The Houston Texans delivered a statement performance in their 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Wild Card round. With a defense firing on all cylinders and quarterback C.J. Stroud showing poise under pressure, the team now looks ahead to the divisional round. The Texans’ next opponent hinges on the results of Sunday’s AFC matchups. Here’s what you need to know.
Defensive Dominance Secures Wild Card Victory
The Texans’ defense was the star of the show, shutting down Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert with four interceptions—more than he had thrown in the entire regular season. Rookie sensation Will Anderson led the charge with 1.5 sacks, while Eric Murray’s pick-six late in the third quarter gave Houston a commanding two-touchdown lead.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised his team’s effort, stating, “This defense thrives on discipline and determination. They showed today what they’re capable of when the stakes are high.”
Offensive Breakthrough Led by C.J. Stroud
While the Texans’ offense started slow, C.J. Stroud proved his mettle in a critical moment. Facing a third-and-16 late in the second quarter, Stroud recovered a botched snap, scrambled under pressure, and delivered a 34-yard pass to Xavier Hutchinson. This play sparked a pivotal 99-yard touchdown drive that gave the Texans their first lead of the game.
Stroud, now with playoff wins in his first two postseason games, continues to grow into his role as a franchise quarterback. His ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations could be the key to Houston’s success in the divisional round.
Who Will the Texans Face in the Divisional Round?
The Texans, seeded fourth in the AFC, will play on the road unless a very specific scenario unfolds. Their potential divisional round opponents include:
Kansas City Chiefs
If the Baltimore Ravens beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and the < Buffalo Bills defeat the Denver Broncos, the Texans will face the top-seeded Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Known for their explosive offense led by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs will pose a significant challenge for Houston.
Baltimore Ravens
The Texans will travel to Baltimore if the Ravens win against the Steelers and the Broncos upset the Bills. This matchup would feature two strong defenses and could be a rematch of last year’s divisional round clash.
Buffalo Bills
If the Steelers upset the Ravens but the Bills defeat the Broncos, Houston will head to Buffalo. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, boast a balanced offense and a formidable defense that could test the Texans on both sides of the ball.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Texans will host the Steelers at NRG Stadium if both the Steelers and Broncos win their respective games. This would mark the only scenario in which Houston secures home-field advantage in the divisional round, a rare opportunity for the fourth seed.
Sunday’s Matchups Will Shape the AFC Landscape
As the Ravens-Steelers and Bills-Broncos games unfold, the Texans are preparing for all possible outcomes. Sunday’s results will not only determine Houston’s opponent but also reshape the AFC playoff picture. The Texans’ ability to stay adaptable and focused will be crucial as they await their next challenge.
Texans’ Momentum Makes Them a Threat
Under the leadership of DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have emerged as one of the most disciplined and resilient teams in the league. With a defense performing at its peak and C.J. Stroud proving to be a leader under pressure, Houston has the tools to take on any opponent.
As the Texans prepare for the divisional round, they’ve already exceeded expectations this season. Their 10-7 regular-season record and decisive Wild Card performance have set the stage for what could be a deep playoff run. Whether they face the Chiefs, Ravens, Bills, or Steelers, the Texans have demonstrated they’re ready to rise to the occasion.
Stay tuned as Sunday’s AFC games unfold to see which team will stand between the Texans and a potential spot in the AFC Championship Game. With their defense thriving and C.J. Stroud leading the offense, Houston is poised to make a strong push in the postseason.
