Houston Texans Return to Playoffs Led by First-Year Coach and Rookie Quarterback

The Houston Texans have made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, thanks to the efforts of first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Ryans and Stroud are the fifth first-year head coach and rookie quarterback combination to make the playoffs in NFL history, and the first since Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano did it with the Colts in 2012.
Stroud, the second overall pick in the draft, had one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, with his 4,108 yards passing being the third most by a rookie in NFL history.
The Texans' playoff opportunity was made possible in part by the Tennessee Titans, as their win against Jacksonville clinched the division title for Houston.
The Texans will host the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at NRG Stadium.