Road to Super Bowl:
- Wild Card Round: at Steelers (30-6)
- Divisional Round: at Patriots (Sun., Jan. 18 | 3 p.m. ET | ESPN, ABC, NFL+ )
- Conference Championship: at Broncos/vs. Bills
Super Bowl odds: +850
After another uneven performance from C.J. Stroud and Co. on Wild Card Weekend, with Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins suffering a concussion, Houston’s offense does not breed confidence. The defense, on the other hand, commands respect across the globe — at least according to Calen Bullock.
“Shoot, I think everybody knows we are the best defense,” the Texans safety said after his unit completely stifled Pittsburgh in Monday’s 30-6 win, which was highlighted by a pair of defensive touchdowns, including one by Bullock himself. “The whole world knows that.”
Citizens of Seattle and Denver might feel differently, but Bullock’s bullishness certainly isn’t unfounded. Houston finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in total defense and No. 2 in scoring D (17.4 ppg, just behind Seattle’s top mark of 17.2). The Texans arguably have the best edge-rushing duo (Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter) and cornerback combo (Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter) in the league. Furthermore, heavy hitters Azeez Al-Shaair and Jalen Pitre set the tone for a group that flies to the football like a pack of rabid DOGS. If defense really does win championships, Houston’s a top-tier contender.
— Gennaro Filice