From 2020 to 2022, the Texans did not win more than four games in a season. With the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Houston selected quarterback CJ Stroud from Ohio State. The Texans were not expected to be contenders entering this season, but Stroud won Rookie of the Year and elevated Houston to another level.
In 2023, the Texans went 10-7 and won the AFC South Championship. Riding on the success of Stroud’s rookie season, the Texans are expected to take another step forward in 2024. However, the Texans also struggled during the 2024 regular season, finishing with a 10-7 record. They won the AFC South again, but Stroud’s performance took a small step back. Houston beat the Chargers in the wild-card round, but now they must face the Chiefs in the divisional round. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Texans RB Joe Mixon is dealing with an ankle injury. Barring a setback, Mixon is expected to play Saturday.
Joe Mixon expected to start Saturday afternoon against Chiefs
from @GMFB: Looks like no Zay Flowers (knee) #ravens This week, at the same time #texans RB Joe Mixon is thought to have a chance to play Saturday vs. #chiefs. pic.twitter.com/nSAAUtLXM8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2025
In 2024, Joe Mixon enters his first season with the Houston Texans. After seven years with the Bengals, they made Mixon a free agent after 2023. Houston gave Mixon a three-year, $25.5 million contract. The 28-year-old RB started 14 of 17 games for the Texans in 2024 and missed three games due to injury. It was the fifth time in eight seasons that Mixon has rushed for more than 1,000 yards. His 11 rushing touchdowns in 2024 were the second-most of his career.
This past weekend, the Texans hosted the Chargers in the wild-card round. Despite winning the AFC South title, the Texans were at a disadvantage at home. That didn’t matter to Houston, who defeated the Chargers 32-12 and advanced to the divisional round. Joe Mixon carried the ball 25 times for 106 yards and a touchdown. The veteran RB was limited Wednesday and did not practice at all on Thursday. Mixon has had ankle issues all season. That’s why he missed three games early. Despite not practicing Thursday, Joe Mixon is expected to play in the divisional round game against Kansas City. Pass according to odds Online bettingthe Texans lead (+9) on the road against the Chiefs.
NOTE: Odds obtained via BetOnline. Accurate as of January 17, 2025
