Houston Texans playoff watch: Stock up in Week 14
The Houston Texans control their own path to the 2018 NFL Playoffs, and on Sunday afternoon there is a chance they can stamp their ticket to the playoffs and the AFC South championship too.
The stock is up for the Houston Texans in terms of making the 2018 NFL Playoffs entering Week 14. That is because they’ve won nine straight games and have a three-game lead in the AFC South with four games left on the regular season schedule.
This Sunday the Texans face the Indianapolis Colts, who are 6-6 overall and three game back of the Texans. Houston defeated the Colts back in Week 4 this season at 37-34 in overtime.
Houston has achieved the success of where they sit in the NFL standings because of the play from the offense showing improvement and the defense playing at an excellent level.
One player on each side of the ball that have put the Texans in the top spot who haven’t been the stars of the headlines include Alfred Blue on offense and Benardrick McKinney on defense.
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In looking at Blue, the reserve running back averages 3.5 yards per carry is one of the unsung players on the roster. Blue has 128 carries for 446 yards and one touchdown. Blue may only have a season long rush of 17 yards, but he’s done well enough to keep his roster spot when called upon.
The reserve running back, Blue, is graded nicely by Pro Football Focus this season. PFF has Blue graded as a 63 out of 100 overall at running back, and his run blocking ability is graded at 72. Blue has been important with his blocking abilities this season and that has helped the Texans have their stock up going into Week 14.
On defense, McKinney is second on the Texans in tackles with 84 total, including 53 solo at inside linebacker. McKinney also this season has one forced fumble and 1.5 sacks. His run defense has been excellent with a PFF grade of 82.8 which is exceptional for the Texans defense.
Houston is moving in the correct direction with the destination being an AFC South championship and a trip to the playoffs. They are in control and going into Week 14 the stock is up and the excitement level is just as high for fans of the franchise.
Next. Texans less than TD favorite over Colts in Week 14. dark
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