The Houston Texans entered the playoffs with high hopes, but their recent postseason outings have been marred by a stark scoring drought, failing to breach the 16-point threshold in any of their three losses.
At the heart of the problem is the performance of quarterback C.J. Stroud, whose rookie brilliance has faded under the pressure of playoff defenses, leaving the team’s passing game without a reliable spark.
Enter Marlin Klein, a rookie tight end drafted specifically for his blocking prowess; coaches believe his physicality could open lanes for the running game and provide a safety valve for Stroud.
Meanwhile, running back David Montgomery is confronting his own set of challenges, as age and a crowded backfield featuring Jawhar Jordan threaten to limit his snap count and impact.
AFC South Outlook
Despite these offensive question marks, the AFC South remains within reach, with projections placing the Texans at 8-9 and ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are expected to finish third.
The division also features the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts as legitimate contenders, but Houston’s defensive identity — already regarded as one of the league’s strongest — could carry them if the offense clicks.
Ultimately, the team’s ability to translate defensive dominance into points will determine whether the 8-9 forecast becomes a stepping stone toward a deeper playoff run.