Houston Texans Week 13 Preview

Introduction

After a rollercoaster ride in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, where the Houston Texans fell short with a 27-32 loss, the team is gearing up for a crucial Week 13 matchup. The Texans showcased some impressive stats, particularly in offensive drive efficiency, but also had their share of hiccups with turnovers. As we delve into the numbers, we’ll explore how the Texans’ performance has evolved and what to expect in their upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Power Ranking

The Texans’ power ranking has seen a slight uptick, moving from 18th in Week 12 to 16th in Week 13, with a win rate against a median opponent now sitting at 53.6%. While still in the bottom half of the league, this improvement reflects a growing confidence within the squad. The Texans are favored by 4.5 points in their next matchup, indicating that the betting markets have taken notice of their potential for a bounce-back performance.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Texans have demonstrated a commendable overall drive efficiency, ranking 9th in the league as of Week 12 and improving to 5th in Week 13. This is a testament to their ability to move the chains and sustain drives. However, the two turnovers in the previous game against the Titans are a stark reminder that efficiency alone isn’t enough to secure victories. The Texans will need to capitalize on their drives and convert opportunities into points if they want to elevate their standing further.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

On the defensive side, the Texans ranked 13th in defensive drive efficiency in Week 12, which slightly dipped to 14th in Week 13. This indicates that while the defense has been relatively effective at stalling opponents, there’s still room for improvement. The Texans have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency is key. Against the Jaguars, they will need to tighten up and prevent long drives that can wear down the defense and lead to scoring opportunities for their opponents.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

The Texans’ offensive drive efficiency has been a bright spot, moving from 9th in Week 12 to an impressive 5th in Week 13. This jump is indicative of the offense finding its rhythm and executing plays effectively. The ability to convert on third downs and maintain possession will be crucial as they face a Jaguars team that has shown resilience. If the Texans can keep their foot on the gas and avoid turnovers, they’ll be in a strong position to control the game.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Texans have struggled with defensive turnover efficiency, ranking 27th in the league. This is a glaring area for improvement, as generating turnovers can swing momentum and provide critical short fields for the offense. The Texans will need to step up their game in this department against the Jaguars, who have shown they can capitalize on mistakes. Creating turnovers will be essential for the Texans to not only stop drives but also to give their offense more opportunities to score.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the flip side, the Texans’ offensive turnover efficiency has been a concern, especially after recording two turnovers against the Titans. This has them ranked 23rd in the league. The Texans need to prioritize ball security moving forward, as turnovers can be devastating, especially in close games. The upcoming matchup against the Jaguars will require the Texans to play smart football, minimizing mistakes and maximizing scoring chances.

Drive Time

The Texans rank 27th in drive time, indicating that they tend to take longer to move the ball down the field. While this can be beneficial for controlling the clock, it also means they need to be efficient in their execution. The ability to balance quick scoring drives with time-consuming ones will be crucial against the Jaguars, who can put points on the board quickly. The Texans must find a way to strike that balance to keep their defense fresh and their offense productive.

Preview For Next Week

As the Texans prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13, the stakes are high. The simulations from advancedfootballstats.com predict a favorable outcome for the Texans, with a 72% chance of winning and a 61.4% likelihood of covering the spread. The over/under is set at 43.5 points, with the most common projected score being Texans 27, Jaguars 19. If the Texans can capitalize on their offensive efficiency and improve their turnover situation, they have a solid chance to secure a much-needed victory and build momentum heading into the latter part of the season.

Conclusion

The Houston Texans are on the cusp of turning their season around, and the upcoming matchup against the Jaguars presents a prime opportunity to do just that. With improvements in offensive drive efficiency and a solid power ranking, the Texans have the tools they need to succeed. However, they must address their turnover issues and tighten up defensively to truly capitalize on their potential. As we look forward to Week 13, it’s time for the Texans to put their best foot forward and show the league what they’re made of.

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Houston Texans' journey throughout the 2024 NFL season.