NFL Playoffs 2012: The Most Desirable Road for the Houston Texans to Reach Indy

Before this article even starts off, let me clarify that I do not by any means consider the Houston Texans a favorite to be holding up the Lombardi trophy come February.

Then again, stranger things have happened. The 10-6 AFC South champions have adopted the motto of “next man up” throughout an injury-plagued 2011 season.

They have seen their starting QB and backup QB go down in Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart.

They have lost their No. 1 overall selection, Mario Williams, on the defensive side of the ball for the year, as well as a safety, a wide receiver, a punter and other starters who have spent a lot of time riding the bench rather than being on the field.

Many analysts and writers such as myself consider them a strong favorite to claim victory in the 2013 Super Bowl, but why can’t they shock the world and do it a year early? I believe if they can face the right opponents, this goal is achievable. 

They play the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday, and many believe they will be one-and-done. I view things a little differently.

Like I said, I don’t view them as a favorite, and honestly if I was putting money down, I’d place my financial investment on the side of the Bengals.

However, the Texans have more of a chance than you think in this game.

They won their first matchup earlier in the year against Cincy by a score of 20-19 on a last second TD. The Bengals have been impressive this year, but I wonder if Andy Dalton and A.J. Green can handle the pressure of what the postseason has in store.

I know, T.J. Yates is also a rookie, but the players around him are hungry. Andre Johnson is considered the best WR in football by many, and he will be hungry to go deep in the playoffs in his first appearance. Look for him to have a huge game.

The defense is strong, and having Wade Phillips back on the sideline will be huge. Look for Phillips to throw schemes at QB Dalton that will have him struggling early. If the defense can hold them to about 14 points, the Texans will make it past Wild Card Weekend.

Then comes their matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore defeated the Texans in Week 6, as Arian Foster struggled against the stout defense putting up just 49 yards.

If he can find a way to grind out a bit more yardage, and Yates can avoid turning the ball over, the Texans have a chance in this game as well.

Baltimore, in my opinion, has the best chance to beat the Texans in the AFC because they have such a strong defense. If Houston can manage to sneak away with a win, the Texans road to Indy becomes a lot more achievable.

I do not believe Tebow can beat the Steelers, however I think the Patriots will be too much to handle for a Rashard Mendenhall-less Pittsburgh, meaning Tom Brady and the Pats will stand in Houston’s way in the AFC Championship Game.

The Patriots defense is terrible, and the Texans have one of the best in the league. Once again, Phillips' defensive genius will need to be outstanding to shut down Brady’s amazing offense. Gronkowski will have to be shut down as well as Wes Welker if Houston wants to have a chance.

If the defense can play up to expectations, and Yates can find a way to keep the ball in the hands of his own players, Houston has a shot. Head Coach Gary Kubiak will have to call plays as if Schaub was in the backfield instead of his third-string QB, because a conservative game plan spells doom for the Texans. Go all out, it’s the playoffs. If Yates can handle that pressure, they will play in February.

I believe that New Orleans will be the opponent, and this is where even optimism doesn’t seem like it will be enough.

At this point, Texans fans just have to hope to catch lightening in a bottle. Drew Brees holds the NFL record for passing yards as well as completion percentage, and the weapons at his disposal are outstanding. If the Texans were at full strength like they were in the Week 3 matchup, this would be a game. With a depleted roster, I don’t believe they could get it done.

Stranger things can happen, though. Even with a loss, to even reach the Super Bowl this year would be an outstanding achievement for the 2011 Texans team, and will set up 2012 as the most promising season in team history.

Follow Brandon Wheeland on Twitter @BrandonWheeland