Let’s face it: The AFC South is not exactly the first division that comes to mind when you think about potential Super Bowl Winners, and it hasn’t been for a while. However, there are usually some very generous NFL playoff odds here.
Tennessee Titans desperately miss Derrick Henry, while the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts are underwhelming.
This season looks like it’s the Houston Texans’ title to lose, who, entering mid-December, were 8-5, the only side in the AFC South with a winning record. Their only real competition is the Colts throughout much of the year.
Should the Texans claim the top spot, their regular season end will likely set them up nicely. Games at the Kansas City Chiefs, then home to the Baltimore Ravens, will be challenging and test the team before finishing the regular season against the Titans.
Narrow wins over the Jaguars and Colts have been somewhat overshadowed by defeats at home to the New York Jets and in Tennessee at the end of November.
Although consistency has not been there, flashes of quality and promise are alive in Houston. What will that look like when the playoffs come around?
Realistic Chances in the Playoffs
Anything can happen when we find our way into Playoff time in the NFL, but let’s not get too carried away.
They went out big against the Detroit Lions back in November, sacking Jared Goff five times, leading 23-7 going into the half. They set a franchise record for interceptions in a game with five, but then they went on to lose 26-23 without scoring a single point in the second half.
This is the Texans right now. When it clicks, it clicks, but it isn’t consistent or sustainable. There will be low expectations other than a committed performance, which takes a little of the pressure off the staff and players, giving them the chance to go out and grab what they can.
Key Performers
- J. Stroud
The 23-year-old from California has become a leader on the Texans’ side since being dragged in 2023 from Ohio State. Selected as the second overall pick, he won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 and continues to show why the Texans put their faith in him.
Without having to take the franchise on his back from the start, Stroud has been given the tools to help with his own development. His numbers are good but don’t jump off the page like others who have been before him, which shows that his help around him enables Stroud to keep going and push this team further on.
- Nico Collins
The Texans have always believed in Nico Collins, and his chemistry with Stroud allows them to show off why they thought he could become an NFL Superstar.
Despite missing time with injury this season, his first 49 receptions covered 832 yards and four touchdowns. With Stefon Diggs ruled out for 2024, Collins and players like Tank Dell and Dalton Shultz will be relied upon to give Stroud the options through the air.
While he didn’t find the end zone, a solid 119 yards from eight receptions against the Jaguars on December 1 reminded defensive coordinators around the league of what to watch out for as he gets himself into top form for the playoffs.
- Joe Mixon
A dynamic running back to support Stroud was vital, and Mixon is a huge part of this offense. He made his debut against the Indianapolis Colts on September 8, 2024, with 159 yards and a touchdown.
Mixon got into the end zone 11 times in his first 10 games for the Texans this season, which was already the second most productive season in his career, after his 2021 total of 13 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
In his first 10 games, he attempted 205 runs for 887 yards and 27 receptions, which showed the different ways he can be used on the field, offering options to C.J. Stroud in many different areas.
Weaknesses
Injuries are starting to mount up, which is not really helping an already less-than-elite franchise on both sides of the ball. This has led to much chopping, changing, and concerns over players’ fitness, such as Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o going into the postseason.
Depth in defense has been an issue all year, especially at the cornerback and interior defensive lines. If they can get their stars back up and running, these weaknesses will be less glaring, but they will still be targeted elsewhere.
The Texan’s most significant weakness on the field is its rushing defense. They were ranked second in the league in yards allowed per game by December 11, with just four games left of the regular season to start to put that right.
Also Read:Â Thousands of Texans celebrate International Yoga Day
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