The Houston Texans are the hottest team in football right now - and somehow, it still feels like they’ve got another gear left in them.
Winners of eight of their last ten, the Texans just went into Arrowhead and did what few teams manage to do: beat Patrick Mahomes in a game that mattered for both sides. That’s not just a quality win - it’s a statement.
Houston didn’t just survive the moment; they owned it. The offense came out swinging, stalled at times, but when it came down to crunch time, they delivered.
Dare Ogunbowale punched in the go-ahead score late, and that was the difference.
But let’s be clear - the engine driving this late-season surge isn’t just the offense. It’s the defense.
Week after week, Houston’s defense has shown up and shut teams down. They’ve been the most consistent, most dominant unit in the league, and it’s not even close.
This isn’t just a talented group - it’s a disciplined, relentless, and hungry bunch. That mindset starts at the top, with head coach DeMeco Ryans setting the tone.
His fingerprints are all over this team’s identity: fast, physical, and focused.
And that’s what makes them dangerous. This isn’t a team getting by on flash or luck. This is a team that knows who they are - and plays like it.
Now comes the next test: a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. On paper, this is one the Texans should win.
But this is also the NFL, and there’s no such thing as a guaranteed W. The challenge now isn’t just beating good teams - it’s handling success.
The Texans have battled their way into playoff contention. Now they need to show they can stay there.
The injury report offers a few wrinkles heading into this week’s game. Cornerback Kamari Lassiter (foot), running back Woody Marks (ankle), and running back Nick Chubb (ribs) didn’t participate in practice.
Marks was also limited with a knee issue, along with defensive end Denico Autry and linebacker E.J. Speed, both dealing with knee injuries.
On the positive side, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (ankle), linebacker Jamal Hill (hamstring), right tackle Trent Brown (hand), wide receiver Justin Watson (calf), tight end Harrison Bryant (neck/shoulder), and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (elbow/shoulder) were all full participants.
That’s a solid sign for a team looking to stay healthy and sharp down the stretch.
Bottom line: the Texans are rolling. They’re playing with confidence, they’re getting contributions from every level of the roster, and they’re doing it with a defense that’s playing lights-out football.
The playoffs are within reach - and if they keep this up, Houston won’t just be in the dance. They’ll be a team nobody wants to face.