Betting expert thinks Texans will miss playoffs despite elite defense: Is he wrong?

Fortenbaugh noted this was a good win for Houston but also pointed out the fact that Thursday night games this late in the season tend to be misleading. He referred back to Joe Flacco leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a surprise 33-31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.

He acknowledged that Houston's defense was great on Thursday night at home before former NFL QB and current analyst Dan Orlovsky chimed in with a much different viewpoint.

"That defense has been great all year. It's been the best defense in football all year," Orlovsky said. "This defense has kept them afloat. I think this team's in (the playoffs). After watching this team play last night, I think they're gonna get in. One, this defense needs to be in just for the sake of football. I think you guys saw the stat last night, no defense that's led the league in points and yards has never not made the playoffs. What this has done, not only has it kept them afloat, this has put a ton of pressure on C.J. Stroud when he comes back."

The Texans look like a playoff team right now

Sure, that may have been a bad spot for Buffalo to be in after outlasting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a shootout on Sunday. However, it should not discredit what Houston's defense has been able to do all season. It kept Allen from making big plays the entire game and continues to make its case for the top overall defense, something linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair claimed after the win.

Houston (6-5) has now won three straight and six of its last eight since beginning the season 0-3. The offense is still a work in progress after amassing 261 total yards and going 2-of-12 on third down Thursday night. Quarterback Davis Mills, who filled in admirably for the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion) and won the last three games, realizes this is still Stroud's team and there is no QB competition going forward.

Stroud has not been great when he has played, throwing 11 TDs and five interceptions, but he has been sacked 17 times. The Texans have struggled on the road, but the Colts and Chiefs have each shown some flaws of their own, presenting more optimism for the Texans.

No team has made the playoffs after starting 0-3 since the league expanded to a 14-team format in 2020. With a strong defense leading the way, the Texans are in position to change that.