How critical Texans returns could tilt make-or-break stretch for Houston

How critical Texans returns could tilt make-or-break stretch for Houston
The Texans have reached the most challenging part of their schedule. Composite Getty Image.

Coming off their bye week, the Texans host the Dolphins with big playoff implications at stake. A win over Miami paired with a Colts loss secures another playoff berth for Houston.

Injuries will be a factor in this contest, with guard Juice Scruggs (foot) expected to be unavailable and safety Jalen Pitre now out for the year with a pectoral injury.

The Texans will also be without LB Azeez Al-Shaair (suspension), but a glimmer of hope has arrived as LB Christian Harris has returned to practice after missing the entire season up to this point.

Left guard Kenyon Green has also returned to practice and could be available this Sunday as well. If he's not, look for Zach Thomas, who was claimed off waivers from the Patriots about a month ago, to step in. Offensive line play and protection in general will be a main area of focus once again, as the Texans are arguably the worst in the NFL in this category.

As you can see from the graphic above, the Texans have blown a block or allowed a pressure on over 30% of their offensive plays, and the next closest team is the Bears at 25.4 %.

Speaking of blocking, the Texans face three of the best teams against the run down the stretch (Chiefs, Ravens, Titans). With that being the case, let's hope that Stroud and the Texans found some answers in the passing game during the bye week.

If the Texans can keep Stroud upright, perhaps we see a resurgence from Tank Dell, who has seemingly disappeared from the offense. Tank hasn't scored since October 13, and has only recorded one game with over 100 yards all season.

Swarm!

On defense, the Texans will have their hands full with the Dolphins explosive offense. Miami has scored 32 or more points in 3 of their last 4 games.

The Texans are averaging just under 24 PPG this season, so they could really use a breakout game from the offense to help cement a victory.

Houston has the best duo of pass rushers in the league, but they will be challenged against Tua Tagovailoa, who gets rid of the ball extremely quickly and accurately.

Tua also has two speedsters in Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle that can take a short pass to the house at any given moment. Speed could be the difference in this contest, but the Texans do have two corners in Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter that are both Top 3 in lowest catch rate allowed this year.

What does Vegas think?

The Texans are favored by 3 points and the total is set at 46.5, which is the third-highest this week.

Don't miss the video above as we break down this week's game, the final stretch of the season, and much more!

Also, be sure to watch Texans on Tap with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan live following every Texans game on our SportsMapTexans YouTube channel!

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This is getting ugly. Composite Getty Image.

It's no secret, the big topic of conversation from the Winter Meetings is the Houston Astros and what the future holds for several of their star players.

Fans are starting to voice some concern about what the team could look like should they let Alex Bregman walk, and trade away Kyle Tucker and/or Framber Valdez.

Houston's social media team recently posted a video about the Astros young guns, and let's just say it didn't go over well in the comments. And the timing of this post is quite curious to say the least.

Which begs this question. Are the Astros doing what's necessary by moving on from players they don't believe they can re-sign, or are they on the verge of some big mistakes?

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein weigh in.

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