The Houston Texans are set to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, aiming to secure a victory against a formidable NFC opponent. Despite being activated from injured reserve, wide receiver Nico Collins will not play in this game, alongside other key inactives including Will Anderson Jr. and Dameon Pierce.

In an interesting twist, this matchup coincides with a Houston-Detroit multi-sport event, as the Houston Rockets also played the Detroit Pistons earlier in the day. The Texans are looking to improve their game strategy, especially in tackling, to counter the Lions' offensive prowess.

This winter, the Houston Astros face critical financial decisions, particularly regarding a potential long-term contract extension for star third baseman Alex Bregman. Such a move could push the team over the luxury tax threshold, a situation owner Jim Crane has been keen to avoid.

If Bregman leaves, finding a suitable replacement will require financial commitment to maintain championship aspirations for 2025. Additionally, outfielders Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick are potential non-tender candidates as the Astros navigate their payroll challenges.

With Yordan Alvarez's recent knee injury and Mauricio Dubon's recovery from surgery, the team may lean towards retaining Meyers and McCormick. However, prospects like Jacob Melton, Pedro Leon, and Kenedy Corona could influence roster decisions, adding complexity to the Astros' offseason strategy.

Gary Pettis, the Houston Astros' third-base coach for a decade, will not return in 2025 as his contract was not renewed. Pettis joined the Astros in 2015 and contributed to their significant success, including seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances.

Throughout his tenure, he coached notable outfielders and was known for his aggressive coaching style. Pettis, a former player with a successful career, also battled multiple myeloma but returned to coaching after treatment.

The Houston Astros face a pivotal offseason after their earliest playoff exit in eight years. With key players heading to free agency, General Manager Dana Brown emphasizes a commitment to roster improvement.

The outfield's performance was underwhelming, particularly due to injuries to Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Tucker showed promise before his injury, while Chas McCormick struggled significantly, leading to questions about the center field position.

Contract situations for Tucker, Jake Meyers, and McCormick add complexity to the Astros' plans, as they weigh potential extensions and free agency. The team also has promising prospects in the outfield, which could influence their strategy moving forward.

The 2024 season was a mixed bag for the Houston Astros, who finished with an 88-73 record and won the AL West for the fourth consecutive year. However, their postseason hopes were dashed when they were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the wild-card round, marking the end of their impressive streak of seven consecutive ALCS appearances.

Key players like Yordan Alvarez shone offensively, while the pitching staff, led by Framber Valdez, was a highlight. Yet, injuries and underperformance from others, including José Abreu and Justin Verlander, hindered the team's success. Looking ahead, GM Dana Brown faces challenges in addressing gaps in the roster, particularly at first and third base, while also considering the future of free agents like Alex Bregman.