Houston’s playoff push in 2025 hinges on development during training camp and final roster decisions. DeMeco Ryans praised the week of growth across the Texans’ unit after a 20-3 preseason win, stressing the hard choices ahead to trim to 53.

Bubble players like C.J. Stroud’s offense-mesh, Kedon Slovis as a potential backup, and a trio of receiver candidates—Braxton Berrios, John Metchie III, and Justin Watson—shaped the takeaways from the win. Depth at tight end with Irv Smith Jr. and Luke Lachey offered both veteran presence and youth, while the defensive backs Kamari Lassiter, D’Angelo Ross, and Jaylin Smith flashed enough to stay in the conversation.

Fantasy angles center on Stroud’s continued comfort and efficiency, Slovis’s path behind him, and which WRs land the final spots. The camp storyline is less about start and more about who can separate with consistent, game-like play as Houston prepares for Week 1 and a grind-through-cut period.

Derek Stingley and the Houston Texans achieved their goal of forcing turnovers, dominating the Los Angeles Chargers in a wild-card playoff game with a final score of 32-12. The Texans' defense was relentless, with Stingley intercepting two passes from quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw a career-high four interceptions during the match. Eric Murray also made a significant impact by returning one of those interceptions for a touchdown, while C.J. Stroud connected with Nico Collins for a touchdown pass.

Despite a shaky start, the Texans rallied to take the lead before halftime. Stroud's resilience helped the team overcome early setbacks, and his crucial plays energized the Texans' offense. This victory marks Stroud's second consecutive playoff win in his first two seasons, joining the ranks of notable quarterbacks who have achieved similar feats.

The Houston Texans delivered a crushing blow to the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC wild-card playoff with a decisive 32-12 victory, marking a disappointing end to a season filled with hope. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had a dismal performance, throwing a career-high four interceptions, including a pick-six that proved pivotal. This marked a stark contrast to the Chargers’ previous offensive success, as their recent scoring surge against weaker opponents was quickly exposed by the Texans' formidable defense.

Despite Herbert's struggles, he managed to connect for an 86-yard touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey, momentarily narrowing the Texans' lead. However, the Chargers' inability to convert on critical plays, compounded by a blocked extra point attempt, underscored their reputation for faltering in crucial moments. C.J. Stroud, the Texans' quarterback, showcased resilience, turning a fumbled snap into a touchdown pass and guiding his team to a solid halftime lead.