SB Nation Reacts Outcomes: Texans followers bullish on Wild Card spherical

Rested and able to roll? Scorching on the heels of the epic trouncing of the Tennessee Titans to finish the season, the Houston Texans face precise competitors at the moment. The 11-6 Los Angeles Chargers are coming to city for the first submit season recreation of the 2024 NFL marketing campaign. Can the Texans take ‘em? Well, a lot of H-Town fans sure think so. Based on this week’s ballot, 64% of Houston’s followers are anticipating a win at the moment.

Each second yr quarterback C.J. Stroud and all-star defender Danielle Hunter are poised to make historical past at the moment as effectively.

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C.J. STROUD

Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud handed for a complete of 449 yards and three touchdowns with a 109.3 passer ranking in his first two playoffs begins final yr, together with a Wild Card win by which he recorded the very best passer ranking (157.2) by a rookie in his postseason debut all-time.

With a win towards the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), Stroud can turn out to be the sixth quarterback all-time to win a playoff recreation in every of his first two seasons.

DANIELLE HUNTER

Houston defensive finish Danielle Hunter has a sack in every of his previous 4 postseason video games and might make his playoff debut with the Texans on Saturday towards the Los Angeles Chargers (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+).

With a sack on Wild Card Weekend, Hunter can turn out to be the seventh participant since 1982, when the person sack turned an official statistic, to file a sack in 5 consecutive postseason video games.

It’s no surprise most Texans followers appear pleased with the route Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans have taken this franchise.

Sadly, it’s not all rainbows and pet canines in H-City. And, ought to the Texans lose at the moment, anticipate the fanbase to name for a brand new offensive coordinator rapidly and overwhelmingly. Using into 2024, the expectations of a excessive powered offense have been sky excessive. Coordinator Bobby Slowik has failed to satisfy these expectations. His 2024 marketing campaign marred with atrocious offensive line play, questionable play calling and a seeming lack of buy-in from the gamers.

One may say Slowik is teaching for his job at the moment. And, which may not be fallacious. With greater than 2/3rds of the fanbase wanting a change in offensive teaching, it’s now or by no means for Bobby and his workers.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans NFL Wildcard

As we speak’s recreation marks the first time these franchises have met within the postseason. They’ve confronted off 9 occasions within the common season, with the Chargers taking 6 of these video games, whereas Houston has received 2 of the previous 3.

Each groups have potent quarterbacks and strong receiving targets. Each even have high quality operating video games, though Texans tailback Joe Mixon is in a category by himself right here.

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JOE MIXON was 1 of 4 AFC RBs with 1,000+ rush yards (1,016) & 10+ rush TDs (11) this season, Fifth-career season with 1,000+ rush yards. Is simply participant in NFL with 1,250+ scrimmage yards in every of previous 4 seasons. Has rush TD in 2 of three profession video games vs. LAC. Has 582 scrimmage yards (83.1 per recreation) in 7 profession playoff video games. Chosen to 2nd-career Professional Bowl in 2024.

On the opposite facet of the ball, Houston has the seventh stingiest passing D within the league, surrendering solely 3,753 air yards this season. Los Angeles, nevertheless, is correct behind them in eighth place with 3,762 passing yards.

If the air assaults are a wash, then that leaves it as much as the bottom recreation.

Houston’s run protection is the eleventh stoutest protect wall within the NFL proper now, having given up just one,938 floor yards. LA is 14th with 1,997 yards towards.

With the energy of those two defenses, it’s arduous to purchase in on the over 42.5. And, most Texans followers agree.

If this recreation was outdoors in dangerous climate, you possibly can anticipate a great quaint, slobber-knocker, received or misplaced within the trenches. Nevertheless, it’s taking place inside within the Texans 1.9 million sq ft barn, the place the bulls could very effectively be on parade. Homefield benefit provides the homer a 2.5 level acquire, however the Chargers are favored on this Wildcard bout by 3.

The HomerForce is robust with this one, although, as nearly all of Texans followers expect a win, even over the unfold.

As usually seen in post-season video games, this opening battle of the 2024 NFL Playoffs will doubtless come right down to which crew makes essentially the most errors.

The Texans are second within the league in interceptions, with 19 this season, whereas LA has pressured 15. Total, Houston is sitting at a +10 turnover differential, whereas the Chargers are +12.

Somebody has to blink. The first to take action at the moment is probably going the first eradicated from the 2024 postseason.

If you wish to wager on the over/underneath or the win/loss end result, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook.