The Texans will look to returning rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to provide the spark as their week 17 game against the Titans in a must win encounter.
Houston need to win out, defeating Tennessee this week and the Colts in week 18.
Their fate rests in the hands of a rookie returning from a concussion. Not propitious, but not unimaginable.
Stroud is throwing 279.3 yards per game and could be contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Texans defeated the Titans 19-16 in week 15 but suffered a playoff blow when they were shunted off the park by the Cleveland Browns.
The last time they met the Houston defense limited Derrick Henry to nine yards from 16 attempts, and will need to dig deep again.
Stroud enjoyed a sensational college semifinal last year when the Buckeyes lost out to Georgia. Ohio may have come off second that day, but it was Stroud that came out smelling like roses.
