MUST-SEE TV

How unlikely scenario is now playing out for Texans with one early victory

Texans CJ Stroud
The Texans need one more win to make the postseason. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

It’s simple: beat the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday and the Houston Texans make the playoffs. Period. Regardless of what happens with other teams the final weekend of the 2023-(24) NFL season.

If they win, and depending how other games shake out this weekend, the Texans could find themselves either AFC South Division winners and host a playoff game, or a wild card team on the road.

But if the Texans lose or tie, they will not be a playoff team. End of story.

No matter what happens Saturday night, though, this has been a remarkable, joyful, improbable Texans season that restored a city’s faith and favor in a team that frankly had abandoned its fans in recent years.

Consider the run of events that has led the Texans to its current 9-7 mark and guaranteed winning season – most notably drafting C.J. Stroud and hiring head coach DeMeco Ryans. Despite those additions, coming off two seasons with seven wins combined, Vegas oddsmakers put the Texans’ preseason win total at 5-1/2.

The Texans exceeded that number by beating the Arizona Cardinals way back on Nov. 19. Rules say that win total bets aren’t paid until the end of the season. So Texans backers need to keep their betting slips in a safe place for another week.

While their 9-7 record has Texans fans giddy and gobbling up tickets again, the season coulda shoulda been even better. The Texans lost three games to losing teams – the Atlanta Falcons (7-9), plus disappointing performances against the awful New York Jets (6-10) and positively pathetic Panthers (2-14).

The Texans do hold wins against winning teams Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) and AFC South leaders Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7).

Here’s something nobody could have predicted. Secondary markets already are selling advance tickets in case things break the Texans’ way and they host a wild card game at NRG Stadium. Tickets currently start at $169 for Row E in nosebleed Sec. 643, all the way up to $1,969 for Row Q in lower bowl Sec. 137. Prices will skyrocket if the Texans win the AFC South this weekend. Refunds will be made if the Texans lose Saturday or find themselves on the road.

Everything depends on the Texans defeating the Colts on Saturday night. The Texans currently are 1-point underdogs.

Here’s one early victory, though. Because the game has landed on ABC, thousands of DirecTV and Uverse subscribers in Houston will get to watch, unaffected by Tegna’s squabble with AT&T stations including local Channel 11.

houston texansnfltexans

Most Popular

Astros’ late push wiped away in jaw-dropping finish

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM

Houston Astros get a reminder, and maybe a wake-up call

The Astros are looking to avoid being swept at home. Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Astros are looking to avoid an unexpected sweep Wednesday night as they wrap up their three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park.

Winners of six of their last ten despite back-to-back losses, the Astros (55-37) turn to left-hander Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA) to steady the ship and salvage the finale. Walter has been reliable in his recent outings, and he’ll face a Guardians lineup that has struggled to string together hits, batting just .204 over their last 10 games.

Cleveland (42-48) entered the series on a 10-game losing streak, but now has a chance to sweep the AL West leaders and take the season series. Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) gets the start for the Guardians. The 26-year-old righty has kept his ERA under 4.00 this year and will look to neutralize a Houston offense that leads the American League in batting average at .260 and is hitting .295 over the last 10 games.

All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has driven in 16 runs and slugged four homers over his last 10 games. He’s been the heartbeat of the Houston offense, while Isaac Paredes continues to deliver steady power at the top of the lineup. The Astros have scored five or more runs in eight of their last ten games, but the bullpen faltered late in both of the first two games of this series.

Cleveland counters with the steady presence of Carlos Santana and the always-dangerous Jose Ramirez. Though Ramirez is just 6-for-38 in his last 10 games, he’s delivered key home runs in the series and remains the Guardians’ biggest threat.

With the season series now 3-2 in favor of Cleveland, Wednesday’s matchup carries added weight for the Astros as they look to regroup and avoid letting momentum slip further. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -144, Guardians +121; over/under is 8 runs

Astros lineup for the finale

What stands out? First off, Jake Meyers returns to the lineup after missing a couple of games with a calf issue. With Meyers back in the two-spot, Cam Smith returns to hitting cleanup. Caratini is playing first base again and hitting fifth, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), Cooper Hummel (DH), Taylor Trammell (LF), and Mauricio Dubon (SS).

 

  Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot.

___________________________

ChatGPT assisted.

Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!

https://houston.sportsmap.com/advertise

astroshouston astros

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome