The playoffs are set to begin this weekend as the Houston Texans and 13 other teams battle for dominance and the title as the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Despite constant injuries, an underwhelming offense and an inconsistent game plan, the Texans secured a second AFC South title under DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud. Last week, Houston gained back its mojo with a 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans to close out the regular season on a high note.
While no one is putting them ahead of teams like the Lions, Bills or Chiefs in the playoff field, Houston’s not going to be an easy out for any of their opponents – beginning with the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday afternoon to kickstart wild-card weekend.
Experts everywhere released their latest power rankings following the end of the regular season, sorting out the playoff field from 1 to 14. The Texans were ranked between No. 12 and 14, with an average of 13.8 in the nine polls we rounded up.
Here’s where the media has Houston ranked entering the postseason:
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) pulls down a pass over Tennessee Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (13) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
Current Ranking: 12
Summary: “A group that appeared to be on a steep ascent toward a championship level – something that H-Town hasn’t enjoyed since the Oilers were an AFL powerhouse in the 1960s – has decidedly plateaued after what seemed a promising breakthrough in 2023. Offensive injuries and a too-often disjointed attack – one often undermined by a shaky line – have led to something of a regression by QB C.J. Stroud, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. The defense has been slightly more dependable overall yet has also surrendered at least 26 points in four of Houston’s last eight games.
The home game conferred by the AFC South crown could help, as might a wild-card matchup against a Chargers team that also doesn’t have much collective experience in these situations. But hard to envisage a best-case scenario for the Texans beyond a second consecutive trip to the divisional round.” – Nate Davis
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) makes a reception as Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) defends during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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