Houston Texans Could Rush into the Playoffs in 2009

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Furthermore, the Texans need to perform better on the road. Last season, Houston was 6-2 at home and 2-6 on the road. The only road games the Texans won were against the Cleveland Browns and the Green Bay Packers. Both of those teams failed to make the playoffs with a combined 10-22.

Houston was outscored on the road 214-160. The Texans lost three of six road games by at least 10 points. However, to the Texans' credit, four of six of their road losses were to teams that made playoffs.

The Texans were outscored 130-77 in those games. Houston was 2-2 on the road against teams that missed the playoffs, and was about even with its opponents, who scored 84 to the Texans 83.

In 2009, only four of eight road games are against playoff teams. The Texans visit the Titans in Week Two, the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals in Week Five, the Colts in Week Nine, and the Dolphins in Week 16.

The other four road games for the Texans are the Bengals in Week Six, the Bills in Week Eight, the Jaguars in Week 13, and the Rams in Week 15. For Houston to make the playoffs, they need to win three out of four road games against non-playoff teams and at least one against playoff teams.

Finally, the Texans need to take advantage of their schedule. In 2009, only six games are against last year’s playoff teams. Besides their four road games against playoff teams, the Texans host division foes Tennessee and Indianapolis. Last season the Texans defeated all of their opponents at home that missed the playoffs (6-0).

In 2009, the Texans face the NFC West in interconference play. The Arizona Cardinals were the only team that made the playoffs in that division last season. The Rams, Seahawks and the 49ers all picked in the top 10 of the draft.

All and in all, if the Texans can dominate at home again and at least go .500 on the road, they could make a bull rush into the playoffs.

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