After four straight losses to begin the year, the Houston Texans’ playoff chances looked all but over. Now, after back-to-back victories, the squad looks rejuvenated. Making the playoffs after a 0-4 start is nearly impossible (it has happened once). The Texans, however, started 0-3 last year and made the postseason (seventh team since 1979). This Houston squad has the talent to join the 1992 San Diego Chargers as the second team to make the playoffs after starting 0-4. Here are three reasons the Houston Texans’ playoff chances are still alive.
Texans’ quarterback C.J. Stroud had an abysmal performance in last year’s Wild Card playoff game versus the New England Patriots. Stroud finished with one touchdown and four interceptions on 20-of-47 passing. It got to the point where many asked for backup QB Davis Mills because he would not lose you the game, so to speak. That is exactly what Stroud did on that afternoon, which led to questions of whether Houston should even extend the former second-overall pick.
Stroud has shown plenty of mental fortitude, as last year’s ending has not carried over into 2026. The former Ohio State Buckeye has only thrown one INT this season, and it took him six weeks to do so. Stroud has also thrown nine TDs, has a QB rating over 100, and is second in the NFL in passing yards (1714).
The Houston Texans’ playoff chances start and end with Stroud. Last year’s ending could have broken many quarterbacks, but it seems to have made this one stronger.
The second reason the Houston Texans’ playoff chances are still alive is the receiving weapons that will soon be fully incorporated. One of the biggest questions about the Texans heading into 2026 was whether they had a legit WR2 behind Nico Collins. Second-year man Jaylin Noel has shown flashes, but Houston still traded for former fourth-overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. After a solid rookie campaign two years ago, Harrison became an afterthought in the Arizona Cardinals’ offense under new head coach Mike LaFleur.
In four games with the Arizona Cardinals this season, the former Buckeye had only five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Many questioned whether it was a matter of fit or a lack of development for Harrison, but either way, it was time for a change of scenery.
Harrison had three catches for 34 yards in his Texans debut in London last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Considering he played just 19 percent of the snaps, those numbers are solid. Although Harrison may not become the star many thought he was destined to be, he could still turn into a high-end WR2 in this new offense with his college QB.
The Texans also have more good news for receivers when head coach DeMeco Ryans announced that Tank Dell will make his season debut this coming week. Dell missed all of 2025 with a knee injury he suffered in Week 16 of 2024, including a dislocated knee, torn ligaments, and meniscus damage. Dell was a promising young receiver before the injury, so if he returns to form, this WR group could be something special.
The fortunes have changed quickly, and more opportunities to continue this positive trend should be on the horizon. Houston’s next four games include the New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts. On paper, these are all winnable games, and the Houston Texans’ playoff chances should increase drastically if all goes well.
The Giants have a shaky QB situation and are turning to J.J. McCarthy (who could not beat out Carson Wentz for the backup job with the Minnesota Vikings). The Chargers are 0-6, so there is no need to elaborate on that situation, as the record says it all.
Cleveland is a surprising 4-2, yes, but with a negative 16-point differential, it is fair to question how good they actually are. After all, they did lose to the New York Jets and barely beat a Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens team. The Colts are also a mess at 2-4 and just fired their general manager after losing to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.
It is totally on the board that around this time next month the Texans will suddenly be 6-4 and look like the team they were projected to be. The second-half schedule includes another Titans matchup, the Washington Commanders, who find ways not to win, and the Philadelphia Eagles and all their issues (get well soon, Jalen Hurts). Finishing the regular season at 10-7 is realistic, and that should be enough for Houston Texans’ playoff chances to become a reality.
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Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells once said, “You are what your record says you are.” On the other end, we have heard “this team is better than their record indicates” on numerous occasions. Based on what has transpired over the last two weeks, this Texans squad looks to be in the latter category. In Week Five, they dominated Tennessee as they should have, and in Week Six, Houston impressed with a win over a good Jaguars squad.
Houston has too much to remain near the bottom of the conference. The front four features two All-Pro-level edge rushers and a lockdown All-Pro cornerback. With Stroud playing the way he is, more weapons being incorporated, and the talent on defense, this team should continue trending upward.
The upcoming schedule should help the Houston Texans’ playoff chances, and all things considered, you cannot sleep on them. This is a playoff-caliber team that should still be playing in late January again this season.
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