BEATING THE ODDS?

The Texans have a 2.8 percent chance of making the playoffs. Let's put that in context

The Texans have a 2.8 percent chance of making the playoffs. Let's put that in context
Are the odds in the Texans favor? Twitter.com

Let’s take a break from bashing Bill O’Brien and take an honest look at what lies ahead for the Texans after an 0-3 start.

The most optimistic fan will say they can still turn it around and make the playoffs. A favorable schedule awaits. But let’s take a look at history.

We will go back as far as 1980 for the sample size. In that time, 173 teams have started the season 0-3. Five have made the playoffs. That is 2.8 percent. The last team to do it was 20 years ago with the 1998 Buffalo Bills.

There’s always the “so you’re saying there’s a chance” when it comes to that 2.8 percent number. So let’s look at some other things that are 2.8 percent or close to that number:

Miller64 beer is exactly 2.8 percent alcohol by volume. So if you like that 2.8 number, hoist a Miller64.

Let’s go to poker. The Texans have a better chance of making the playoffs than you do of making quads on the river when your opponent has an overset. So for instance, you hold KK, your opponent has AA. The flop is A-K-Q and the turn is an 8. You win with a king. Your odds? 2.27 percent. So the Texans have that beat.

You have a 0.154 percent chance of being hit by a train. So the Texans have that beat, too.

The odds of dying in a car crash? Just 1 percent. Again, win Texans.

Finally, you have a 2 percent chance of being smart enough to join MENSA. Yay Texans! (O’Brien not so much).

The not so good?

It is four times more likely to snow in Houston than it is for the Texans to make the playoffs.

You have a better chance of being told to “Come on down” on The Price is Right - just over 3 percent.

If you are on death row, you are 10 times more likely to be married than the Texans are to seeing the postseason.

The odds you are having sex every day? 6.0 percent! Yay you! That last one gives the old married contingent some hope, if not the Texans.

Finally, you have a 4 percent chance of being a golf fan, and Tiger Woods just did something the Texans have yet to do -- win. So at least YOU can celebrate.

As for Texans fans, however, the odds may not be forever in your favor.

(Statistics accrued from various research - i.e. Internet searches. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Then again, neither are Texans wins. Also, tip of the cap to Jong Lee for finding the original 5 in 173 number). 

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM
Kyle Tucker returns to Houston this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

Two first-place teams, identical records, and a weekend set with serious measuring-stick energy.

The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs open a three-game series Friday night at Daikin Park, in what could quietly be one of the more telling matchups of the summer. Both teams enter at 48-33, each atop their respective divisions — but trending in slightly different directions.

The Astros have been red-hot, going 7-3 over their last 10 while outscoring opponents by 11 runs. They've done it behind one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, with a collective 3.41 ERA that ranks second in the American League. Houston has also been dominant at home, where they’ve compiled a 30-13 record — a stat that looms large heading into this weekend.

On the other side, the Cubs have held their ground in the NL Central but have shown some recent shakiness. They're 5-5 over their last 10 games and have given up 5.66 runs per game over that stretch. Still, the offense remains dangerous, ranking fifth in on-base percentage across the majors. Kyle Tucker leads the way with a .287 average, 16 homers, and 49 RBIs, while Michael Busch has been hot of late, collecting 12 hits in his last 37 at-bats.

Friday’s pitching matchup features Houston’s Brandon Walter (0-1, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) and Chicago’s Cade Horton (3-1, 3.73 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), a promising young arm making one of his biggest starts of the season on the road. Horton will have his hands full with Isaac Paredes, who’s slugged 16 homers on the year, and Mauricio Dubón, who’s found a groove with four home runs over his last 10 games.

It’s the first meeting of the season between these two clubs — and if the trends continue, it may not be the last time they cross paths when it really counts.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -112, Cubs -107; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

Here's a preview of Joe Espada's Game 1 lineup.

The first thing that stands out is rookie Cam Smith is hitting cleanup, followed by Jake Meyers. Victor Caratini is the DH and is hitting sixth. Christian Walker is all the way down at seventh, followed by Yainer Diaz, and Taylor Trammell who is playing left field.

How the mighty have fallen.

Pretty wild to see Walker and Diaz hitting this low in the lineup. However, it's justified, based on performance. Walker is hitting a pathetic .214 and Diaz is slightly better sporting a .238 batting average.

Screenshot via: MLB.com



___________________________

*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