The Houston Texans are back in the playoffs for the fourth time in the last six years. Back-to-back AFC South champions play at home against the Buffalo Bills who ended the season with back to back losses. Deshaun Watson is still in search of his first playoff win as he steps out in front of the home crowd.
J.J. Watt’s Return
The Houston Texans welcome back three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. Watt missed a majority of the season with a pectoral injury. While he will still be on limited reps, he instantly elevates your team at the most important level, rushing the passer. The Texans really need the help in stopping the Buffalo’s rushing attack. They have struggled, but with Watt’s return that could change.
Before the injury, Watt had four sacks and led the league in quarterback hits at that time. Josh Allen is making his debut in the postseason and knowing that a fresh and motivated J.J. Watt is coming after you could make him a littler nervous. It could force him out of the pocket or disrupt his timing while he is on the field.
Running Game
Similar to the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans have a two-headed running machine on their offense. Both running back Carlos Hyde and Deshaun Watson are able to get a first down, and more, with their legs. Establishing a run game has been the team’s key to success all season. The Texans are 7-0 when Hyde had more than 17 carries.
Hyde is having a career year rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. If they are able to establish a run game against a tough Bills defense and open up the passing game for DeAndre Hopkins? That is all that the Texans could ever ask for.
