TEXANS NEWSLETTER: Final stretch of the season begins

HOUSTON – Hi Texans fans! This is KPRC 2 Sports Director Randy McIlvoy checking in with your early week Texans Newsletter.

• How Texans are handling Azeez Al-Shaair suspension: ‘Going to hurt losing Azeez, we’re onto Miami’

FINAL STRETCH AHEAD

After 13 grueling weeks of football the Texans finally enjoyed their bye week. What a grind it was leading up to the break. Houston sits right now at 8-5 and are in control of the AFC South.

Texans 8-5

Colts 6-7

Jaguars 3-10

Titans 3-10

So with the AFC South Title a near lock, it’s still about taking care of business in December with a stretch that’s been talked about and circled on the calendar since the schedule release came out in May.

What do you think about a stretch against the Dolphins ( NRG on Dec. 15), at KC ( Dec. 21) , and a few days later the Ravens ( NRG Christmas Day). What a run that will be !

I think the Texans will go 2-1 in that stretch losing only to the Chiefs. That would get Houston to 10-6 with one left at Tennessee on January 5th.

• How Texans stand after bye, what needs improvement for 8-5 squad before tough stretch: ‘We’ve got a good football team’

EYE ON THE POSTSEASON

If the playoffs were to start today the Texans , as AFC South champs, would host on Wild-card weekend. Here’s a look at the matchups as of now.

1st seed Chiefs (bye)

2nd seed Bills vs 7th seed Broncos

3rd seed Steelers vs. 6th seed Ravens

4th seed Texans vs. 5th seed Chargers

Buckle up! It’s about to get fun!

READ MORE:

• Why Texans, Nick Caserio are so mad about Azeez Al-Shaair suspension, portrayal: ‘unfair, inconsistent, bull----’
• How Texans bruising running back Joe Mixon is ‘leader, piece we needed,’ brings ‘dawg mentality, grit’ to offense
• Texans designate linebacker Christian Harris for return: ‘Looks like himself physically, in a really good spot’
• Former Texans starting corner Steven Nelson ends retirement, joins Chiefs’ practice squad
• Source: Texans sign injured tight end Brevin Jordan to one-year, $2.1 million contract extension
• Appeal denied: Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension stays at three games: ‘I’ll be your villain, see you soon’
• Retired quarterback Tom Brady sticks up for Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair, J.J. Watt says suspension ‘extremely harsh’
• Why Texans, Nick Caserio are so mad about Azeez Al-Shaair suspension, portrayal: ‘unfair, inconsistent, bull----’
• “I Didn’t Expect to Be Traded. I Was Shocked” - Kovalenko on His Trade from the Avalanche to the Sharks