The Houston Texans are playoff-bound again and could secure their third straight AFC South title with the right results Sunday. Houston needs a win over the Indianapolis Colts and a loss by division-leading Jacksonville to Tennessee to claim the crown.
Houston’s Remarkable Turnaround
The Texans (11-5) clinched their third consecutive postseason berth with a Dec. 27 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, eliminating the Colts from playoff contention. Houston has won eight straight games and became just the fifth team since 1990 to reach the playoffs after starting a season 0-3, matching a feat the franchise last accomplished in 2018.
Coach DeMeco Ryans credited belief and consistency for the turnaround, saying the team never wavered despite the rough start.
Colts’ Season Unravels
Indianapolis (8-8) will finish the season out of the playoff picture after a late collapse that included six straight losses and seven defeats in its last eight games. The Colts became the sixth team since the AFL-NFL merger to start 8-2 and miss the playoffs.
Despite the skid, coach Shane Steichen said the locker room has remained united through injuries and adversity.
New Quarterback for Indianapolis
The Colts will start rookie Riley Leonard at quarterback in the finale, marking his first NFL start. His debut ends the brief comeback of 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to start three games in a last-ditch playoff push.
Ryans said Leonard’s athleticism presents challenges, particularly his ability to run if plays break down.
Jonathan Taylor Chases Rushing Crown
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains in the hunt for the NFL rushing title, though his production dipped during the team’s second-half slide. Taylor enters the final weekend with 1,559 yards, trailing Buffalo’s James Cook, who has 1,606 yards.
With a rookie quarterback under center, Indianapolis could lean heavily on Taylor in hopes of closing the gap.
Texans Defense Dominates
Houston’s defense has been the league’s best, leading the NFL in points and yards allowed per game. The unit is on pace to set a franchise record for fewest points allowed in a season, surpassing the 2011 mark.
The Texans rank among the league leaders in interceptions and sacks and are closing in on rare benchmarks in both pass and run defense.
Ryans Outpaces Steichen
Ryans and Steichen both became head coaches three seasons ago, but their trajectories have diverged. Ryans holds a 31-19 record with three straight playoff appearances and double-digit win seasons behind quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Steichen is 25-25, has yet to reach the playoffs, and has not topped nine wins in a season, leaving uncertainty around the Colts’ future as Houston continues its rise.
For more on the Houston Texan’s climb to the top, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.