The Houston Texans punched their ticket to the Divisional Round in emphatic fashion, steamrolling the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6 in a game that not only ended Pittsburgh’s season but also marked the end of an era with Mike Tomlin stepping down as head coach. For Houston, it was a historic night - their first-ever road playoff win - but the celebration came with a major caveat.
Nico Collins, C.J. Stroud’s go-to guy and one of the most dynamic wideouts in the league this season, exited the game after a hard fall resulted in a head injury.
It was the kind of play that makes you hold your breath - Collins went down hard, and didn’t return. And now, heading into their Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots, the Texans will have to do it without him.
The team’s final injury report confirmed what fans had feared: Collins is officially out. And that’s a massive blow to a Texans offense that has leaned heavily on his playmaking ability all year. Stroud, the rookie phenom who’s turned heads with his poise and precision, will have to navigate a playoff road game without his most trusted target.
Let’s be clear - Collins hasn’t just been a weapon, he’s been the weapon. His chemistry with Stroud has been one of the driving forces behind Houston’s offensive resurgence.
Whether it’s stretching the field vertically or converting key third downs, Collins has consistently delivered. Without him, the Texans’ receiving corps becomes more predictable, and New England’s defense - already one of the stingiest units in the league - can zero in on limiting Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, and the rest of the supporting cast.
Fans, of course, took to social media with a mix of frustration, sarcasm, and concern. Some pointed out the strategic impact: without Collins, defenses can play tighter coverage across the board.
Others took the opportunity to stir the pot, suggesting that Stroud might actually play better without his top target - a take that feels more like trolling than analysis. And then there were those already bracing for the narrative shift, anticipating excuses if Houston comes up short against a Patriots team that, despite questions about their strength of schedule, is still standing in January.
But here’s the real question: can Stroud rise to the moment?
This is the kind of challenge that defines a young quarterback’s arc. No Collins.
On the road. Against a Bill Belichick-coached defense in the playoffs.
It’s a tall order. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Stroud this season, it’s that he doesn’t flinch.
He’s shown the ability to spread the ball around, to stay calm under pressure, and to make smart decisions even when the pocket collapses.
The Texans will need every ounce of that maturity and leadership now. Because while the loss of Collins changes the game plan, it doesn’t change the stakes.
Houston is still one win away from the AFC Championship Game. And if Stroud can deliver under these circumstances, it’ll be another huge step in what’s already been a breakout campaign.
So buckle up. The Texans are down a star, but the fight is far from over.