I think Nick Caley has done some really good things as Texans OC this season but one thing I haven’t understood is the WR Usage.
It’s Week 17 & while I understand the blocking from Hutchinson/Kirk which is why they play in situations on a 3rd & 9 with the game essentially on the line they just should not be on the field over Higgins and Noel.
Those guys are just not going to separate against man coverage down the field like Higgins and Noel could.
I think Nick Caley has done some really good things as Texans OC this season but one thing I haven’t understood is the WR Usage.
It’s Week 17 & while I understand the blocking from Hutchinson/Kirk which is why they play in situations on a 3rd & 9 with the game essentially on the line they just should not be on the field over Higgins and Noel.
Those guys are just not going to separate against man coverage down the field like Higgins and Noel could.
The Texans with a Bills loss this week & a win next week would play the winner of Ravens vs Steelers on the road in the WC round.
With a win next week & a Bills win they will play the #3 seed which could be a number of teams but most likely either Jacksonville or Denver.
Jaguars will likely win in Indy and keep their lead in the AFC South headed into Week 18.
- Texans vs Colts
- Jags vs Titans
Texans will move to the 5 seed with a Bills loss today or stay at the 6 seed with a Bills win.
PHILLIP RIVERS
New Texans starting safety K’Von Wallace was their 2nd highest graded defender yesterday vs LAC (@PFF)
Wallace had 4 run stops while allowing just 3 yards on 2 targets in coverage.
85.8 RDEF Grade for Wallace which led the entire defense.
Derek Stingley Jr. vs the Chargers (@PFF):
1 Target
0 Catches
0 Yards
39.6 Passer Rating when Targeted
Stingley has not allowed over 45 yards since Week 7 according to PFF.
Texans OT Blake Fisher was the highest graded lineman for Houston yesterday (@PFF).
Fisher allowed 0 pressures on 30 pass blocking snaps with a 79.5 PBLK Grade.
Big performance from Fisher for his first start of the 2025 season.
Texans rooting guide for Week 17 now that they have won and clinched a playoff berth:
- Colts
- Eagles
- Steelers (if you want to eliminate Baltimore which I feel most do lol)
If the Eagles win the Texans are the #5 seed in the AFC.
C.J. Stroud vs the Chargers:
16/28
244 Yards
2 TDs - 2 INTs
-5.1% CPOE
-0.03 EPA/Play
Stroud flipped his splits today fairing very well against zone coverage (15-20 for 229 yards + 2 TDs) but struggled against man going just 1-8.
