The 49ers’ schedule on paper plays out favorably for them in their quest for a playoff berth. They’re 8-7 and in the driver’s seat for the No. 6 seed as long as they take care of business against the Texans in Week 17. A win over Houston wouldn’t guarantee them a spot, but it would strengthen their position significantly going into the final week. However, the Texans on Sunday showed why we can’t chalk up a ‘W’ for San Francisco just yet.
Houston was 3-11 entering their Week 16 matchup against a Chargers club vying for a playoff spot. Los Angeles was favored by 13 points on the road, and the Texans proceeded to stick it to the Chargers with a 41-29 victory that included 24 fourth-quarter points from a short-handed Texans squad.
Quarterback Davis Mills completed 21-of-27 throws for 254 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Rex Burkhead posted 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Cornerback Tavierre Thomas had a pick-six late to help put the game away.
The Texans averaged 6.8 yards per play, racked up 26 first downs, went 9-for-13 on third downs and committed zero turnovers. They were excellent for all 60 minutes Sunday.
That performance is why the 49ers can’t take the now 4-11 Texans lightly. Their season is over, but it’s clear they’re on board with playing spoiler for clubs vying for a postseason berth. San Francisco should be able to handle the Texans, but it’s going to take more than throwing their helmets on the field, and they’ll have to clean up some of the mistakes that plagued them against the Titans in Week 16.
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