How Astros postseason showdown distills into two make-or-break categories
IT COMES DOWN TO THIS
06 October 2023
With the Minnesota Twins set to play the Houston Astros in the ALDS at Minute Maid Park this weekend, two big factors will play a role in the outcome of the series.
Home runs and strikeouts. The Twins have hit the most home runs in the American League this season (tied with the Rangers), but they have also struck out more than any other team in 2023.
However, the Twins have also struck out more batters than any pitching staff in baseball.
Something will have to give, as the Astros have struck out at the lowest clip of any team that qualified for the postseason.
So as you watch this series play out, keep an eye on the strikeouts and dingers as they could be the keys to victory.
Plus, which player will have the better series? Carlos Correa or Jeremy Pena?
Be sure to watch the video above for the full preview of the ALDS!
Editor's note: The Twins have announced Baily Ober will start Game 1, not Joe Ryan as was initially expected.
How Texans receivers are built to break defenses (but not how you think)
May 21, 2025, 6:15 pm
The Houston Texans continue to build one of the NFL’s most intriguing wide receiver rooms — and according to Yahoo Sports analyst Matt Harmon, their new rookie additions bring more than just depth. Harmon offered insight into how the Texans might creatively deploy second-round pick Jayden Higgins and third-rounder Jaylin Noel, two players with contrasting skill sets who could carve out meaningful roles in Nick Caley's (formerly with the Rams) offense.
At first glance, Higgins fits the traditional mold of an outside receiver. At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, he lined up mostly as an X receiver in college and looked the part physically. But Harmon suggests that Higgins might actually be a better fit as a power slot — a big-bodied interior option who can do damage against zone coverage, similar to how the Rams used Cooper Kupp in his prime.
That role makes sense in Houston. The Texans already have one of the league’s premier outside receivers in Nico Collins, and there’s no pressure to force Higgins into a role that doesn’t maximize his skill set. According to data from Reception Perception, Higgins struggled against tight coverage in college, finishing in just the 15th percentile in success rate versus man and 16th percentile versus press. Letting Higgins attack softer coverages from the slot could be the key to unlocking his full potential.
Still, Higgins might not even be the most impactful rookie receiver the Texans landed.
While Higgins came in with the size and profile of a prototypical NFL wideout, Noel quietly outproduced him in 2024 at Iowa State and was quite often more feared by opponents. Noel’s game is built around separation and quickness — and despite being under six feet tall, there's confidence that he can play both inside and outside at the pro level. His 74.1 percent success rate versus man coverage speaks to his advanced route-running, which could earn him early targets in Houston’s pass-heavy scheme.
With Collins, Christian Kirk, Higgins, and Noel, the Texans suddenly have a flexible, matchup-proof receiving group that can attack every level of the field. If C.J. Stroud takes another step in year three, this offense could become even more dangerous — with its rookie receivers helping push it over the top.
Be sure to check out the video below to watch Harmon's full breakdown of the Texans receivers, and much more!
*ChatGPT assisted.
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