Texans' playoff hopes intact after Thursday night's victory
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Houston brought the heat last night. Photo: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Don't count the Houston Texans out just yet.
Why it matters: After Thursday's victory over the Buffalo Bills, Houston is one step closer to a playoff berth after a rocky start to the season.
The big picture: The 6-5 Texans are continuing to build off the successes of head coach DeMeco Ryans, who started the team's turnaround after being hired in the 2023-24 season.
- Ryans is 28-21 as head coach, the only Texans coach to have a winning record other than Bill O'Brien who went 54-52 over nearly six seasons.
Catch up quick: The Texans started the season 0-3 before shutting out the Tennessee Titans.
- After winning two more times over the next four games, quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a sidelining concussion in the Week 9 loss to the Denver Broncos.
- That left Houston with a losing record and an already-ailing offense even weaker.
Yes, but: Over the next two weeks, backup QB Davis Mills led the team to two victories before Thursday's game.
The latest: The Texans beat the Bills 23-19 with Mills at the helm Thursday.
- Houston sacked Bills quarterback Josh Allen eight times, the most from the defense this season and the
What they're saying: "The defense was staying disciplined," defensive end Danielle Hunter said after the game. "We did a good job all around together."
The intrigue: Houston's offense has struggled this year, scoring an average of 22 points per game which puts them 21st in the league.
- Scoring has proven more difficult with running back Joe Mixon out for the season with a foot injury.
- However, Houston's defense is one of the best in the league allowing the fewest points per game (16.3) of any team.
What's we're watching: Whether Stroud will be available for Houston's AFC South showdown with the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.