NFLSep 26
Texans face urgent Colts test as winless start threatens playoff ambitions
Houston has recovered from a worse opening before, but a struggling ground game and a defense still seeking its first takeaway leave little room for comfort.
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History raises the stakes
The Texans head to Indianapolis at 0-2, facing a Colts team in the same position and a matchup that could sharply narrow the loser’s playoff path. Houston knows a poor start need not end a season. In 2025, the Texans recovered from 0-3 by going 12-2 the rest of the way to reach the postseason. Their defense powered that turnaround, leading the NFL in points allowed per drive from Week 4 onward. But that recovery was an exception. Since 2002, 102 teams have opened 0-3. Just four finished in positions that would qualify for the current playoff field, an advancement rate of 3.9%. That count includes teams that missed the postseason under the smaller format.
Houston needs more than another defensive rescue
The Texans’ defense has faced difficult early assignments against Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, but its results have fallen short of last season’s standard. Houston ranks 19th in points allowed per drive and 23rd in EPA per play, with no takeaways through two games. The running game offers another concern. Despite adding David Montgomery and investing in the offensive line, Houston ranks 30th in yards per carry on designed runs. Montgomery has averaged 2.7 yards per attempt. Availability has complicated matters: Ed Ingram missed the Bengals game, while Braden Smith is on injured reserve with a foot injury. Short-yardage failures against Cincinnati also helped push coach DeMeco Ryans toward an unsuccessful 58-yard field-goal attempt rather than another conversion try.
Buccaneers also searching for answers
Tampa Bay’s 0-2 opening has extended concerns after last season’s slide from 6-2 to missing the playoffs. The Buccaneers lost to Cincinnati after surrendering four takeaways, then suffered a home defeat against Cleveland following a lengthy lightning delay. For Houston and Tampa Bay alike, a turnaround remains possible. The immediate task is fixing the mistakes that have made their playoff ambitions more precarious.
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