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The Houston Texans are fresh off a blowout win over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. L.A.'s Super Bowl hopes were dashed at NRG Stadium when the Texans blasted it, 32-12, in a non-competitive contest.
Despite the problems Houston has had on offense this season, its defense stepped up in a big way, intercepting quarterback Justin Herbert four times and returning one of them 38 yards for a touchdown. It'll face a tougher challenge this week, but this was an encouraging outcome.
So, what makes it possible for the Texans to take home their first Lombardi Trophy this season?
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How Could The Texans Win The Super Bowl?
The Texans boast an excellent defense that can help them get past the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round, for starters. Herbert has played very well this season, and picking him off four times is no easy feat. They could force turnovers against the Chiefs on Saturday, and though that's easier said than done, takeaways can often swing games.
C.J. Stroud and Justin Herbert trade interceptions!
Houston comes away with the latest one. #NFL pic.twitter.com/MxciWkZFSW
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 11, 2025
The matchups aren't ideal for the Chiefs, who have had plenty of injuries at the WR position. But if cornerbacks Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. can both continue playing at a high level, they could blanket opposing teams' receivers throughout the rest of the season.
Further big components of the defense are defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., who have both had stellar seasons. The pair has combined for 23.0 sacks, and both ranked inside the top 10 at taking quarterbacks down behind the line of scrimmage this year. Anderson has been an absolute force, doing so in just 14 games played.
Thank god for Will Anderson Jr pic.twitter.com/e2n6aBF4Lm
— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) January 11, 2025
Anderson's impact has been massive. He's been incredibly disruptive, often blowing up plays and demolishing the timing of the offenses, killing their drives, forcing negative plays, and refusing to allow the opposing offense to get into a rhythm. Hunter and Anderson, when healthy, could present serious problems for opposing offenses, limiting their scoring potential greatly.
Additionally, if quarterback C.J. Stroud knows what's good for him and wants to win his game, he'll get the ball to elite wide receiver Nico Collins early and often. Despite Stroud's struggles, Collins has cemented himself as one of the NFL's best.
The C.J. Stroud vintage deep post anticipation throw to Nico Collins.
A lot of good times in 2023 with this play. pic.twitter.com/IDQcRGZXyX
— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) January 14, 2025
The run game will also be crucial, but luckily for them, it's been in good hands. Though running back Joe Mixon has struggled lately, he's shown that he can be highly productive if the blocking holds up.
The final rushing touchdown against Los Angeles was probably the most realized version of the offense DeMeco Ryans & Bobby Slowik dreamed for in 2024.
Condensed set. 12-personnel. Blocker in motion. O-Line does their job and Joe Mixon has the juice.
Need more of it #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/9mlyaHPCj6
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) January 14, 2025
If the defense continues playing hot, there aren't a ton of injuries, Collins is targeted generously, and the run game can get going in all the games they play, the Texans have a solid chance of winning it all.
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