Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is poised for a potential Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) season as he showcases impressive performances during training camp. After a breakout rookie season with 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, Anderson's quickness and agility have stood out, particularly in OTA sessions. In a recent practice, he demonstrated his skills by sacking quarterback Davis Mills after swiftly getting past offensive lineman Tytus Howard. His ability to dominate in drills could play a pivotal role in the Texans' defensive success this season.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to remain sidelined during voluntary OTA practices, marking the second consecutive media-open session where he has refrained from throwing the football. In the absence of Stroud, backup quarterback Davis Mills has assumed the role of primary signal-caller, taking the majority of first- and second-team snaps. Coach DeMeco Ryans noted that players operate on different schedules concerning their participation levels, leaving uncertainty surrounding Stroud's situation as he has only engaged in basic warm-ups and non-throwing drills.

The Houston Texans secured a 23-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans, ending a two-game losing streak. Running back Dameon Pierce shone with 176 rushing yards and a remarkable 92-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Davis Mills contributed with 128 passing yards while the Titans' Will Levis recorded 175 passing yards and one touchdown.

This matchup was marked by playful banter, as the Texans mocked the Titans for donning Oilers-themed uniforms, turning the Oilers logo into an 'L.'

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders pulled off a thrilling 23-19 win against the Dallas Cowboys. Led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, the Commanders orchestrated an impressive last-minute drive, culminating in a touchdown from Terry McLaurin. This victory marked the Commanders' best season since 1991, prompting them to celebrate with jabs at their rivals.

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their season with a 30-25 win over the Los Angeles Rams, thanks to quarterback Geno Smith's four touchdown passes. Despite the loss, the Rams engaged in some lighthearted trolling of the Seahawks' celebratory moments.

In a remarkable performance, Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce rushed for a career-high 176 yards, including a stunning 92-yard touchdown run, leading his team to a 23-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale. Coach DeMeco Ryans commended Pierce's efforts, calling it a significant moment for the third-year player who had not reached 100 yards in a game since November 2022.

Pierce's touchdown, the second-longest in Texans history, showcased his resilience and ability to make plays under pressure. After overcoming injuries and a reduced role in the season, Pierce's standout performance comes as a pivotal moment for the Texans heading into the playoffs.

The NFL's annual playoff race often highlights star quarterbacks, but injuries to key players like Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa raise questions about backup options for playoff contenders. As teams gear up for the postseason, the effectiveness of their second-string quarterbacks could be crucial in navigating the challenges posed by injuries.

In a recent ranking of backup quarterbacks for projected playoff teams, Carson Wentz of the Kansas City Chiefs tops the list. Despite a rocky career, his experience and skill set make him a valuable asset for a team with championship aspirations. Following Wentz is Jimmy Garoppolo, who, although yet to play a snap for the Los Angeles Rams, brings significant playoff experience from his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

Other notable backups include Justin Fields of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has shown promise in a limited role, and Kenny Pickett, who has faced challenges stepping in for Jalen Hurts with the Philadelphia Eagles. Malik Willis of the Green Bay Packers and Teddy Bridgewater of the Detroit Lions also feature prominently, showcasing their adaptability in run-heavy schemes.

As the rankings continue, players like Marcus Mariota and Davis Mills represent the diverse skill sets that backups bring to their teams. The list also highlights the importance of experience, with veterans like Taylor Heinicke and Mitch Trubisky adding depth to their respective rosters. Ultimately, the ability of these second-string quarterbacks to perform under pressure could determine the playoff fate of their teams.