Coach DeMeco Ryans is focusing on elevating the Houston Texans' performance, particularly their defense, which climbed to sixth in the NFL for yards allowed per game in 2024. Despite allowing slightly more points and touchdowns this season compared to last, the unit showcased significant improvement, particularly against the pass, where they ranked sixth after being 23rd in 2023.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. emerged as a key leader for the team in his second season, emphasizing the need for a collective sense of urgency moving forward. Ryans echoed this sentiment, insisting that every player must adopt Anderson's mentality for the team to reach its potential. Evaluations of the defense reveal strong performances from the defensive line, highlighted by Anderson and newcomer Danielle Hunter, who formed the most productive sack duo in the league. The linebackers showed promise but were hampered by injuries, while the secondary improved significantly, led by Derek Stingley Jr.'s breakout season.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Houston Texans with a score of 23-14, thanks to a crucial play in the fourth quarter. Facing a third-and-11 at the Texans' 11-yard line, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes showed remarkable poise under pressure as he evaded a potential sack from Houston's Mario Edwards Jr. Before hitting the ground, Mahomes launched a perfectly timed pass to tight end Travis Kelce, who was positioned strategically to exploit a gap in Houston's defense.

This pivotal touchdown shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Chiefs, extending their lead to 20-12 with just under 12 minutes left in the game. The Texans, who had been so close to reasserting control, now faced a much steeper challenge. With the Texans needing two scores to win or a single possession to tie, the dynamics of the game altered significantly, underscoring the importance of that key moment.

The Houston Texans are looking strong as they prepare for their AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. After concerns surrounding injuries to key players, running back Joe Mixon and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair are confirmed to play, according to sources. Mixon, who recently impressed with his performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, has been nursing an ankle injury, while Al-Shaair has dealt with a knee issue. Both players are essential to the Texans' strategy as they seek to capitalize on their recent momentum against the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Texans finished the regular season strong, winning 10 games and capturing the AFC South title. Despite entering the postseason as underdogs, they have shown resilience, particularly after a convincing Wild Card victory over the Chargers. However, they face a tough challenge in Arrowhead Stadium, where they previously lost to the Chiefs. The Texans will need their star players at peak performance to continue their playoff run.

The Houston Texans are facing uncertainty heading into their playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, with running back Joe Mixon listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. After being limited in practice earlier in the week, Mixon did not participate in Thursday's session, raising concerns about his availability for Saturday's crucial matchup.

Mixon's ankle troubles are not new; he previously missed several games earlier this season due to a similar injury sustained against the Chicago Bears. Despite these challenges, he made a significant impact in the wild-card round, rushing for 106 yards and scoring a crucial touchdown in the Texans' 32-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

This season, Mixon achieved Pro Bowl status, amassing 1,016 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. If he is unable to play, the Texans will turn to backup Dameon Pierce, who has shown promise with 176 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. The Texans have a solid record without Mixon, going 2-1, including a notable victory over the Buffalo Bills.

In addition to Mixon, the Texans have several other players listed as questionable, including wide receiver Robert Woods, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and tight end Teagan Quitoriano, which could further complicate their playoff strategy.

Diontae Johnson is rejoining the Baltimore Ravens after being released just a few weeks earlier by the team. He was claimed off waivers following his release from the Houston Texans, who let him go after he expressed visible dissatisfaction during a post-playoff celebration.

During the Texans' playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnson had limited participation, playing only 15 snaps and catching one pass for 12 yards. His brief stint with Houston saw him play in two games, totaling three catches for 24 yards. The Ravens’ decision to claim Johnson is strategic, potentially setting them up for future draft compensation.