Tag: Texans

All 32 NFL teams (including the Texans) ranked by FPI ratings

Here’s how the Texans rank in FPI rankings among all 32 other NFL teams entering Week 12’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Eleven games into the season, the Houston Texans (7-4) have a -1.9 Football Power Index (FPI) rating from ESPN, which ranks 13th among all 32 teams.

The Tennessee Titans (2-8), who play host to Houston in Week 11 on ‘Monday Night Football’, are ranked 28th with a 5.6 FPI rating.

FPI is “a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season,” according to ESPN.com. “FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule.”

So with that background in mind, here’s a look at how the league’s 32 teams stack up based on FPI going into Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season.

  1. Detroit Lions (9-1): 8.7
  2. Baltimore Ravens (7-4): 6.4
  3. Buffalo Bills (9-2): 6.2
  4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1): 5.1
  5. Green Bay Packers (7-3): 5.0
  6. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2): 4.5
  7. San Francisco 49ers (5-5): 3.9
  8. Minnesota Vikings (8-2): 2.9
  9. Houston Texans (7-4): 1.9
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2): 1.8
  11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6): 1.4
  12. Arizona Cardinals (6-4): 1.4
  13. Washington Commanders (7-4): 1.3
  14. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3): 1.1
  15. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7): 0.3
  16. Los Angeles Rams (5-5): -0.1
  17. New York Jets (3-8): -0.2
  18. Miami Dolphins (4-6): -0.3
  19. Atlanta Falcons (6-5): -0.7
  20. New Orleans Saints (4-7): -0.7
  21. Cleveland Browns (2-8): -1.1
  22. Seattle Seahawks (5-5): -1.1
  23. Denver Broncos (6-5): -1.2
  24. Chicago Bears (4-6): -1.4
  25. Indianapolis Colts (5-6): -2.1
  26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8): -4.9
  27. New England Patriots (3-8): -5.4
  28. Tennesee Titans (2-8): -5.6
  29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9): -5.9
  30. Carolina Panthers (3-7): -7.5
  31. New York Giants (2-8): -7.7
  32. Dallas Cowboys (3-7): -8.8

The Texans will aim to improve their rating when they take on the Titans in Week 12 in what should factor in the AFC South division race. Houston has moved up four spots since last week.

NFL playoff picture: What are Chargers’ chances of making postseason after win over Bengals?

The Chargers are in great position to play beyond the regular season.

The Chargers beat the Bengals on Sunday, picking up their fourth consecutive victory. They improved to 7-3, and their chances of playing beyond the regular season.

According to NFL.com, Los Angeles has a 91% chance of making the playoffs. With the Bolts’ win and the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers on Sunday, L.A. moved up to the fifth seed.

Here’s a look at the division standings entering Week 12:

1. Chiefs (9-1)

2. Chargers (7-3)

3. Broncos (6-5)

4. Raiders (2-8)

And a look at the playoff picture:

*There are (7) available Playoff spots

1. Chiefs (9-1)

2. Bills (9-2)

3. Steelers (8-2)

4. Texans (6-4)

5. Chargers (7-3)

6. Ravens (7-4)

7. Broncos (6-5)

8. Colts (5-6)

9. Dolphins (4-6)

10. Bengals (4-7)

AFC playoff matchups if the season ended today:

  • No. 2 Bills vs. No. 7 Broncos
  • No. 3 Steelers vs. No. 6 Ravens
  • No. 4 Texans vs. No. 5 Chargers

Former NFL QB rips Texans offense for ‘entry-level’ play-calling

Chris Simms did not hold back breaking down the offensive play-calling of the Houston Texans through 10 weeks in 2024.

The Houston Texans made history for all the wrong reasons on Sunday night at NRG Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

Even with a five-takeaway game and a 16-point first-half lead, the Texans allowed the Lions to work their way back en route to a 26-23 victory thanks to a 52-yard game-winning field goal from Jake Bates.

The Texans became the second team since 1970 to lose in a game where the opposing quarterback throws five interceptions while holding a 15-point first-half lead.

So, who is to blame for the blunders? C.J. Stroud tossed two interceptions, including one in the end zone that would have gone for a touchdown pass to Tank Dell.

The defense allowed three total scoring drives, including two in the second half.

The usually accurate Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 53-yard attempt just before the Lions marched down the field to set up Bates’ game-winner.

Former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms offered a bit of insight into the lackluster second half, noting Houston’s issues are primarily play-calling based.

