'Potential To Be Really Hot!' Texans Could Surprise In Playoffs Says Ian Rapoport

The Texans have enjoyed a tremendous one-year turnaround under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans.

The Houston Texans have enjoyed a tremendous one-year turnaround under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Ryans brought a new attitude and culture to the Texans - who had won just seven games combined over their last two seasons. Now, entering Week 18 in Ryans' first season, Houston sits at 9-7 and on the cusp of its first postseason appearance since 2019.

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If they can get there, NFL analyst Ian Rapoport thinks the Texans could surprise a team and do some damage early.

"Obviously they missed C.J. Stroud for a couple of weeks with a concussion and seemed to take a little step back with Case Keenum. Now they're back rolling again. 

"They have the possibility of coming in [to the playoffs] really hot with all the young prized possessions and the two high picks - assuming Will Anderson plays - who are absolutely balling this year. This team has the potential - if they make it - to be really hot and surprise someone."

If Houston can beat the Colts on Saturday, they're in. If Indy comes out on top, then Houston needs help. There are several scenarios for them to get in as the AFC South champion, the No. 6 seed and the No. 7 seed.

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The important thing for the Texans is to just get in. That would be an amazing accomplishment for a team that finished 2022 at 3-13-1 and overhauled the whole thing. With a win, the team can get to 10 wins for only the fifth time in team history.

And once they get there, they have an opportunity to ride the hot hand of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud - and then anything can happen.