Houston Texans Week 12 Preview

Introduction

The Houston Texans are riding high after their narrow victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, edging them out 21-16. With a solid performance that showcased both grit and determination, the Texans are looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let's dive into the numbers from last week and see how they stack up as we move forward in the season.

Power Ranking

Currently sitting at 14th in the power rankings, the Texans have a win rate of 54.0% against a median opponent. While this places them in the bottom half of the league, it's important to note that they are on the cusp of breaking into the upper echelon. A strong performance against the Jaguars could propel them into a more favorable position, especially as the playoff race heats up. The Texans are like that kid in gym class who’s always just a little bit behind but is ready to sprint ahead when the moment calls for it.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Texans ranked 11th in overall drive efficiency, showing that they have the ability to move the ball effectively down the field. This is a step up from previous weeks, and it highlights the offense's ability to sustain drives despite the three turnovers they committed against Arizona. The key will be to maintain this efficiency while minimizing mistakes, as turnovers can quickly derail even the best-laid plans.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

On the defensive side, the Texans sit at 18th in defensive drive efficiency. While this isn't exactly a cause for celebration, it does indicate that there is room for improvement. The defense needs to tighten up and prevent opposing offenses from gaining too much ground. The Cardinals managed to move the ball for 319 yards, which is a reminder that the Texans need to step up their game in this area to avoid giving the Jaguars any easy opportunities.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

The Texans' offensive drive efficiency ranks 12th, indicating that they are capable of putting together effective drives. However, the three turnovers against the Cardinals highlight a critical area for improvement. If they can convert those drives into points without giving the ball away, they’ll be a force to reckon with. Consistency will be key as they face a Jaguars team that has shown they can capitalize on mistakes.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

Unfortunately, the Texans find themselves at 22nd in defensive turnover efficiency. This means they are not generating turnovers at a rate that would be beneficial for their overall success. With the Jaguars coming to town, who have been known to take risks, the Texans will need to find a way to create those crucial turnovers. A timely interception or fumble recovery could swing the momentum in their favor.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On a brighter note, the Texans are second in offensive turnover efficiency. This means they are doing a great job of maintaining possession of the ball, which is crucial in the NFL. However, the three turnovers against the Cardinals were a stark reminder that even the best teams can falter. If they can continue to protect the ball while also improving their drive efficiency, they can become a formidable opponent for any team.

Drive Time

The Texans rank 6th in drive time, which means they are taking their sweet time moving down the field. This can be a double-edged sword: while it allows them to control the clock and keep their defense rested, it can also lead to missed opportunities if they don't capitalize on their drives. The key will be finding a balance between maintaining possession and being efficient with their time on the field.

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to Week 12, the Texans will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are favored by 1.5 points. The simulations from advancedfootballstats.com predict a close contest, with the Texans projected to score 24 points and the Jaguars 27 points. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning. The Texans will need to bring their A-game, especially on defense, to slow down the Jaguars' offense and capitalize on any mistakes they make.

Conclusion

The Texans have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but consistency will be the name of the game as they head into this pivotal matchup against the Jaguars. With their current stats, they have the potential to turn things around and make a serious push for the playoffs. Fans should be excited as this team continues to grow and develop throughout the season. Let's hope they can harness the energy from their recent victory and carry it into Week 12!

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Houston Texans' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.