“It’s a bigger problem than C.J. Stroud. He’s not perfect, but C.J. Stroud is still pretty damn good,” Simms told ESPN’s Kevin Clark. “It’s the second year of [offensive coordinator] Bobby Slowik’s scheme, and I do think people have caught on to that.“

Slowik has received ample criticism for his play-calling over the past five games. Houston hasn’t scored a touchdown in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

That’s eight quarters and counting entering Monday night’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

Simms criticized Slowik’s play design, stating that while he comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, it’s more as if the second-year coordinator is trying to mirror his mentor.

“It’s the Shanahan scheme, but it’s like the early, entry-level of the Shanahan scheme,” Simms said. “Now there needs to be more to it and a next level and a next group of plays.”

While the Texans need a switch-up, moving off Slowik’s play-calling might be a reach at the moment. Houston’s been without its top two receivers, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, since Week 8. 

Collins, who was activated off the injured reserve earlier this week, is expected to return for Monday’s outing in Arlington, thus adding more upside to the passing game for Stroud and his fellow receivers. 

Playing against an underwhelming opponent also helps. The Cowboys (3-6) enter Week 11 without starting quarterback Dak Prescott, who is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dallas’ offense also ranks 30th in scoring and 19th in total defense. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on ESPN and ABC. 

What uniforms will the Texans, Cowboys wear on Monday Night Football?

Here’s what the Texans will be wearing on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.

A new week, a new uniform combination.

The Houston Texans will head out to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys, looking for their seventh victory and a way to end the two-game losing streak.

The Cowboys love their all-white look on the primetime stage, so Houston must counteract. The AFC South leaders will wear their all-navy blue fit with their traditional helmets.

Here’s a look at the design below:

This marks the second time Houston has donned the all-navy look, with the first coming in Week 7’s loss against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

The Texans should be in better shape on offense with the return of receiver Nico Collins, who was designated to return last week. Collins, who led the NFL in receiving yards the first five weeks, did not play in Sunday’s 26-23 loss to the Detroit Lions, but coach DeMeco Ryans said it wasn’t because of a setback.

Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud has struggled at times during Collins’ five-game hiatus. With the fourth-year starter in the lineup, the offense averaged 277 yards through the air while Stroud completed 69% of his passes.

Without Collins, Houston has averaged 197.2  passing yards per game. Stroud completed just 55% of his throws.

Texans offense should turn corner with return of WR Nico Collins

The Texans are expecting to see wide receiver Nico Collins practice this week in preparation for their Lone Star showdown against the Cowboys.

Nico Collins should be ready on Monday night when the Houston Texans travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys.

That’s perhaps the best news fans of the AFC South franchise could get after suffering a 26-23 loss in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. Collins was cleared to return after being elevated off the injury report, but the Texans chose to leave him inactive.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said everything is fine with Collins’ progression and that the move was made at the final hour.

“No setback with Nico,” Ryans said Tuesday. “It was just a game-time decision.

Sitting at 6-4, the Texans need Collins. John Metchie III and Tank Dell have stepped up as the new top weapon in place of the injured Stefon Diggs over the past two games, but they are better served as secondary options.

Collins is a legitimate top threat in the pros. He’s coming off a nearly 1,300-yard season in 2023 while forming a bond with the rising Stroud.

Before suffering a hamstring strain that sidelined him for five games, the 6-foot-4 Collins was on pace for a record-setting season in franchise history. His 567 receiving yards led the NFL by a deep margin. He also ranked third nationally in catches with 32.

The Texans are expecting Collins not only back, but at full speed during practice this week. He was designated to return from injured reserve Friday and practiced for the first time in over a month, but the walk-through wasn’t enough to show Houston’s medical staff to clear him.

Ryans said Collins’ comeback isn’t just welcomed, but it’s impactful. The Texans are 2-3 without the 25-year-old in the lineup. Stroud’s passing numbers have also taken a hit, dropping from a 69% completion rate to 55% over the past five games.

“Before he was out, he was the top receiver in the league,” Ryans said. “I think any time you get him back, it’s going to help everybody.”

Kickoff from AT&T Stadium is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN and ABC.

Where the Texans rank statistically heading into Week 11

Here’s where the Houston Texans stack up compared to every other team in the NFL stat-wise entering Week 11.

The Houston Texans (6-4) hit the road for a third consecutive primetime showdown against the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) in Week 11 on Monday Night Football.

Houston needs a win just to get back to its roots following a disastrous end in Week 10’s 26-23 loss against the Detroit Lions. The Texans blew a 16-point lead in the second half behind a pair of C.J. Stroud interceptions.

Jared Goff, who threw five interceptions, led two scoring drives over the final 30 minutes and helped set up two Jake Bates field goals, including a game-winning 52-yard kick as time expired.

