Analyzing Texans Potential Wild Card Matchups

Houston is locked into the fourth seed, however their opponent is kind of unsure. The completely humiliating loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas vaulted the Baltimore Ravens into the highest spot within the AFC North and locked within the winner of that division because the three seed. With Just one recreation left to go within the 2024 season, the AFC Wild Card image remains to be a whole enigma.

There are three groups Houston can face: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Los Angeles Chargers. Every possess their very own strengths, weaknesses, and journey thus far within the season. Under I break down every crew and supply context into what they carry to the potential desk Houston must eat at within the Wild Card spherical.

Couple of notes: The Dolphins, Broncos, and Bengals can’t be the 5 seed in order that they aren’t talked about right here. Broncos are at the moment in on the seven seed, however they can’t advance previous the LA Chargers on account of their head-to-head losses throughout the season. All three groups are nonetheless preventing for a Wild Card spot, however the perfect any of them can do is seventh.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

Offensive PFF Grade: 18th
Defensive PFF Grade: third
Prime Gamers: QB Russell Wilson, DE T.J. Watt, DT Cam Heyward, WR George Pickens
Greatest Power: Teaching
Greatest Weak point: Rookie offensive lineman, injured secondary
Evaluation: Steelers are the odds-on favourite to be the fifth seed within the AFC. At 10-6 and with an enormous recreation towards Cincinnati, the Mike Tomlin-led crew shall be trying to end the season with a win. It can’t be acknowledged sufficient his affect, management, and talent to get probably the most out of his gamers. Specifically, Russell Wilson has seemed elusive and spry. His prime goal George Pickens is a grasp on the sideline whereas TE Pat Freiermuth is an elite purple zone menace. Then their two headed monster within the backfield has racked up 10 TDs and 1,500+ yards.

On protection, their entrance is incredible. TJ Watt is elite and is paired with Alex Highsmith. Plus 35 yr outdated Cam Heyward is placing collectively one other absurd season with six sacks from the inside. Their weak point is a litany of injured secondary gamers.

There are a number of situations that might commit the Texans to play the Steelers. Primarily, if Steelers win AND the Ravens win, and if the Steelers lose AND the LA Chargers lose Houston will get to play Pittsburgh.

Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

Offensive PFF Grade: 1st
Defensive PFF Grade: eighth
Prime Gamers: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derek Henry, S Kyle Hamilton, CB Marlon Humphrey
Greatest Power: Run recreation
Greatest Weak point: Random blips of poor offensive connectivity
Evaluation: Taking part in the Ravens, because the Texans not too long ago found can be an absolute nightmare. This crew is extraordinarily nicely rounded, d. Their offense is prolific, they’ve elite defensive backs, they usually restrict offensive turnovers. Baltimore is taking part in incredible soccer. Three of their 5 losses have been to playoff groups, in order that they not often lose to worse opponents. Their two losses to an elite Jameis Winston recreation and an early loss to a final minute collapse in Week Two to the Raiders.

Texans would play the Ravens in the event that they lose to the 4-13 Cleveland Browns (once more) AND Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)

Offensive PFF Grade: 14th
Defensive PFF Grade: sixth
Prime Gamers: OT Rashawn Slater, QB Justin Herbert, DE Khalil Mack, DE Joey Bosa
Greatest Power: Turnover differential (+11)
Greatest Weak point: Beating playoff groups (2-5)
Evaluation: The upstart LA Chargers led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh have been a revelation. They’re a nicely balanced and proficient ball membership taking part in gritty soccer each week. They don’t possess other-worldly expertise like Baltimore or have a long time of expertise like Pittsburgh, however they’ve crushed up on a weak schedule and have performed higher than the Texans have at this level. Chargers defensive position is among the many finest within the league, however their linebackers go away a lot to be desired. Of the three choices, Houston desperately desires to face the Chargers. That is the perfect case situation.

Texans would play the Chargers in the event that they beat the 4-13 Las Vegas Raiders AND Pittsburgh lose to the Cincinnati Bengals.