by Despite starting the season 0-3, the Houston Texans have a playoff spot and a 91% chance to make the playoffs. The Texans’ defense has been monstrous this year, among the best defenses in every statistical category.
With there not being many clear-cut contenders this season, especially in the AFC, the Texans’ defense can propel itself to a Super Bowl appearance. With their dominant pass rush, spectacular defensive backfield, and a sustainable offense on the other side, Houston has a great argument to be the favorites in the conference.
Elite Pass Rush
Houston’s pass rush is headlined by its two superstar pass rushers: Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Both players are top-10 in sacks and pressures this season. These two have been the anchor of this front seven and have made up for their average interior pass rushers.
As a team, Houston is sixth in sacks (36), sixth in sack percentage (7.6%), and 16th in total pressures (166). These numbers may not be eye-popping, but additional context is needed: the Texans are 25th in blitz percentage (23.1%), allow the second-fewest plays per drive (5.4), and have the fifth-fewest plays on defense (768).
With the defense’s limited playing time and an overwhelming number of four-man pass rushes, the team has put immense trust in the pass rush to win without help.
Defensive Backfield Shutdown
Houston’s defensive backfield has a case for being the best in football. The superstar cornerback duo headlines this prevailing backfield: Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, with each of them having three interceptions.
On 54 targets, Stingley has allowed 22 completions, 327 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 50.5. On 77 targets, Lassiter has given up 46 completions, 562 yards, four touchdowns, and an 83.4 passer rating.
As a passing defense, the Texans are third in yards allowed (2,236), the fewest touchdowns (12), second in interceptions (15), and first in passer rating (69.8).
A rare aspect of this defense is how great everyone is at catching. Many defensive backs struggle to make athletic interceptions and catch easy picks. Everyone attacks the ball at a high level and looks like a receiver. This exceptional ability was on full display against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14.
Superb Games Against Great Offenses
Against the top 12 teams in EPA/Play, Houston has been excellent; they have played seven of those teams and have allowed over 20 points to only one, the Seattle Seahawks. During their current 5-game win streak, they have beaten three of the top six teams in EPA/Play and have forced six turnovers against their past three opponents: the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills.
After their lackluster start to the season, the Texans have faced numerous great offenses, and their defense has continuously stepped up to the occasion.
Should They Be the AFC Favorites?
The typical AFC powerhouse teams like the Chiefs, Bills, and Baltimore Ravens are not the teams they once were, leaving the conference open for anyone. Very few teams have an offense or defense that can compare to the Texans’ defense, and this leaves them with a floor in the playoffs that will allow them to be in close games with anyone.
To go with their stellar defense, they have Pro Bowl talents C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins, who have been looking better by the week this season.
The Texans’ outstanding defense, combined with their improving offense, gives them the best argument to be the AFC favorites.
