From 2020 to 2022, the Texans have never won more than four games in a season. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Houston went second and drafted QB CJ Stroud out of Ohio State. Coming into the season, the Texans weren’t expected to be a contender, but Stroud won Rookie of the Year honors and took Houston to another level.
The Texans won the AFC South in 2023, going 10-7. With Stroud’s success as a rookie, the Texans were expected to take another step forward in 2024. However, the Texans struggled considerably during the 2024 regular season and finished 10-7. Once again they won the AFC South, but Stroud took small steps forward in his play. Houston won a playoff game against the Chargers in the wild-card round, but now 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 any setbacks, Mixon is expected to play Saturday.
Joe Mixon is expected to play against the Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.
at @GMFB: It looks like Jay Flower (knee) is missing. #crow during this week #Texans RB Joe Mixon is believed to have a real chance to play on Saturday. #Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/nSAAUtLXM8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2025
In 2024, Joe Mixon played his first season with the Houston Texans. After seven years with the Bengals, they allowed Mixon to become 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 Texas in 2024 and missed three due to injury. For the fifth time in eight seasons, Mixon rushed for more than 1,000 yards. His 11 rushing touchdowns in 2024 were the second-most of his career.
Last weekend, the Texans hosted the Chargers in the wild card round. Despite winning the AFC South, the Texans were underdogs at home. It didn’t matter to Houston, who advanced to the divisional round with a 32-12 win over the Chargers. Joe Mixon carried the ball 25 times for 106 rushing yards and a touchdown. The veteran RB was limited on Wednesday and did not practice at all on Thursday. Mixon suffered from ankle problems throughout the season. So I missed 3 games early on. Despite not practicing on Thursday, Joe Mixon is expected to play in the divisional round against Kansas City. According to odds via BetOnline, the Texans have odds of (+9) to win over the Chiefs.
Note: Odds via BetOnline. Accurate as of January 17, 2025