Houston’s now the second team since 1933 to lose a game in which they caught five interceptions and led by at least 15. Previously, teams were 373-1-1 when leading by at least 15 and snagging five interceptions.

The other time a team lost in that fashion was in Week 11 of 1970, when the Chicago Bears lost to the Baltimore Colts 21-20 despite Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas throwing five interceptions.

“Definitely should have won this game,” Stroud said. “My job is to lead the offense to score points, and I didn’t do that today.

“We really should have put them away after the first half. It’s really on the offense.”

With Week 11 on deck, how do the Texans compare to the rest of the NFL this season? Looking at the major metrics (courtesy of Team Rankings, ESPN, The Football Database and StatMuse), here is where Houston ranked following Week 10:

Analysis: Texans allow double-digit comeback in home loss against Lions

The Houston Texans were on the wrong side of history following Sunday’s loss against the Detroit Lions.

Stunned.

Shocked.

Sadly, not surprised.

Even after forcing five interceptions against Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the Houston Texans couldn’t get out of their way in the second half.

They allowed a 19-0 swing capped off with a 52-yard field goal from Jake Bates to help Detroit secure a 26-23 walk-off comeback.

The Texans, which ended their undefeated streak at home, have lost three of their last five and haven’t scored in the second half since Week 6’s win over the New England Patriots.

Goff, who likely lost his claim in the MVP race, won the game. That’s all that matters in the end since Detroit remains a game ahead of Minnesota, Washington and Philadelphia in the NFC standings.

The former No. 1 overall pick struggled from the get-go, as his opening drive resulted in a Jimmie Ward interception. Three drives later, another pass was batted at the line of scrimmage, only this one leading to a Henry To’oTo’o interception.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t miss for the first 30 minutes. After connecting with Tank Dell and John Metchie III for first-down gains, Joe Mixon secured the 7-0 lead with an 8-yard touchdown run.

Stroud later found Metchie for a 15-yard score, the first of the former second-round pick’s career. Ka’imi Fairbairn drilled three kicks, helping Houston secure a 23-7 halftime lead.

That was the final positive of the night from Houston’s offense, but Detroit was getting started. It took two more interceptions from Goff to finally get on the same page, but the Lions’ defense returned the favor.

Stroud was picked off on the opening play of the third quarter. After Goff returned the favor, he eventually led the Lions downfield on a three-play drive capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery.

Stroud, who finished with 232 passing yards and a touchdown, tossed his second interception to Carlton Davis III on an intended touchdown pass to Tank Dell.

The Lions responded two drives later with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Bates, who previously played for the Texans, drilled a 58-yard field goal with 5:01 remaining.

Fairbairn could have sealed the game with a 59-yard attempt, but the kick went wide left, giving the Lions the ball at midfield. Goff found St. Brown for an 11-yard gain, forcing the Texans to burn their final timeout while setting up Bates’ field goal.

Goff’s five picks were the most by an NFL player since fellow former No.1 overall pick Jameis Winston, who threw five on Oct. 13, 2019, against Carolina while with Tampa Bay.

He finished with 240 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Stroud’s two interceptions mark the second multi-turnover game of the season and third in his career.

Rookie cornerback Kamari Laisster, who left with a concussion in the third quarter, recorded two interceptions. Fellow rookie defensive back Calen Bullock extended his team-leading turnover total to four with a pick in the third quarter.

Metchie led the Texans with five catches for 74 yards. Mixon finished with 46 yards on 25 carries.

Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 71 yards, while tight end Sam LaPorta led Detroit with three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

The Texans, who had 10 days to prepare for Week 10’s matchup at home, will have eight days to reassess and regroup before traveling to AT&T Stadium to take on the Dallas Cowboys.

Watch: Texans WR John Metchie III finally scores first TD

After suffering a torn ACL, undergoing cancer treatment and fighting his way onto the roster in Year 3, John Metchie III scored a touchdown.

The last time John Metchie III scored a touchdown during the regular season came on Dec. 4, 2021.

That was his senior season and final game at the University of Alabama.

Plenty has happened for the Houston Texans‘ third-year receiver since he crossed the goal line in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia.

He tore his ACL the following quarter down in Atlanta and would miss the national championship while undergoing season-ending surgery.

He became a second-round draft pick for Houston and hopefully the long-term option in the slot.

He underwent a battle with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer.

And he nearly didn’t make the active roster after back-to-back forgotten seasons as the Texans’ No. 4 receiver.

