Analyzing the Texans Potential First Round Foes
By Josh McSwain
The Texans are in the playoffs and have locked up the four seed. There are three different teams that the Texans could see in the first round. Let’s look at them one by one:
Oakland Raiders
During the first meeting, the Raiders won 27-20 in Mexico City. That game was marred by the laser pointer guy and officiating errors. The Raiders had Derek Carr in that game but will not in this one. Matt McGloin will likely be the starter the rest of the way with Connor Cook as the backup. Really tough break for a team making their first playoff appearance since 2002.
The Raiders are one of six teams in the league that have scored more than 400 points entering week 17. So even without Carr they still will be able to make plays as they have many playmakers with Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree and Latavius Murray, among others. But can the defense make plays?
Khalil Mack is basically the entirety of the Raiders defense. He has 11 sacks, ranking in the top 10 league wide again. His 68 tackles show that he’s also strong against the run, even though they as a whole have struggled with a 4.6 yards per carry allowed. They rank 28th in yards allowed and 19th in points allowed this season.
The Texans will play the Raiders if the Raiders lose in Denver on Sunday AND the Chiefs win in San Diego.