Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Texans’ Defense Drives Five-Game Surge After Statement Win at Chiefs

A league-best defense has powered the turnaround as playoff odds soar, putting renewed focus on faster offensive answers to heavy blitzes.

Overview

  • Houston improved to 8-5 with a 20-10 road victory over Kansas City, extending its winning streak to five.
  • The Texans lead the NFL in fewest points allowed at roughly 16 per game and picked off Patrick Mahomes three times in Arrowhead.
  • Edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter headline the pass rush, combining for 21.5 sacks to anchor a takeaway-heavy unit.
  • C.J. Stroud completed only three passes after halftime as Steve Spagnuolo’s pressures and Chris Jones’ third‑quarter surge exposed protection and recognition issues.
  • Playoff projections place Houston’s odds in the high‑80s to low‑90s percent range, with an AFC South path still open if the Texans win out and Jacksonville slips once.