But Metchie never lost hope that he’d eventually cross into the end zone again. That moment arrived Sunday on the primetime stage against Houston’s most lethal opponent.

As the second quarter came to a close against the Detroit Lions, C.J. Stroud found Metchie for a 15-yard score to give the Texans a 23-7 entering halftime.

Houston (6-3) will receive the ball at halftime and could have a chance to extend its lead beyond the three scores.

With Nico Collins out, Metchie has been the one to step up as the top option for Stroud, hauling in four passes for 65 yards.

His first half against the Lions has actually doubled his receiving total from this season as a whole.

Metchie waited nearly 1,000 days for six points. Just like at Alabama, he was ready to break out the celebration.

Lions vs Texans: Thursday injury report

Here’s the injury report from Thursday’s practice between the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions.

Another day, another practice without Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins.

Collins and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. were absent for a second consecutive day at Thursday’s practice in preparation for Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said that Collins is progressing, but the team has not elevated him from the injured reserve and opened his 21-day recovery window.

“Nico is doing good,” Ryans said after Wednesday’s practice. “We’ll see where he ends up.”

Anderson, a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, suffered an ankle in the first quarter of the Texans’ 21-13 loss to the New York Jets last Thursday night. The former No. 3 overall pick had to be helped off the field by training staff and was in and out of the medical tent throughout the first half.

Anderson tried returning three times, playing four total snaps, before eventually being ruled questionable the rest of the evening.

“He’s doing well,” Ryans said of Anderson. “We’ll see where he ends up.”

Here’s the remaining injury report from Thursday’s practice for both teams.

Houston Texans

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DE Will Anderson Jr. ankle DNP DNP
DL Foley Fatukasi concussion DNP DNP
OL Kenyon Green shoulder DNP DNP
RB Dameon Pierce groin DNP DNP
LB Jake Hansen ankle LP DNP
LB Azeez Al-Shaair knee LP LP
DE Derek Barnett calf DNP LP
DE Dylan Horton illness DNP LP
DE Jerry Hughes hip LP LP
CB Jeff Okudah hip LP LP
DB Jimmie Ward groin LP LP
OL Shaw Mason hip DNP FP

Detriot Lions

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
DE Za’Darius Smith personal DNP DNP
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin neck DNP DNP
LB Malcolm Rodriguez ankle DNP DNP
DL Brodric Martin knee FP FP
OT Taylor Decker shoulder — LP
S Ifeatu Melifonwu ankle FP FP
CB Emmanuel Mosley pectoral FP FP
DL Mekhi Wingo ankle FP FP
RB Sione Vaki knee FP FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation

Are the Texans winners or losers from the Khalil Davis trade?

Here’s how Texans Wire grades the Khalil Davis trade with the 49ers for a 2026 Day 3 pick.

Khalil Davis might have been out the door with the return of Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. 

Instead of letting him walk, Houston picked up something in return. 

The Texans closed Tuesday’s deadline by trading the fourth-year defensive tackle to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Houston will now have a roster spot waiting for Edwards when he returns from his four-game suspension next week. 

The former Nebraska star joined Houston in 2023 and impressed, recording a career-high 32 tackles with six quarterback hits and two sacks while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth in four seasons.

This season, Davis has recorded two tackles and one sack on 172 defensive snaps for 32 percent of the total defensive playing time.

Here’s how Texans Wire grades out the trade for both sides.  

Texans grade

Houston felt Davis provided the most value on the defensive line among depth pieces and figured it could survive by moving him. A 2026 seventh-round pick might seem low, but it could factor into a later deal for a more prominent name on the trade market.

Davis, who was in a contract year, could have left in free agency, leaving Houston without a compensatory pick in the 2025 draft. Instead, the Texans gain a future draft asset for a player who could be replaced with the return of Edwards. 

For now, the Texans can lean on a combination of Tim Settle and Dencio Autry’s opposite Foley Fatukasi. Autry, who recorded two sacks in Thursday’s loss against the New York Jets, can kick inside at defensive tackle on pass-rushing sets on third down. 

Could the Texans have gotten more? Perhaps, but it’s something. If Kurt Hinish was on the chopping block, then maybe fans could argue, but at least the Texans are adding draft depth over football depth.

Grade: B

49ers grade

Davis should provide depth behind former Texans starter Maliek Collins and veteran Jordan Elliott. The 49ers previously lost Javon Hargrave to a triceps injury that will likely end his season, so Davis should see an expanded role. 

He’ll have an understanding of the defense since it’s a similar formation that derives in Houston. The 49ers also kept all their 2025 draft picks, so consider that a win. 

Grade: B+