The Houston Texans took care of business in the Wild Card round, steamrolling the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game that was never really in doubt. Now, the stakes get higher. A trip to Foxborough awaits, where the Texans will face a battle-tested New England Patriots squad with a red-hot Drake Maye under center.
Let’s start with what went right - and what didn’t - in Houston’s postseason opener.
C.J. Stroud came out firing, setting the tone early with confident throws and command of the offense.
But as the game wore on, the Texans flirted with trouble. Stroud threw a pick, and the offense coughed up the ball multiple times.
Against a team like Pittsburgh, Houston had the margin to recover - and they did, thanks in large part to a defense that played lights out. But that kind of sloppiness won’t fly against New England.
This week’s opponent brings a different level of challenge. The Patriots, led by a quarterback in Drake Maye who’s made a legitimate MVP case this season, won’t be so forgiving if the Texans give away possessions. Houston’s defense will have its hands full, and the offense can’t afford to leave points on the table.
Injury Report Breakdown
Thursday’s injury report paints a mostly optimistic picture for Houston, though there are some key names to monitor:
Did Not Participate:
- DE Denico Autry (Knee)
- WR Justin Watson (Concussion)
- WR Nico Collins (Concussion)
- OT Trent Brown (Ankle)
Limited Participation:
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Knee)
- CB Kamari Lassiter (Knee/Ankle)
- RB Jawhar Jordan (Knee)
- OL Tytus Howard (Knee)
Full Participation:
- DT Sheldon Rankins (Elbow)
- RG Ed Ingram (Shoulder)
- LT Aireontae Ersery (Thumb)
- S Jaylen Reed (Knee)
The big headline here is Nico Collins, who remains in concussion protocol and is expected to miss Sunday’s game. That’s a significant blow - Collins has been a reliable target and a big-play threat all season. Without him, Houston will need others to step up.
Enter the Iowa State trio, who now shoulder a bigger share of the passing game. Alongside Christian Kirk, they’ll be tasked with keeping the offense moving against a Patriots defense that thrives on forcing mistakes and taking away primary options.
One player who could help tilt the balance? Rookie running back Woody Marks.
He broke the 100-yard mark last week and looked every bit like a playoff-caliber back. If Marks can replicate that kind of performance, it could help take pressure off Stroud and keep the Texans in rhythm - especially important against a team that knows how to control tempo and field position.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another playoff game - it’s a measuring stick. The Texans showed they can dominate a flawed team.
Now they have to prove they can execute clean football against a contender. Mistakes won’t just be costly - they’ll be fatal.
If Stroud protects the ball, if Marks keeps the chains moving, and if the defense can at least contain Maye, Houston has the pieces to pull off a road win. But the margin for error is razor-thin now. Playoff football doesn’t leave room for second chances.