The Texans’ league-best nine-game winning streak has not necessarily gone unnoticed, but’s it’s been quiet enough that any mention of this team’s contention for a postseason bye—and, therefore, a Super Bowl run—brings a subtle jolt of surprise. At 9-3, the Texans are currently the No. 3 seed in the AFC (tied with the Patriots—Houston loses the tiebreaker due to a season-opening loss in New England—and a game behind the Chiefs). Can they make a run in January?
Houston’s defense is more than capable. Up front, J.J. Watt looks like his old self, Jadeveon Clowney has dominated playing more reps inside where his explosiveness is maximized, and linebacker Zach Cunningham is operating with the athleticism that made him a 2017 second-round pick.