, holding the Dolphins’ as of late high-powered offense to just 12 points. This balance between pass rush and coverage gives Houston a strong defensive identity heading into the playoffs.
A Tough Path Ahead
While the Texans’ defense gives them a fighting chance, their playoff road will be challenging. Facing battle-tested teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens could expose some of Houston’s offensive inconsistencies. However, with a top-tier defense and Stroud’s potential to rise to the occasion, the Texans are not a team to overlook. Back-to-back AFC South titles signify the Texans’ return to prominence. Yet, the true test begins now as Houston aims to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite.
