Houston Texans Week 18 Preview

Introduction

As we wrap up the 2024 NFL season, the Houston Texans find themselves reflecting on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. After a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, the Texans are eager to bounce back in their final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. With the season drawing to a close, let’s dive into the numbers and see how the Texans fared last week and what we can expect in the upcoming matchup.

Power Ranking

The Texans’ power ranking took a dip this week, landing at 20 with a win rate of 48.8% against a median opponent. This is a notable drop from the previous week when they ranked 15th with a 53.2% win rate. It’s a stark reminder that consistency is key in the NFL, and while the Texans have shown flashes of brilliance, they need to find a way to translate that into more victories. The good news? They still have a shot to improve their standing in the final game of the season.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Texans have been impressive in terms of overall drive efficiency, ranking 2nd in the league. This is a testament to their ability to move the ball effectively down the field, even in the face of adversity. However, the Ravens game showcased the need for improvement in converting those drives into points, as they only managed to score 2 points despite racking up 211 yards. The Texans must capitalize on their efficiency and turn those yards into touchdowns if they want to finish the season strong.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

The Texans’ defense has been a bit of a mixed bag this season, currently sitting at 16th in defensive drive efficiency. This ranking indicates that while they can occasionally stifle opposing offenses, they have also allowed too many successful drives. In the Ravens game, they surrendered 432 yards, which is a glaring indication that they need to tighten up their defensive schemes. As they prepare to face the Titans, the Texans will need to find a way to disrupt their offensive rhythm and force them into mistakes.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

On the offensive side, the Texans have been stellar, ranking 2nd in offensive drive efficiency. This means they are great at moving the chains and keeping the offense on the field. However, as previously mentioned, they struggled to convert that efficiency into points against the Ravens. The Texans need to maintain their high level of drive efficiency but also focus on execution in the red zone. If they can do that, they’ll have a much better chance of putting points on the board against the Titans.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Texans’ defensive turnover efficiency has been a point of concern, as they have struggled to generate turnovers throughout the season. With a ranking of 16th, they are right in the middle of the pack, but they need to step it up if they want to change the course of their games. The Ravens game was a missed opportunity, as they failed to force any turnovers, allowing the Ravens to control the game. Against the Titans, creating turnovers could be the key to flipping the script and securing a win.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

The Texans have been relatively good at maintaining possession, with a solid offensive turnover efficiency. However, they did have one turnover against the Ravens, which proved costly in a game where points were hard to come by. Ranking in the upper half of the league, the Texans need to ensure they protect the ball against the Titans, as turnovers can be game-changers. If they can keep the ball out of the Titans’ hands, they’ll increase their chances of coming out on top.

Drive Time

When it comes to drive time, the Texans are ranked 28th in the league, indicating that they take longer to move the ball down the field. While this can be beneficial in controlling the clock, it can also lead to missed opportunities, especially when quick scores are needed. The Texans need to find a balance between maintaining possession and increasing the pace of their drives. Against the Titans, who are known for their strong defense, quick and efficient drives will be crucial for success.

Preview For Next Week

As the Texans gear up to face the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, they’ll be looking to end the season on a high note. The Titans are favored by 1 point, but advancedfootballstats.com simulations give the Texans a 65.2% chance of winning. With a projected score of 23-17 in favor of the Texans, it seems the odds are in their favor. The Texans will need to leverage their offensive drive efficiency and capitalize on any defensive lapses by the Titans. If they can execute their game plan effectively and limit turnovers, they have a great chance to secure a victory and head into the offseason with some momentum.

Conclusion

The Houston Texans have shown resilience throughout the 2024 season, and as they prepare for their final game against the Titans, they have the opportunity to finish strong. By focusing on their strengths in offensive drive efficiency, tightening up their defense, and minimizing turnovers, they can turn their fortunes around and end the season on a positive note. Let’s hope for a thrilling matchup that showcases the Texans’ potential and sets the stage for an exciting offseason.

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.