DeMeco Ryans is not taking any chances as the Houston Texans look to extend their win streak, which has now reached eight games.
Ryans and the Texans are facing the age-old question of resting players against the Indianapolis Colts versus rust ahead of the postseason, and they have made a decision that fits both the head coach’s ethos and a roster built to fit that vision.
For Ryans, the decision was a simple one.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Issues Notice on Colts Game
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on during warm-ups before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Ryans and the Texans are coming off a critical and season-altering win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17. But Ryans spoke candidly about the Texans’ stance on the final game of the regular season, in which plenty remains at stake still.
“We still have opportunity to win our division,” Ryans told reporters on December 29, per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. “We’re playing our guys.”
Ryans also cited playing in NRG Stadium as a key motivation for the desire and decision.
“That’s why they call it home field advantage,” Ryans said regarding earning at least one home game in the postseason, per Wilson. “I would love for our fans to get to experience a home playoff game.”
Ryans also noted the Texans overcame their 0-3 start, but their goals extend beyond the regular season and even having one home playoff game.
Texans Expected to Face Colts Rookie QB
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans walks out of the tunnel before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Texans’ path to victory presumably got easier with the latest update from the Indianapolis Colts on quarterback Philip Rivers.
“Nobody wants this story to end,” Rapoport reported on December 28. “But the reality is, the Indianapolis calls have to look to the future, and giving Riley Leonard the start at the end of the year in a game that doesn’t mean anything makes a lot of sense for the Colts future. Would not be surprised if that is the direction they end up going, certainly.”
Rivers spoke candidly after the Colts’ loss, showing gratitude for his “three bonus games.”
The Texans got even more QB news in their favor, albeit in a game that does not include them at all.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced on Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert will not play in the regular season finale against the Denver Broncos, who will at least start their players, per head coach Sean Payton.
That means even less competition for the No. 5 seed.
The Texans currently hold it, but they face threats from the Chargers and Buffalo Bills for it. A win over the Colts secures the slot, but the Texans need help to climb any higher.
Texans Need Help From Titans
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans, who notably lost to the Broncos but defeated the Chargers, need help from another one of their AFC South rivals, the Tennessee Titans.
Cam Ward and the Titans will visit fellow former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the regular-season finale. The Texans need to beat the Colts, and for the Titans to upset the Jaguars.
Neither team is expected to rest their QBs.
All that Ryans and the Texans can control is the outcome of their contest, with their potential route to the Super Bowl likely taking them on the road at some point.
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