Texans Advance to AFC Divisional Round With Win vs. Browns; Who's Next?

The Houston Texans will have to wait to see who their next opponent will be as they advance to the Divisional Round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs following a 45-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns Saturday night at NRG Stadium. With the Texans being the first team to advance, they will have to wait until the end of the Wild Card round to see who their next opponent will be.  

With the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Miami Dolphins 26-7, the Texans are likely on their way to Baltimore to face the top-seeded Ravens. Houston began the 2023 regular season with a 25-9 defeat to the Ravens on Sept. 10.

Houston Texans' tight end Dalton Schultz / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

However, a Pittsburgh Steelers' upset over the Buffalo Bills is the only way the Texans will avoid facing the Ravens.

A Steelers' victory would give Houston a chance to revenge their 2019 AFC Divisional Round loss in Kansas City. Due to a winter storm, the Bills and Steelers will play their Wild Card match on Monday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.

The Texans have relied upon hard work and faith to exceed the low preseason expectations of the general public. And they will continue to rely upon their foundation during the Divisional Round. 

Texans Show How 'Special' 2023 Has Been in Wild Card Win vs. Browns

“One week at a time —our team was confident," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "We were confident coming in. You have to be confident in these moments. We're not shying away from that. We're a confident team. 

"We believe in each other. We know we have a special group of men in this locker room, and that's what it's all about. It's one game at a time. Continue to go out, don't make the moment bigger than what it is. Go out and execute, play relentless football, and we'll be exactly where we want to be."